It is inadvisable to turn up to a rental desk without your driving licence. However, if you have misplaced it you may still be able to hire a car without your licence.
Can I hire a car if I've misplaced my licence?
It may still be possible to rent a car if you've misplaced your licence*. Car rental companies are permitted to contact the DVLA, who can fax a copy of your licence (at a fee) to a number anywhere in the world - but be aware that this service is only available during DVLA opening hours (8am-7pm, Monday to Friday and 8am-2pm on Saturdays). You can contact the DVLA from overseas on +44 (0)300 083 0013.
If you've simply not got a copy of your paper licence or photo card, you can plan ahead by registering yourself for GOV.UK's free service which enables you to share your driving licence online 24/7. See how to do this, below.
How to access your driving licence information 24/7 online
- Set up your View Driving Licence Service through GOV.UK - all you'll need is your driving licence number and your National Insurance number
- Click on ‘Share your licence’. You will be given a code unique code which allows a third-party temporary access to your driving history. Alternatively, you can download a summary document and send it to the car hire company
- Present the code to the car hire company and they will be able to check your history before you proceed to hire a car
*This does not, however, mean that the car hire company is obligated to allow you to hire a car without a copy of your licence - so if you can, speak to your car hire company before you travel.
About the author
This is a marketing article from insurance4carhire by our car hire excess insurance business unit director, Adam Summersby. Adam is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.
