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Enterprise · United Kingdom

Does Enterprise require an IDP in United Kingdom?

Daniel MercerWritten by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
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United Kingdom lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Enterprise still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter.
Enterprise in United Kingdom
Enterprise IDP policyRecommended for non-Roman-alphabet licences
Enterprise footprintGlobal
Accepted format1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna
Minimum rental age17+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theLeft

Enterprise in United Kingdom: the policy in plain terms

Asks for a licence translation alongside your home licence in many countries across Europe, Asia and South America. The world's largest car-rental brand by fleet size.

Most visitors can drive in the UK on a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months; an IDP helps if your licence is not in English.

In United Kingdom specifically, united Kingdom lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Enterprise still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. An IDP is recommended for licences not printed in the Roman alphabet.

Enterprise runs a global network; at its United Kingdom desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. United Kingdom drives on the left, uses the GBP, and sets a minimum driving age of 17; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.

What to bring to the Enterprise counter in United Kingdom

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the GBP deposit; United Kingdom drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in United Kingdom Enterprise renters should know

  • Drive on the left.
  • Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.
  • Mobile-phone use while driving is heavily penalised.
  • 0.08% alcohol limit in England/Wales; lower in Scotland.

Enterprise's rental terms that affect your IDP booking

Minimum age & young-driver surcharge

Enterprise's minimum rental age is 21 in most of the U.S. (18 in Michigan and New York, and 18 for U.S. government employees on official orders); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Young Renter Fee" that typically averages around $25/day but varies by location (e.g., 21-24 is $15.75/day in Michigan and $30.75/day in New York, with 18-20 fees of $36.50 and $64.75/day respectively).

Deposit & accepted cards

The contract holder must present their own credit card in their name with sufficient available credit; deposits typically run between $200 and $850 depending on location and vehicle class (airport holds are typically about 120% of the rental). Debit cards bearing a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover logo may be accepted at some locations, but at airports only with a ticketed return-travel itinerary, and prepaid cards are not accepted.

Additional drivers

Each additional authorized driver is typically charged about $15.00 per day, but a renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements is added at no charge. Enterprise requires each renter and additional driver to hold a valid, unexpired driver's licence; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the U.S., though young-renter (under-25) restrictions and surcharges apply instead.

Cross-border & one-way

Taking a U.S.-rented vehicle across the Mexican or Canadian border requires advance approval; renters must contact the renting branch or call center for the correct procedure and any required insurance, and cross-border travel is restricted or prohibited at many locations. One-way rentals are offered but availability and drop-off fees vary by branch.

IDP & foreign-licence rule

For renters under 25, Enterprise states it does not accept an International Driver's Permit as identification; a valid photo driver's licence is required. Foreign renters generally need their home-country licence (an IDP is recommended as a translation supplement but is not a stand-alone substitute for the licence).

Once you collect the keys in United Kingdom

Tolls & road charges

The UK has almost no toll motorways - the main exceptions are the M6 Toll near Birmingham and a handful of estuary crossings (Dartford Crossing/Dart Charge, Mersey tunnels, Tyne Tunnel), most of which are now barrier-free and must be paid online by midnight the next day. The Dartford Crossing costs about GBP 2.50 per car.

Parking in town

Urban kerbside parking is controlled by pay-and-display machines or apps (RingGo, PayByPhone); single yellow lines mean restricted hours and double yellow lines mean no parking at any time. Cars left illegally risk a Penalty Charge Notice (typically GBP 70-130) and possible clamping or removal.

Fines & camera enforcement

A standard speeding fine is a fixed penalty of GBP 100 plus 3 points (worse for higher speeds), and handheld phone use is GBP 200 plus 6 points; seatbelt failure is GBP 100. Police do not generally take roadside cash, and camera fines are forwarded by the hire firm to your home address with an admin fee.

If you have an accident

Call 999 (or 112) for injuries; police attendance is only required where someone is hurt, the road is blocked, or a driver fails to stop or give details. You must stop, exchange names, addresses and insurance details, and report to police within 24 hours if details could not be exchanged at the scene.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from Enterprise in United Kingdom?
United Kingdom lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Enterprise still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. For renters under 25, Enterprise states it does not accept an International Driver's Permit as identification; a valid photo driver's licence is required. Foreign renters generally need their home-country licence (an IDP is recommended as a translation supplement but is not a stand-alone substitute for the licence).
02
What documents should I bring to the Enterprise desk in United Kingdom?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. United Kingdom drives on the left and the minimum rental age is typically 17+.
03
What is the minimum age to rent from Enterprise in United Kingdom?
Enterprise's minimum rental age is 21 in most of the U.S. (18 in Michigan and New York, and 18 for U.S. government employees on official orders); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Young Renter Fee" that typically averages around $25/day but varies by location (e.g., 21-24 is $15.75/day in Michigan and $30.75/day in New York, with 18-20 fees of $36.50 and $64.75/day respectively). Locally, United Kingdom sets a minimum driving age of 17 and most desks add a young-driver surcharge under 25.
04
What deposit and card does Enterprise require?
The contract holder must present their own credit card in their name with sufficient available credit; deposits typically run between $200 and $850 depending on location and vehicle class (airport holds are typically about 120% of the rental). Debit cards bearing a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover logo may be accepted at some locations, but at airports only with a ticketed return-travel itinerary, and prepaid cards are not accepted.
05
Can I take a Enterprise rental across the border or drop it one-way?
Taking a U.S.-rented vehicle across the Mexican or Canadian border requires advance approval; renters must contact the renting branch or call center for the correct procedure and any required insurance, and cross-border travel is restricted or prohibited at many locations. One-way rentals are offered but availability and drop-off fees vary by branch.
06
Does Enterprise charge for an additional driver?
Each additional authorized driver is typically charged about $15.00 per day, but a renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements is added at no charge. Enterprise requires each renter and additional driver to hold a valid, unexpired driver's licence; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the U.S., though young-renter (under-25) restrictions and surcharges apply instead.
07
How do tolls work for a rental car in United Kingdom?
The UK has almost no toll motorways - the main exceptions are the M6 Toll near Birmingham and a handful of estuary crossings (Dartford Crossing/Dart Charge, Mersey tunnels, Tyne Tunnel), most of which are now barrier-free and must be paid online by midnight the next day. The Dartford Crossing costs about GBP 2.50 per car.
08
What happens if I get a traffic fine driving a Enterprise car in United Kingdom?
A standard speeding fine is a fixed penalty of GBP 100 plus 3 points (worse for higher speeds), and handheld phone use is GBP 200 plus 6 points; seatbelt failure is GBP 100. Police do not generally take roadside cash, and camera fines are forwarded by the hire firm to your home address with an admin fee.
09
What is Enterprise's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Asks for a licence translation alongside your home licence in many countries across Europe, Asia and South America. Enterprise is the flagship of Enterprise Mobility, the world's largest car-rental company by fleet size and locations, with a vast neighborhood-branch network beyond airports and the Enterprise Plus loyalty program.
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