Driver's license or passport name

[mardi_gras]

I've got different surnames in my passport and driver's license (not USA issued). Which should i give when reserving car rental?

TIA

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Driver's License.

 

[mardi_gras]

^Thanks!

 

[HookdonWDW]

I've got different surnames in my passport and driver's license (not USA issued). Which should i give when reserving car rental?

TIA

Are you going to rent a vehicle and use a non-US issued driver's license? If so, the name on your license and passport need to match. If your license was issued in the US, the passport is moot, because they won't ask to see it.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Are you going to rent a vehicle and use a non-US issued driver's license? If so, the name on your license and passport need to match. If your license was issued in the US, the passport is moot, because they won't ask to see it.

OP appears to live outside of the US, so I would assume he/she does not have a US license.

OP - It might be a good idea to update whatever document doesn't have your current last name.

 

[gmeh1]

Are you going to rent a vehicle and use a non-US issued driver's license? If so, the name on your license and passport need to match. If your license was issued in the US, the passport is moot, because they won't ask to see it.

They don't look at your passport when you are renting a car, just the license.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

They don't look at your passport when you are renting a car, just the license.

Yes, some car rental agencies require a passport if you are renting with a license not issued in the US or a US Territory. You also might have to have an International Driver's Permit, depending on the country of license issue.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Yes, some car rental agencies require a passport if you are renting with a license not issued in the US or a US Territory. You also might have to have an International Driver's Permit, depending on the country of license issue.

 

[rewok]

Yes, some car rental agencies require a passport if you are renting with a license not issued in the US or a US Territory. You also might have to have an International Driver's Permit, depending on the country of license issue.

I agree, it's possible they'll get asked for a passport, but I'd say unlikely. We've never been asked for one when renting in the US (which we do many times each year), or even elsewhere in Europe (we're Canadians). Now I'd say it probably depends on which country the OP is from, and how "official" their Driver's License appears (ours used to be a piece of printed paper... did not rent a car at that time). It probably is also best to stick with a "mainstream" rental car agency, and read the Term & Conditions. This point should be covered. IDP is a good idea if the license is not in English or easily understandable by an English speaker.

 

[mardi_gras]

Ooh. This is so complicated. Still, thanks for the insights everyone.

 

[gmeh1]

Yes, some car rental agencies require a passport if you are renting with a license not issued in the US or a US Territory. You also might have to have an International Driver's Permit, depending on the country of license issue.

Yes, I know of the International Driver's Permit. Usually needed for licenses issued without alpha numeric characters.
I do know that some states require a passport, but, I was speaking specifically about FL.
If in doubt, check the rental policies of the rental car company.

 

[rewok]

Ooh. This is so complicated. Still, thanks for the insights everyone.

If you want more help, you could try posting more details like:

Which country are you from?
What kind of differences are between your surnames on the documents? Married vs maiden name? Phonetic spelling on one vs "westernized" on the other?

Everyone here is happy to help, but it's hard to dive specific answers to generic questions. For instance, if you say you're Canadian, than my answer is that nobody will ever ask for your passport when renting in the US. If you're Chinese, then someone else might give another view on your dilemma.

 

[mardi_gras]

Hi rewok, yup, everyone here are so nice. Far nicer, other than being of great help, than a philippine forum i frequent.

My passport bears surname similar to my son's so i can bring him outside ph for vacation trips. All the rest of the ids i got are in my maiden name.

 

[rewok]

Well, with that I can help out a bit more!

1. You won’t need an International Driver Permit, as your Drivers License is already in English
2. You should look at each car rental company for the conditions, but a quick check showed the following:

Budget: avoid, as they require a passport for all international renters (including Canadians)

Thrifty: seems good (see below), you have an expiration date on the License, right?

A foreign driver’s license* issued by the country of residence of the renter and additional drivers.
*If the foreign issued driver’s license is from a country where “permanent” or “non-expiring” driver’s licenses are issued, the renter and any additional drivers will also be required to show their passport, visa or other current U.S. issued documentation at the beginning of the rental authorizing the renter or driver to be present in the USA at the time of rental.

Alamo/National: depends on where you’re going. They require a passport only in some states, but not all of them (California, Nevada, Arizona). If you’re going to Florida, you’ll be OK.

Hertz: seems OK as well

So, if you stick with Thrifty, Alamo, National or Hertz, just book with your Driver’s License name, and they will never ask for your passport!

P.S. I’m really curious if Alamo will really ask for our passports next month in Vegas! They sure did not in California, even if it’s required…

 

[mardi_gras]

^oh my.. You're such a blessing. Thank you!