The requirements for renting a car in Spain depend both on driving regulations and on the conditions set by the rental company and the vehicle you choose. Before booking, check your driving licence, identity documents, required age and driving experience, payment method and deposit.
If you are looking for a sports or high-end car, pay even closer attention to these points. The company may apply different conditions depending on the model, particularly regarding the deposit, mileage and driver requirements.
This guide explains what to check before paying, which documents to bring and what to inspect when collecting and returning the vehicle.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Spain
You can use this table as an initial checklist before requesting a quote:
Requirement | What You Should Check |
|---|---|
ID card or passport | Which identity document the company accepts and whether the details match the booking |
Driving licence | Validity, category and whether the licence is valid in Spain |
Age and driving experience | Conditions applicable to the vehicle you want to rent |
Payment method | Cards and other payment methods accepted for the booking and collection |
Deposit | Amount, method used to provide it and refund conditions |
Insurance and excess | Coverage, exclusions and the driver's financial liability |
Additional drivers | Who may drive and which documents they must provide |
Mileage and use | Included mileage, excess mileage charges and territorial restrictions |
It is advisable to review these points before making payment. The European Consumer Centre in Spain recommends checking mileage, insurance conditions, possible surcharges, travel to other countries and the requirements for the card used to collect the vehicle from the booking stage.
A booking confirmation is also not a substitute for the rental agreement. Before signing it, check that the price, vehicle, coverage and agreed conditions match the offer you received.
Documents for Renting a Car: What to Prepare
ID Card or Passport and Booking Details
The company needs to identify the driver and verify the details used to arrange the rental. Bring the identity document specified by the company and make sure the name matches the booking.
Foreign travellers will normally use a passport or an identity document valid for travel. You should not assume that you need a NIE simply because you are renting a car as a tourist.
Before travelling to the collection point, check:
- which identity document you need to provide
- whether the original document is required
- which documents each driver must carry
- which details must match the booking
If another person made the payment or booking, inform the company before collecting the vehicle. The person paying and the person driving may be subject to different requirements.
Valid Driving Licence for the Relevant Vehicle Category
You need a licence that authorises you to drive the relevant category of vehicle and that is valid in Spain.
The DGT requires drivers to carry a valid driving licence. Spain recognises licences issued by countries in the European Union and European Economic Area as long as they remain valid and the applicable conditions for the relevant category are met.
Check the expiry date as well. If your licence expires during the rental period, arrange its renewal before booking. A rental company may impose additional requirements. The fact that your licence legally allows you to drive a passenger car in Spain does not mean that every company is required to rent you every vehicle in its fleet.
Is a Photo or Digital Copy of the Licence Enough?
Do not assume that a photograph stored on your phone can replace the document required to collect the car.
The DGT states that the documentation required to drive must be capable of being presented in the formats accepted under applicable regulations. The rental company may also require original documents as part of its checks.
If you use a digital licence, a temporary document or have recently renewed your licence, ask the company before collection which format it will accept.
Minimum Age and Driving Experience Required to Rent a Car
One of the most common questions is whether you need to be 21, 23 or 25 years old to rent a car.
There is no single age that applies to every rental. Regulations establish the requirements for holding each category of driving licence, while a rental company may impose a higher minimum age for certain vehicles.
This becomes particularly important with sports and high-end cars. One model may require a higher age or more years of driving experience than another. It is therefore advisable to ask about the conditions for the specific vehicle before making payment.
How Long You Have Held Your Driving Licence
The company may require you to have held your licence for a minimum period. If you renewed or exchanged it for a new document, the issue date shown on your current card may not always reflect when you first obtained the relevant category.
If there is any uncertainty, ask which document the company accepts as proof of driving experience.
Young Drivers and Premium Cars
Do not rely on a rule such as “once you are 25, you can rent any car.” Restrictions may vary depending on the vehicle's power, value and insurance conditions.
If you are under 25 or have held your licence for only a short period, provide the following information from your first enquiry:
driver's age + number of years the licence has been held + model you want to rent.
This allows you to find out whether the car is available for your driver profile before organising the rest of your trip.
