Originally Posted by ezmonee

Actually, depending on the location, the gate guard checks your ID and your contract to verify. Legally, if your license is not present, then the AVIS location who let you the car is liable, and often in violation of statue. any accident that occurrs would bring suit, and often victoriously, against the rental company.

In my years, I have had MANY instances where someone has lost a license during a trip. Here is the LEGITIMATE way to handle it.

EVERY, and I mean EVERY DMV has a lost license abroad procedure. It involves an official department letterhead fax stating a lost license, verifying DL, expiration date, and verifying contact numbers in case needed. By rule, if you are to rent LEGALLY from any rental company in the U.S., this is the rule. As long as Avis, or any rental company, has a photocopy of this on file, if the document is forged, its on you, not the rental company. Also, you will need to physically have present the credit card in your profile or another government issued i.d. card as proof of person.

Sure, if your lucky you can skate by, but dont count on it.