Houston we have a problem
May 21, 2007 | 3:25 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Hawaii
Programs: Delta Platinum, Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver, Avis First
Posts: 394
Houston we have a problem
This past weekend my billfold was stolen which really sucks. Problem is that I am away from home and I have no way to replace my driver's license. I have a passport, so I can still fly with no problem but will I be able to rent a car with Avis when I leave my current location and fly to DCA? I have a rental on the books which is supposed to start on Friday. Currently I have an Avis rental car that I picked up this past Friday. I rent a lot with Avis and, so I am not sure if just having identification (i.e. not a driver's license) is enough b/c they have my info in their system. Does anyone know?
May 21, 2007 | 6:12 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Detroit, MI, USA
Programs: Delta Diamond; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 122
I've had this happen before, and you can still rent...if you're lucky. Since you have ID that should help. Since they have your DL# on file, they can call your state DMV and have them verify the license is still valid. Of course, when this happened to me, I was in State College, PA and it was a much smaller airport, so the service was a bit better. Good luck!
May 23, 2007 | 10:07 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Orlando, FL, US
Programs: DL-Dirt Medallion;US-Cast Iron Preferred
Posts: 3,617
Not that it helps you now, but carrying an extra license can be useful to avoid this problem. In my state, you can order a replacement license from the DMV web site from the comfort of your chair. It is $10.00, charged to a credit card, takes about 5 minutes to order, and shows up in the mail in few days. I keep the extra license in my computer bag, so if I lose my wallet or main license, I have a backup.
May 29, 2007 | 4:34 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cape Cod
Programs: AA EXP,HH Dia, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite,IC RA,Avis CHM
Posts: 110
Not that it helps you now, but carrying an extra license can be useful to avoid this problem. In my state, you can order a replacement license from the DMV web site from the comfort of your chair. It is $10.00, charged to a credit card, takes about 5 minutes to order, and shows up in the mail in few days. I keep the extra license in my computer bag, so if I lose my wallet or main license, I have a backup.
Would also be handy when it is washed many times ...
Jun 1, 2007 | 7:31 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: Avis/Budget Group
Posts: 13
i work for Avis and as long as you placed your reservation using your wizard number, you should just be able to show your passport or drivers license. If you are part of Avis Preferred, then the first time you would show your credit card nad driver's license then after that you just go directly to your vehicle.
Jun 14, 2007 | 4:58 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Hawaii
Programs: Delta Platinum, Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver, Avis First
Posts: 394
i work for Avis and as long as you placed your reservation using your wizard number, you should just be able to show your passport or drivers license. If you are part of Avis Preferred, then the first time you would show your credit card nad driver's license then after that you just go directly to your vehicle.
Well, I have rented a ton with Avis and they always ask for my driver's license - they won't take any other form of id. I am a resident of more than one state (long story) and once I accidentally showed them my state id from the other state I am a resident of and they asked me for my driver's license. I have rented for over 150 days this year.
Jun 16, 2007 | 4:23 am
#9
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,031
i work for Avis and as long as you placed your reservation using your wizard number, you should just be able to show your passport or drivers license. If you are part of Avis Preferred, then the first time you would show your credit card nad driver's license then after that you just go directly to your vehicle.
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.
Jun 16, 2007 | 4:46 pm
#10
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: CO Gold; SPG Gold***; AvisFirst;
Posts: 3,970
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.
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.
Jul 10, 2007 | 9:15 pm
#11
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,070
As it turned out, I was sitting on my ID. It must have fallen out of my pocket when I pulled out my wallet to look for it. Oops.