Renting a Car in Spain with a Foreign Driving Licence
EU and EEA Driving Licences
If your licence was issued by a European Union or European Economic Area country, you can use it in Spain as long as it remains valid and you meet the relevant requirements. The DGT recognises licences issued in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Even so, the rental company may ask you to provide additional documentation to verify your identity or check that you meet the rental conditions.
Driving Licences Issued Outside the EU and EEA
Drivers from other countries need to pay closer attention to the rules. Spain's General Driver Regulations recognise, among others, certain licences issued under the Geneva or Vienna international conventions, licences written in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation, and valid international driving permits. Specific agreements may also exist between Spain and other countries.
The DGT advises drivers with licences issued outside the EU and EEA to check their situation before travelling and, where applicable, obtain an International Driving Permit. This document supplements your national licence and should not be used as a replacement for your original licence.
If you are using an International Driving Permit, also carry your national driving licence and the relevant identity document.
Tourists and Residents Have Different Circumstances
The validity of certain foreign driving licences also depends on how much time has passed since the holder established normal residence in Spain.
Article 21 of the General Driver Regulations establishes, for third-country licences covered by those rules, a general limit of six months from the date normal residence is established. Where the holder cannot prove normal residence, the regulations provide for the period to be calculated from their legal entry into Spain. International agreements may establish different rules.
If you live in Spain, do not rely on a guide for tourists as your only source of information. Check with the DGT to determine whether you need to exchange your licence or complete another procedure.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards and Other Payment Methods
Paying for the Booking and Providing a Deposit Are Different Transactions
You may find a company that accepts one type of card to make the booking but applies different requirements when you collect the vehicle.
The European Consumer Centre highlights this distinction: some companies allow customers to book with a debit card but later require a credit card in the driver's name before handing over the vehicle. This is a common contractual condition rather than a general requirement imposed by Spanish law on every car rental.
Before paying, ask two separate questions:
- How can I pay for the rental?
- How do I need to provide the deposit?
Do not assume that the answer will be the same for both.
Cardholder and Available Limit
If you need a card, confirm whose name it must be in and how much available balance or credit you need. Imagine that the rental costs €900 but the company also requires a €2,000 security deposit. Having only the €900 needed to pay for the rental would not be enough to cover the deposit requirement.
You should also check whether the company accepts:
- physical cards
- debit cards
- virtual cards
- company cards
- a payment method held in the name of another member of your group
Conditions may vary between providers and vehicles. Confirm them for your specific booking.
Security Deposit, Deposit and Insurance Excess: They Are Not the Same
Several different amounts may appear during the rental process. It is useful to understand what each one means before comparing prices.
Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
Advance payment | Part of the price you pay to confirm the booking |
Outstanding balance | Part of the rental price that remains to be paid |
Security deposit | A guarantee requested by the company during the rental |
Insurance excess | The portion of certain damage or costs that may be payable by the customer depending on the coverage purchased |
What Is a Car Rental Security Deposit?
The deposit serves as security for the obligations set out in the rental agreement. The company may place a hold on funds, request a deposit or use another agreed method.
Before accepting the rental, ask:
- What is the amount?
- Is the amount blocked or charged?
- When does the company begin the refund or release process?
- Under what circumstances can the company use it?
Do not confuse the date on which the rental company releases a card hold with the exact date on which your bank makes the money available again. Additional banking processes may take place afterwards.
What Is the Insurance Excess?
The excess relates to the financial liability established under particular insurance coverage.
For example, a contract may include coverage for certain types of damage subject to an excess. In this case, the agreement specifies which portion is payable by the customer and under what circumstances.
This does not mean that the excess is an absolute limit on your liability for every possible problem. An insurance policy or rental agreement may exclude certain types of damage or situations. You should therefore read the coverage and exclusions together.
At ClanRent, the Deposit Depends on the Car
ClanRent's own vehicle pages show why it is important to check the specific model. As published examples, the Audi R8 page lists a €4,000 deposit and 150 km per day included, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class lists a €500 deposit and 200 km per day. The Audi RS3 page lists a €3,000 deposit and 200 km per day.
These differences mean that there is no single figure that can be described as “the ClanRent deposit” for the entire fleet. Always check the vehicle page and request confirmation for your dates, as commercial conditions may change.
Rental Car Insurance: What to Check Before Signing
Rental vehicles need third-party liability coverage. Your Europe states that this coverage must be included in the rental price within the EU.
