Mandatory Documents
Every self-drive rental company in India requires these three documents at the time of pickup:
- Valid Indian Driving Licence — Original copy, not expired, minimum 1 year old.
- Government-Issued ID Proof — Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
- Booking Confirmation — Digital or printed confirmation from the rental company.
Age Requirements
- Minimum age: 21 years for standard cars (hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs)
- 25+ years: Required for premium and luxury cars (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Fortuner)
- Licence age: Your driving licence must be at least 1 year old from the date of issue
Special Cases
NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)
NRIs with a valid Indian driving licence can rent self-drive cars without any issues. If your Indian licence has expired, you'll need to renew it or use an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your foreign licence.
Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by their home country, along with their original foreign driving licence and passport.
Learner's Licence Holders
No. A learner's licence is NOT accepted for self-drive car rental. You must have a permanent/full driving licence.
Digital vs Physical Documents
Most rental companies accept both digital (DigiLocker, mParivahan app) and physical documents. However, we recommend carrying original physical copies as a backup — some pickup locations may not have internet connectivity to verify digital documents.
What About Security Deposit?
Most companies require a refundable security deposit (₹5,000-25,000 depending on the car). This can usually be paid via UPI, card, or cash. The deposit is refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
Pro Tips
- Take clear photos of your documents and keep them on your phone as backup
- Check that your licence is not due for renewal during the rental period
- If you have both manual and automatic endorsements, carry both versions
- Always keep the rental company's emergency number saved
Written by
Carsavaar Editorial Team
Editorial Team, Carsavaar
Reviewed by Carsavaar operations
Articles published under the Carsavaar Editorial Team are researched by our content team and reviewed by senior operations members for accuracy on pricing, policy and process details. We update guides quarterly to reflect current rates, document requirements, and route conditions across India.