Documents needed to rent a car

We have never experienced this. Be careful! This sounds very scammy. Don't give them this extra info. In many instances you may be asked to provide an International Driving Permit (not a license), easily available at AAA offices for about $20.00 (for one year) with a photo. That usually happens where you pick up your car, not when reserving it.
If looking for a car rental in Europe, go to Autoeurope.com. They are a legitimate source that shows options for different rental companies (e.g. Hertz, Avis, Sixt, etc.).

Never been asked for anything more than Passport, driver’s license, credit card and IDP

We always book thru AuroEurope.com
Most recent rental France June 2025

Oh I never thought of it being a possible scam! Thanks for that. And what's an IDP-International Driving Permit? And I appreciate that you both have responded with the same source to rent a car. Great recommendations!

The IDP is something you carry with you besides your current driver's license when driving in Europe. It is good for one year. If you should be stopped for a traffic violation, for instance, in France the law says you must have a translation into French of your driving license, etc. (not just the name address and number). I also believe ithe "translation" covers rules for having a license in your home state. (I may be wrong here. If I am, let me know.) The IDP covers that. Other countries require it too. There are a few people who feel it is a rip off, but at $20.00 I don't think it is a major source of revenue for AAA. Rental car companies have the right to insist on it when you rent a car, but some don't bother. Or one office of a rental company may want to see it, and in another city that office may not bother. Regardless, we both always get one if we have any plans for driving in Europe, although I hardly ever do the driving. And for us, this goes back to 1974. It is a small part of the overall cost of our trips. We have rarely had to show it (no traffic stops thank goodness). The main time was due to a traffic accident outside Verona Italy in 1974. The other times were when picking up a rental car.
Just fyi, although hubby does the driving, I am on the rental agreement also, just in case I need to drive (he may get I'll, or there may be some type of emergency, etc.) Best to be prepared.

ill, not I'll

I've rented cars overseas over a hundred times, mostly in Europe (including many times in France) but also in Asia, North Africa, Latin America, Australia. I have never once been asked for anything more than:

• Credit card
• Valid US state drivers license
• Passport (occasionally, not always)

Sign here, here and here, initial here, here and there, your keys, sir...bring it back with a full tank, have a nice trip. See ya!

I do, of course, have an IDP where it's required and/or where English is not the official language. But I've never once been asked by the rental agency to show an IDP (and why would they? if I need an IDP and don't have one, it's not their problem, it's mine).

If anyone demanded bank statements, utility bills, etc. I'd try not to laugh too loud, and politely decline the request.

I wonder if the request for banking info or utility statements, etc. are for people who don't pay with a credit card. I can't recall the terms but I have scanned over rental documents regarding requirements if you want to pay with cash or a debit card.

Edit to add:

I was right. Here's an excerpt from Budget's terms when paying with a debit card.

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

Allan, Interesting to know, and fairly logical. Thanks for the info!