Most customers do not need one — but if your driver's license is in a non-Latin alphabet or was issued outside the EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation may be required.
EU and EEA driver's licenses
A valid driver's license from any EU or EEA country (including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) is accepted without an IDP or translation
Non-Latin alphabet driver's licenses
If your driver's license is printed in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic or any other non-Latin script, you must present a valid IDP alongside your original driver's license
Driver's licenses from outside the EU/EEA
If your country is part of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, your driver's license is accepted provided it is in Latin script
If your country is not part of the 1968 Vienna Convention, an official translation from a recognised authority — or an IDP — is required
In both cases, always carry your original driver's license
Residing in Europe with a non-EU/EEA driver's license?
If you have been a resident in an EU/EEA country for more than 6 months, a valid EU/EEA driver's license is required.
Italy only: the residency threshold is 1 year.
Minimum holding period
A driver's license held for at least 1 year is required in most countries.
Important reminders
Always present your original driver's license — photocopies and digital versions are not accepted
An IDP is only valid when presented alongside your original driver's license
Requirements vary by country — always check the Rental Information for your pick-up destination
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
Add an additional driver before pick-up under My Bookings on the SIXT website or in the SIXT app — a daily fee applies, and the additional driver must be present at pick-up with their own driver's license and a valid photo ID.
Add online (fastest)
Sign in on the SIXT website or open the SIXT app
Go to My Bookings
Scroll to Extras and select Additional Driver
Confirm — your updated booking confirmation will be sent by email
At the branch
The additional driver must be present in person with their driver's license — either at pick-up or when being added to the rental agreement during the rental period.
What it costs
A daily fee applies, subject to a daily cap — some corporate or promotional rates include an additional driver at no extra charge; sign in to see your applicable rate.
Requirements
The additional driver must meet the same minimum age and driver's license holding requirements as the main driver
Their driver's license must be valid for the country of rental
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered under SIXT protection packages
Next step
Add an additional driver under My Bookings on the SIXT website or in the SIXT app.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
SIXT in the USA accepts a valid, unexpired and original driver's license that is legible and in good condition. Digital licenses, photocopies, learner's permits and licenses with breathalyzer restrictions are not accepted.
What to bring at pick-up
Original driver's license, valid and in good condition
Temporary licenses are accepted only if all of the following apply:
No restrictions
Valid for the entire rental period
Accompanied by the original expired or void driver’s license
International licenses
Non-USA residents may use their domestic driver’s license
If the license uses non-Latin characters (e.g., Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in addition to the original license
An IDP alone is not valid and must always be presented with the original license
For countries that do not issue IDPs (e.g., China), an official written translation must accompany the original license
Not accepted
Digital (mobile-only) driver’s licenses
Photocopies of any kind
learner's permits
Licenses with breathalyzer restrictions
Translation assistance
For Chinese customers, SIXT offers translation support via WeChat.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
The minimum age to rent a car with SIXT in the USA is generally 21 years. In New York and for government rentals, the minimum age is 18 years. Drivers under 25 are subject to an Underage Driver Fee and vehicle category restrictions.
Minimum age by location
Standard locations: 21 years
New York: 18 years
Government rentals: 18 years
Vehicle restrictions (drivers under 25)
Drivers aged 18–20 (where eligible) and 21–24 may rent the following vehicle categories only:
Economy to full-size sedans
Mid-size SUVs
Minivans
Premium, Luxury, Sports, and specialty vehicles are available from age 25.
Underage Driver Fee
An Underage Driver Fee applies to all drivers under 25. The exact amount is displayed during booking and confirmed on your rental agreement.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
Drivers aged 21–24 can rent with SIXT in the USA, subject to an Underage Driver Fee and vehicle category restrictions.
Eligible vehicle categories (ages 21–24)
Economy through Full-size Sedans
Mid-size SUVs
Minivans
Underage Driver Fee
An Underage Driver Fee applies to all drivers under 25. The exact amount is displayed during booking and confirmed on your rental agreement.
Exceptions
New York: Minimum rental age is 18. Vehicle category restrictions may apply for drivers aged 18–20 - please confirm at the time of booking
Government rentals: Minimum rental age is 18. The Underage Driver Fee still applies to drivers under 25
Vehicles available from age 25
Premium, Luxury, Sports and specialty categories require drivers to be 25 or older.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.