What kinds of credentials do I need?

Since rental terms can vary from location to location, it’s a good idea to read the specific terms and conditions on your rental confirmation page/e-mail. Or find your location to review your rental center’s required credentials.

Generally speaking, in the U.S. and Canada, the primary piece of identification required to rent a Budget vehicle is a valid driver’s license. (If you intend to rent outside your home country, you’ll be required to present an international driver's license.)

The preferred second required credential is a major credit card. Some locations will accept a debit card instead of a credit card, but then we might either check your credit report or require you to present a third form of ID as indicated in the “Debit Card User Instructions” below.

NOTE: All forms of required identification MUST include a name and address and MUST match the name and address on the renter's driver's license.

Debit Card User Instructions

If you prefer to use a debit card rather than a credit card, be aware that some Budget locations will check your credit with a national credit verification bureau. Other locations might not check your credit, but will require you to present a third form of identification:

For debit card customers renting at an airport location, one of the following is acceptable as a third form of identification in addition to a driver’s license and debit card:

• A round-trip airline ticket, e-ticket, or travel itinerary to or from the airport of rental, disclosing a return date and showing the renter's name
• A valid U.S. passport or current U.S. military identification card
• A current vehicle insurance card
• A current copy (within the last 60 days) of the customer's cellular phone bill, home telephone bill, bank statement or utility bill

For debit card customers renting at an off-airport location, one of the following is acceptable as a third form of identification in addition to a driver’s license and debit card:

• A valid U.S. passport or current U.S. military identification card
• A current vehicle insurance card
• A current copy (within the last 60 days) of the customer's cellular phone bill, home telephone bill, bank statement or utility bill

Rules at licensee-owned locations and locations outside of the U.S may vary. It’s always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or on the location information page to see which rules apply for your selected location. Then, if you still have questions, please contact us.