This protection does not mean that every type of damage to the rented vehicle itself is covered without conditions.
To understand how much financial risk you are taking on, review the additional protection options and the rental agreement.
Excesses and Exclusions
Ask what happens in relation to:
- bodywork
- windows
- tyres and wheels
- the underside of the vehicle
- interior
- keys
- theft
- roadside assistance
- damage caused by an unauthorised driver
The European Consumer Centre notes that some additional insurance products may still exclude components such as windows or tyres, so it recommends checking the specific conditions.
You should also know what to do after an accident. Save the company's contact number and follow the procedure set out in the agreement.
The phrase fully comprehensive car rental can be too vague unless the included coverage is clearly explained. Always compare the excess, exclusions and driver's obligations.
Requirements for Renting a Luxury Car in Spain
When renting a luxury, sports or high-performance car, it is advisable to check more information before confirming your booking.
Check the Conditions for the Model, Not Just the Category
Two cars within the same category may have different deposits and mileage limits.
ClanRent publishes different conditions for sports and premium models in its catalogue. In addition to variations in the deposit, the vehicle pages show different amounts of daily included mileage and different prices for additional kilometres. Before renting a high-end vehicle, request the following information:
- minimum driver age
- minimum period for which the licence must have been held
- deposit amount
- included mileage
- price per additional kilometre
- insurance coverage and excess
- areas in which the vehicle may be driven
- conditions for adding additional drivers
ClanRent's Sport section includes models such as the Ford Mustang GT, Mercedes-Benz SL43 AMG, BMW M4 Competition Convertible, Porsche Taycan 4S and Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG, among others.
Explain What You Need the Car For
Your intended use of the vehicle also matters. If you want to take a multi-day road trip around Spain, tell the company about your planned route. If you intend to cross a border, ask for permission before booking. Your Europe recommends informing the rental company of any intention to drive the rental vehicle in other countries so that the documentation, insurance and roadside assistance arrangements can be checked.
If you need the car for a wedding, event or photo shoot, explain the intended use as well.
Renting a sports car for normal road use does not mean you are authorised to drive it on racetracks, in competitions or in other activities excluded by the rental agreement.
Check the Mileage
The daily rental price alone is not enough to compare two offers. Imagine an 800 km trip over three days. A car with 150 km per day included would cover 450 km within the allowance, while a vehicle with 250 km per day would include 750 km. The final cost would therefore depend on the charge for additional mileage.
Before booking, estimate the total distance you expect to travel and add a margin for local journeys.
Additional Driver: What to Agree in Advance
If two people are going to drive, include both of them in the planning process from the beginning. The company may require the second driver to undergo the same types of checks, including identity, a valid licence, age and driving experience.
Do not assume that your partner, family member or friend may drive simply because they are travelling with you. Ask:
How do I add a second driver, and is there an additional charge?
Make sure that the person is included in the rental agreement before they drive. If you decide to add them after the rental has already started, contact the company and follow the procedure it specifies.
It is also advisable to decide who will be the main driver before paying if the required payment method has to be in that person's name.
How to Rent a Car Step by Step
1. Choose the Car and Estimate How You Will Use It
Start with the number of passengers, the amount of luggage and the type of trip. Then calculate the number of days and approximate mileage. If you want to travel around Alicante, Altea, Calpe, Jávea and Dénia, add up the main journeys and leave some extra mileage for excursions and local driving. Compare this figure with the mileage included with the vehicle.
2. Request the Total Price
Ask for a quote that clearly identifies:
- rental price
- extras
- deposit
- mileage
- insurance
- excess and any applicable surcharges
Also clarify the fuel policy or charging policy for electric vehicles. The European Consumer Centre recommends checking these details when making the booking rather than waiting until you collect the vehicle.
3. Read the Cancellation Conditions
Do not assume that an online car rental booking automatically includes a 14-day cooling-off period.
Your Europe states that car rentals are not covered by the general 14-day right of withdrawal that applies to many other distance purchases. Whether you receive a refund will depend on the conditions of your booking.
Read what happens if you cancel, change the dates or arrive late. For a one-month car rental, request a specific quote as well. ClanRent's own vehicle pages indicate that individual pricing is available on request for periods of one month or longer for various models.
