Possible to rent a car with a temporary license?
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: Fabulous on one of the US carriers..
Posts: 11,878
Possible to rent a car with a temporary license?
Here is the story: I unknowingly let my driver's license expire while I was overseas last month (read: forgot). Well I have a MR coming up this Saturday where I specifically planned a 12 hr layover as I would always kick myself for not getting to experience the cities I go to. Hence the need for a rental - I'll be in Portland, OR.
I went to the DPS a few days ago and got the license renewed.. however they will need to mail the new one to me. So all I have right now is the expired card with a piece of paper that essentially says *temporary* with the TX State Seal and all that.
I called Enterprise and explained the situation. They told me to take a hike - literally - "You'll have to walk.. we can't rent you a car.." I then called Dollar who was more than happy to rent me one for a mere $12.
So I'm a bit nervous that when I get to the counter Dollar will change thier minds. Contingency is a day pass to NW World Club (as I won't be able to drive - note I've not yet investigated the almighty Cab). But I would really enjoy exploring Portland (and do not relish the thought of spending 12 hrs at the airport!)
So anyone have experiences with renting a car with a temporary license?
ps: just realized I spelled *license* wrong.. can a Mod update the title? It's my profession.. we're known for bad spelling.
I went to the DPS a few days ago and got the license renewed.. however they will need to mail the new one to me. So all I have right now is the expired card with a piece of paper that essentially says *temporary* with the TX State Seal and all that.
I called Enterprise and explained the situation. They told me to take a hike - literally - "You'll have to walk.. we can't rent you a car.." I then called Dollar who was more than happy to rent me one for a mere $12.
So I'm a bit nervous that when I get to the counter Dollar will change thier minds. Contingency is a day pass to NW World Club (as I won't be able to drive - note I've not yet investigated the almighty Cab). But I would really enjoy exploring Portland (and do not relish the thought of spending 12 hrs at the airport!)
So anyone have experiences with renting a car with a temporary license?
ps: just realized I spelled *license* wrong.. can a Mod update the title? It's my profession.. we're known for bad spelling.
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; May 24, 2010 at 1:51 pm Reason: Can't spell.../[Note by Mod: edited thread title at OP's req.]
#3
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: BDL/PVD/BOS
Posts: 565
I can't answer your question, but PDX has a light rail line that runs to the airport. If I recall correctly, it should be about 40-45 minutes from the airport to downtown. One-way is $2.05 and a day pass is $4.25.
TriMet MAX
There's a bunch of great restaurants around the city, so don't waste your day in the NW WC.
TriMet MAX
There's a bunch of great restaurants around the city, so don't waste your day in the NW WC.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Priority Club Gold, Hertz
Posts: 109
Hi - I recently relocated to TX from GA. I had to give up my GA license when I went through the process to get my TX license. Just like what happened to you - I had a piece of paper - and I did rent a cars from Hertz during this time. I am in the Gold Club (or whatever the frequent renters club is called) and they usually ask for your ID when you approach the desk.
FWIW, when I presented my "license" (and passport for photo verification) I told them the situation and that it was a valid license and that I am just waiting for the state to deliver my permanent license. It was a never a problem. Good luck!
FWIW, when I presented my "license" (and passport for photo verification) I told them the situation and that it was a valid license and that I am just waiting for the state to deliver my permanent license. It was a never a problem. Good luck!
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA Plat, DL GM and Flying Colonel; Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 24,232
Have never had a problem with a temporary Massachusetts license. It's a real license, after all. Has all the rights and obligations of the permanent kind.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: Fabulous on one of the US carriers..
Posts: 11,878
Thanks all for the input. Ended up working out just fine, no questions asked.
Newbie - thanks for pointing out the train option (I did see it after I had posted this thread). I probably would have given it a go if the car didn't go through.. dreading the day stay in the WC (which turns out closes at 4 pm plus or minus). Car option worked great, though - $16 a/i for a Subaru Forrester.. can't beat that for cheap.
Had a great time - did Nob Hill, Saturday Market, Tram, OMSI and Niketown (sorta) - as well as a leisurly drive through the hills. Next time.. Mount Hood.
Newbie - thanks for pointing out the train option (I did see it after I had posted this thread). I probably would have given it a go if the car didn't go through.. dreading the day stay in the WC (which turns out closes at 4 pm plus or minus). Car option worked great, though - $16 a/i for a Subaru Forrester.. can't beat that for cheap.
Had a great time - did Nob Hill, Saturday Market, Tram, OMSI and Niketown (sorta) - as well as a leisurly drive through the hills. Next time.. Mount Hood.
#7
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
Make sure you have a valid photo ID to go with it and you should be OK.
Dollar states:
The following motor vehicle drivers licenses are generally acceptable in the U.S.
A valid motor vehicle driver's license issued by any state, territory or possession of the U.S.
