Many people wonder, Can you rent a car without a driver’s license? The answer is simple: in most cases, you absolutely cannot.
In India and almost everywhere else, a valid driving license is the first and most important document required to rent a car.
Even if someone else makes the booking or pays, the person driving must still show their own original, valid driving license.
Why a Driving License is Mandatory
Rental agencies are legally responsible for handing cars only to people legally allowed to drive.
A driving license proves the driver’s identity, driving ability, and category of vehicles they are allowed to operate.
Without it, the rental company could face legal penalties if the vehicle is misused, damaged, or involved in an accident.
Renting a Car for Someone Else Without a License
It may cross your mind whether it’s possible to rent a car if you’re not a licensed driver.
Yes, you can make the booking and payment, but the driver who will get the booking will still be required to produce his license on pickup.
When you reserve a system on behalf of family members or friends, the ID, age, and license requirements should be met by the person driving.
Why Some Think It’s Possible
Some individuals believe that rental firms may permit it in cases:
You rent a chauffeur-driven car (you have a company driver)
You are simply a passenger and will never touch the wheel
Here, you do not require your license in case you are not driving the car yourself.
Difference Between Self-Drive and Chauffeur-Driven Rentals
In self-drive car rental, the renter is also the driver, so a valid driving license is compulsory.
In chauffeur-driven rental, the car comes with a professional driver, so your license isn’t required – only ID proof is needed.
What Happens if Your License is Lost or Expired?
If your license is lost or under renewal, wait until you receive the new one before booking a self-drive car.
Rental agencies will not accept:
- A photocopy instead of the original license
- A receipt from the transport office saying the license is in process
- An expired license
Foreign Tourists and International Driving Permits (IDP)
As an international traveller, you’ll need both your original driving license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The absence of the two pieces of paper will make self-drive car rental companies in India deny your request to make a reservation.
Can You Show a Digital License on Mobile?
Certain Indian states will accept DigiLocker or the mParivahan app as a license under the traffic check.
The physical original license remains required by the majority of rental companies, who mostly demand to see the license at the moment of the pickup before they provide the keys to the car.
Why Rental Companies Can’t Take the Risk
Car rental agencies have strict insurance and compliance requirements. Handing a car to an unlicensed driver could:
- Void vehicle insurance coverage
- Lead to fines, legal problems, or business suspension
- Increase the risk of accidents and misuse
What Documents Do You Need if Not Driving
In case of your sole booking of the chauffeur-driven rental or somebody other than yourself, normally, you will require:
Legal Identity document (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID)
Identify Proof in case your ID does not display your current address
Billing and Security deposit PAN card
However, you should not forget that you cannot drive a car by yourself until you possess a driving license.
Minimum Age to Rent a Car in India
Drivers must be 21 years old, except in cases when they have a valid license to drive.
In case of SUVs or luxury cars, or in other words, premium models, the minimum age can go as high as 23 or even 25 years as well.
Be sure to check with the rental company regarding the respective age policy.
Renting Without a License vs. Driving Without a License
These are two different situations:
- Renting without a license: the company simply won’t hand you the car
- Driving without a license: illegal and can lead to heavy fines, jail, or vehicle seizure
Both are risky, but driving without a license is a serious traffic offence in India.
When Can You Rent Without Your License
To summarise, the only time you can rent a car without having a license yourself is when:
- The car comes with a professional driver hired from the rental company
- You book purely as a passenger and never drive the car
In all other cases, you must show your own valid, original license.
Conclusion
Thus, is it possible to rent a car without a driver? In the case of self-drive rentals, it is not possible, either in terms of the law or in practice.
In case you require a chauffeur-driven vehicle, only a valid license is not required; one only needs identification and a deposit slip.
To remain on the safe side and out of trouble, do not forget to carry your original license in case you intend to drive.
To rent a self drive car without any hassles and with fittings and qualities that you can trust and be sure of, you can contact Gagan Travels anytime.
