Not so dumb...in fact, we just had the same situation 2 weeks ago in SanDiego. Hubby and I were supposed to fly out together but he got sidetracked by a client in Chicago, so I flew to SanDiego alone. He called ahead to Avis and it did take a conversation with the manager, but they OK'd it. He gave them my NY Drivers License # on the phone and got the managers name. I think it also helped that we are Preferred Members... but the car was waiting in my name, engine running, and I just had to show my license as I left the lot. If you are using Avis this will probably be what you will have to do. SanDiego was AWESOME !!!