4. Check Your Documents Before Leaving
Do not wait until you arrive at the collection point to discover that you are missing an International Driving Permit, a card or the documents for a second driver. Confirm the documentation requirements in advance and bring everything in the requested format.
5. Inspect the Car When You Collect It
Before starting the rental, inspect both the exterior and interior.
Check the bodywork, wheels, windows and anything else you can reasonably inspect without dismantling anything. If you find an existing dent or scratch, ask for it to be recorded in writing on the vehicle handover document. The European Consumer Centre recommends inspecting the vehicle carefully and ensuring that existing damage is documented in writing.
Also check:
- starting mileage
- fuel or battery level
- basic vehicle functions and any accessories you have booked
Keep your copy of the document.
6. Follow the Conditions During the Rental
Use the vehicle in accordance with the agreed conditions. If you experience a breakdown or accident, contact the company and follow the procedure stated in the rental agreement. Do not allow anyone who is not included in the agreement to drive the vehicle. If you want to change your planned route or cross a border, check in advance whether the contract allows it.
7. Document the Return
Return the vehicle at the agreed location and time. Where possible, inspect the car together with a company representative and request written confirmation of its condition upon return. Your Europe recommends inspecting the vehicle with rental company staff and obtaining written confirmation that it has been returned correctly.
You can supplement this document with photographs of the exterior, interior, mileage and fuel or battery level. Afterwards, check what remains to be done regarding the deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental Requirements
Can I Rent a Car If I Am Under 25?
Possibly, but it depends on the company and the vehicle. Some rental companies set a minimum age or additional conditions for certain cars. Check the specific model before booking. For sports or premium vehicles, do not assume that simply meeting the legal driving age gives you access to the entire fleet.
Can I Rent a Car If I Have Held My Licence for Less Than a Year?
It depends on the minimum driving experience required by the company for the vehicle you choose.
Tell the company when you obtained the relevant licence category and ask which documents they need to verify it.
Do I Need a Credit Card to Rent a Car?
There is no general rule requiring a credit card for every car rental in Spain. The rental company determines which payment and security methods it accepts.
A company may accept a debit card for the booking but require another form of security when you collect the car. Confirm the two transactions separately.
Can I Rent a Car with a Foreign Driving Licence?
Yes, provided that your licence is valid for driving in Spain and you meet the rental company's conditions. Valid EU and EEA driving licences are recognised in Spain. For licences issued by third countries, check the requirements established by the General Driver Regulations and the DGT. An International Driving Permit may also be required or recommended.
Does an International Driving Permit Replace My Driving Licence?
No. An International Driving Permit is a supplementary document and must be used together with the relevant national driving licence and any other required documentation.
Can I Rent a Car Without a Deposit?
It depends on the rental company's conditions and the vehicle. Do not assume that an offer advertising a particular daily price means the rental is available without a deposit. Check the amount of the security deposit separately. At ClanRent, the vehicle pages reviewed show different deposits depending on the model.
Are the Deposit and Insurance Excess the Same Thing?
No. The deposit acts as security under the rental agreement, while the insurance excess determines the amount that may be payable by the customer under certain types of coverage. The amounts may happen to be the same for a particular product, but that does not make the two terms synonymous.
Can Someone Else Drive the Car?
You should only allow a person who is authorised under the rental agreement to drive the vehicle. If you want to share the driving, inform the company and ask how to add an additional driver. That person must also meet the applicable requirements.
What Should I Check Before Renting a Luxury Car?
Check the driver's age, how long they have held their licence, documentation, deposit, insurance excess, mileage and restrictions on use. Then calculate the cost of the entire trip. On a long journey, additional mileage charges may have a greater impact on the final price than a small difference in the daily rate.
Check the Requirements for Your Car with ClanRent
If you are looking for car rental in Alicante, first choose the vehicle that suits your trip and request the conditions that apply to your dates.
Provide the age and driving experience of each driver, the country that issued the driving licence, the planned rental duration and an estimate of the distance you expect to travel. If you are looking for a sports car or one of ClanRent's high-end vehicles, also ask for the deposit amount and the mileage included with the specific model.
With this information, you can compare the full cost and prepare the necessary documentation before collecting the vehicle.