A valid temporary driver's license issued by any state, territory or possession of the U.S.
and a bunch of other things.
See here - http://www.dollar.com/AboutUs/GeneralPolicies.aspx
Dollar states:
The following motor vehicle drivers licenses are generally acceptable in the U.S.
A valid motor vehicle driver's license issued by any state, territory or possession of the U.S.
A valid temporary driver's license issued by any state, territory or possession of the U.S.
and a bunch of other things.
See here - http://www.dollar.com/AboutUs/GeneralPolicies.aspx
#8
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1
I just had a bad experience from Enterprise for renting a car with my learner's permit in Nashville, TN. I have an expired WY driver's license and a valid TN learner's permit. I called my buddy to rent a car with his name and asked them to add me as an additional driver.
First they said they will be charging extra for the additional driver(me) and when he is on the way, they changed the story. They told me that even additional driver must have a valid driver's license. The interesting thing is I went there for a car since few of my friends having only learner's permit rented a car a few months back.
When I was in WY, I rented a car from enterprise with a learner's permit before taking my driving test. It's pretty obvious to me they change their policies from time to time in different locations.
Is there anybody who rents a car for permit holders?
First they said they will be charging extra for the additional driver(me) and when he is on the way, they changed the story. They told me that even additional driver must have a valid driver's license. The interesting thing is I went there for a car since few of my friends having only learner's permit rented a car a few months back.
When I was in WY, I rented a car from enterprise with a learner's permit before taking my driving test. It's pretty obvious to me they change their policies from time to time in different locations.
Is there anybody who rents a car for permit holders?
#9
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
That's odd that Enterprise told you to take a hike. When I worked there, especially when I worked at the PHX Airport, we had a book listing all licenses incuding temporary ones with photos. I saw at least a dozen temporary licenses and I never turned one away or saw anyone do it either.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA Plat, DL GM and Flying Colonel; Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 24,232
Could they, in theory, have a special contract for additional drivers who may only use the car when there's a licensed driver in it? Perhaps, but I doubt they do. I also doubt they'd want to, since they probably don't want their cars used for driver training (which is the usual learner's permit situation).
That's odd that Enterprise told you to take a hike. When I worked there, especially when I worked at the PHX Airport, we had a book listing all licenses incuding temporary ones with photos. I saw at least a dozen temporary licenses and I never turned one away or saw anyone do it either.
Regarding temporary licenses, which most states now issue on renewal because they've gone to digital imaging systems: Suppose you renew your license every five years and have the temporary one for a week. That means one week out of 260 you have a temporary license. Since this is equally true of everyone else, one renter out of 260 on the average will have a temporary license. This translates to several renters a week at an active airport location, one every few weeks at a slow in-town agency. It's safe to say that nobody reading this post will be the first to show up at an agency with a temporary license. It happens often enough for every car rental company to know about them and accept them.
#11
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 1
Enterprise lost my business
That's odd that Enterprise told you to take a hike. When I worked there, especially when I worked at the PHX Airport, we had a book listing all licenses incuding temporary ones with photos. I saw at least a dozen temporary licenses and I never turned one away or saw anyone do it either.
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,555
To the OP, your answer is simple: delay your trip for 9 years and you can Uber/Lyft all over Portland with no hassle at all!
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 30,993
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,555
Enterprise is the least-customer-service oriented agency I can think of. (I don't care to explore the Payless/Advantage/etc. world enough to prove who if any of them are worse.) Chasing them in hopes of renting with a temporary license is going to be more hassle than it's worth, especially given that there appear to be other agencies out there that seem to handle this better.
Granted, this thread is quite dated, but it appears that the Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty group handles temporary licenses fine. Maybe try one of them?
Enterprise doesn't care whether you've been a customer for years. They don't even particularly care if you're Exec Elite. Their processes and culture seem much more single-location-based than other chains that are based more around airport locations.
Granted, this thread is quite dated, but it appears that the Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty group handles temporary licenses fine. Maybe try one of them?
Enterprise doesn't care whether you've been a customer for years. They don't even particularly care if you're Exec Elite. Their processes and culture seem much more single-location-based than other chains that are based more around airport locations.
#15
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 2
Mostly yes with exceptions
Most major rental car agencies will accept temporary paper licenses.
I had a recent encounter where I was denied service, Enterprise. Even though I carry my military ID and passport, and previously rented from the same location and agent.
Called the corporate office and a supervisor sided with the store. Stated that paper licenses are valid for police but since Enterprise cannot verify with DMV you cannot get a car.
Enterprise had lost a Platinum level renter.
I had a recent encounter where I was denied service, Enterprise. Even though I carry my military ID and passport, and previously rented from the same location and agent.
Called the corporate office and a supervisor sided with the store. Stated that paper licenses are valid for police but since Enterprise cannot verify with DMV you cannot get a car.
Enterprise had lost a Platinum level renter.