The fine print for Budget and Avis in France requires showing a driver's license that has been valid for at least one year. Having moved six months ago to another state, mine was issued only six months ago and the old one was confiscated, although I've had a U.S. license in one state or another for 30 years! Has anyone been refused a car rental because of a license under one year old?
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Although technically it sounds like they could deny your rental, it seems unlikely. Obviously you are older so they won't be worried about a young, new driver. I would highly recommend getting an International Drivers Permit too. While not required for France, it can help whenever there is a question or concern about your state drivers license (it has come up before with me several times, even when not required).
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
European licences have "date test passed" on them, as well as issue and expiry dates, which solves this problem. This is, I presume, the date they are looking for.
When I exchanged my British licence for a Swiss one when I moved to Switzerland, they even carried over the "date test passed" from my old licence!
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4167 posts
At some point within the last year , another poster raised the issue of the IDP and updated a change in French policy that now mandates the requirement of the IDP , or a notarized translation of your American license into French . Sorry , I don't remember all the details , but many here were surprised by the change ( myself , included ) Best thing to do is have an IDP , I always carry one , even if I have no immediate plans to use a car ( one never knows if a change of mind or plans may occur ) . Easy to obtain from AAA , and about $ 20 , a minimal cost .
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for the considerate replies! I will get an International License and attempt the rental! I'll post back if I have any problems!
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4167 posts
Paige , be careful , there are many documents out there called " International Driver License " . They are SCAMS !! What you legally need Is The " International Drivers PERMIT " , only available from AAA . This is an ongoing confusion here , and while it sounds like a semantics argument , it is anything but .
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
4008 posts
In a situation like yours, my husband rented a car in France in 2011 just 3 months after getting a replacement license without a problem. Yes, please be get the permit from AAA. They are the only entity approved by the State Department to issue the permits and therefore are the only ones recognized by the French government. We always get the IDP although we have never been asked been asked for it by a rental agency, but we do not want to take the risk of being asked and not having one. You need the translation to legally drive not to rent the car so the rental agency will be unlikely to ask for it but I like to have one in order to be in compliance with the law. In case others need it, here is the link to French requirement for the notarized translation of the license: http://www.ambafrance-us.org/spip.php?article376