Renting a Car in Miami Without a US License or Credit History
Yes, you can rent a car in Miami with a foreign driver's license, without a US credit history or a US bank card. Florida law allows nonresidents to drive with a valid license from their home country, and renting outside the airport works a little differently from renting at the counters of major companies inside the terminals. To rent a car, you will need a license in Latin characters, a Florida address, a passport showing your entry into the US, and a deposit.
Below is the exact list of documents you need and a few things worth knowing in advance.
Florida law: a foreign driver's license is enough
Florida eliminated the requirement for an International Driving Permit in 2013. Since then, visitors have been allowed to drive with a valid license from their home country without any separate permit. The repeal passed both chambers unanimously and was signed into law in April 2013.
The rule for nonresidents is set out in Section 322.031 of the Florida Statutes: if you are at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license from your home country, you may drive in Florida.
There is one practical issue. The law does not require a translation, but a police officer or rental employee must be able to read your license. If it is written in Cyrillic, Arabic, Greek, or another non-Latin alphabet, it is better to bring an International Driving Permit. It is used together with your national driver's license and essentially serves as a translation.
List of documents
| Who you are | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Non-US resident | A valid driver's license from your home country, in Latin characters or together with an International Driving Permit. Passport with visa and date of entry into the US |
| US resident | A US-issued driver's license. You may be asked for your Social Security number when picking up the car |
| Everyone | Your full Florida address, including apartment number. A phone number, including a home number. Email address. Flight number if you are arriving by plane |
The information is submitted in advance through the reservation form on the website, together with a photo or scan of the driver's license. If there are two drivers, licenses are required for both.
That's the full list. You do not need a letter from your employer, bank statements, or a US credit history.
Why there is no credit check
Major rental companies at Miami International Airport usually authorize a bank card, charging the rental payment and placing a hold for a certain amount. For someone who has only recently arrived in the US, that setup does not always work. You may not have a US credit history yet, and you may not have a local card or bank account either.
With long term car rental from CarForLong, the process is different. Payment is made when you pick up the car. You can pay in cash, through Zelle, or with a debit or credit card. A separate deposit is also held.
We do not check your credit history regardless of how you pay. So having no US credit history does not prevent you from renting a car right after moving.
The deposit amount depends on the vehicle, but in most cases it is $500. It is returned when you bring the car back, provided there is no new damage, unpaid tickets, evidence of smoking inside the vehicle, or missing fuel.
Three things people often overlook
Age. Drivers must be between 26 and 70 years old and have at least one year of driving experience. This is stricter than many airport rental companies, where you can rent from age 21 by paying a young driver fee. If you are 24, this option will not work for you.
Florida address. You need one before picking up the car. A hotel address is usually acceptable. If you have just arrived, are staying with friends, and have not signed a lease yet, provide the address where you are actually staying and let us know.
Pickup at the office. Cars are picked up and returned only at our Miami location. We do not deliver cars to an address. However, you do not necessarily have to get there on your own. We can meet you at Miami International Airport and bring you to our location, which is about a ten-minute drive. We can also pick you up from your accommodation if you are staying in Sunny Isles Beach, Hollywood, Hallandale, or nearby. Pickup must be arranged in advance. For rentals priced at $650 per month or less, the service costs $50. For higher-priced rentals, it is included.
What you DO NOT need
This is worth mentioning separately because many people assume otherwise and start collecting documents they do not actually need.
- A US driver's license if you are not a US resident
- A US credit card
- A US bank account
- A US credit history
- A Social Security number if you are not a US resident
- A local phone number, although having one is more convenient
Mileage and where you can drive
The monthly rate includes about 2,500 miles, while some vehicles include 1,500 miles. The exact limit is shown on the individual vehicle page. On average, 2,500 miles works out to about 80 miles per day, which is usually enough for everyday driving and weekend trips.
The vehicle must stay within Florida. Miami, Key West, Naples, Orlando, and Tampa are all fine. Crossing the state line is not allowed, and taking the car outside Florida results in a $500 penalty.
Things to know upfront
There are four rules that most often lead to misunderstandings. It is better to know them before picking up the car.
Personal use only. Using the rental car for Uber, Lyft, or delivery work is prohibited. If this is discovered, the vehicle will be repossessed without notice and without a refund of amounts already paid. If you plan to use the car for gig work, this rental option is not suitable.
Glass and tires are not covered by insurance. The vehicles are insured with TPL and CDW coverage, but glass and tires are excluded. A flat tire is the renter's responsibility, and a repair at a nearby tire shop usually costs about $15.
Use only 89 octane or higher. Regular 87 is not allowed because it can damage the fuel system. The car is provided with a full tank and must be returned with a full tank. If the tank is not full, a $50 refueling fee is added to the cost of the fuel.
Tickets. If a ticket is sent to us for the period of your rental, an administrative fee and taxes are added to the amount of the ticket. Parking tickets are easier to pay yourself as soon as you receive the notice.
Frequently asked questions
My driver's license is in Cyrillic. Is that a problem?
Legally, no, but it is better to bring an International Driving Permit with it. The permit is valid only together with your original national driver's license and serves as a translation.
You need to obtain it in your home country before traveling to the US. An International Driving Permit is usually issued by the government agency responsible for driver's licenses or by an authorized automobile organization. The process varies by country, so check the official website of the local authority responsible for driver's licenses before your trip.
I arrived a week ago and have no credit history. Does that matter?
No. We do not check credit history regardless of the payment method. You only need to pay for the rental when you pick up the car and provide the deposit.
Can my spouse drive the car?
Yes. One additional driver can be added to the rental agreement at no extra charge. The same age, driving experience, and license requirements apply, and the additional driver must be present with their documents when the car is picked up.
How long does pickup take if all the documents are ready?
Usually less than an hour, including the vehicle inspection and photos documenting its condition. It is also a good idea to take your own photos of the car from all four corners before driving away.
What if I need the car for less than a month?
You can still rent it, but the minimum charge is the cost of one full month. Starting with the second month, you can extend for a shorter period, and the final price is calculated automatically on the website.
Is a tourist visa enough, or do I need a work visa?
A tourist visa is enough. What matters is having a valid driver's license, a valid passport showing your entry date, and meeting the age requirements.