Does Hertz require an IDP in Israel?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Hertz in Israel: the policy in plain terms
Asks foreign drivers for a licence translation when the licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet, and often for non-EU renters in much of Europe. One of the largest global rental networks, operating in 150+ countries.
Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to one year; an IDP is recommended for non-Latin-script licences.
In Israel specifically, israel lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Hertz still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Recommended; requested for some non-Latin scripts.
Hertz runs a global network; at its Israel desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Israel drives on the right, uses the ILS, 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 Hertz counter in Israel
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the ILS deposit; Israel drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Israel Hertz renters should know
- Headlights on inter-urban roads, Nov–Mar.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.01% for new/young drivers.
- Highway 6 uses automatic plate tolling.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
Hertz's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Hertz's standard minimum rental age in the US and Canada is 20, though it drops to 18 in Michigan, New York and Quebec, and 19 in Alabama and Nebraska. Renters aged 20-24 pay a Young Renter fee of about USD 19 per day, and under-25s are blocked from premium, luxury and high-performance car classes.
Hertz places a hold on the renter's card for the estimated rental charges plus a security deposit that varies by location and vehicle class; debit cards are accepted at many US locations but must be Visa, MasterCard or Discover branded, in the main driver's name, and carry sufficient available funds, with extra ID/credit checks sometimes required.
Hertz charges a per-day additional-driver fee that varies by location (commonly around USD 13.50/day in the US, capped per rental); in many markets a spouse/domestic partner can be added free, and the fee is often waived for Gold Plus Rewards members. Hertz requires each driver to hold a valid full driver's licence that has typically been held for at least one year, with longer tenure (often one to two years) required for some markets and premium vehicle classes.
Driving a Hertz vehicle across a country border (e.g. US to Canada or Mexico) requires advance permission and may incur a cross-border fee, and travel into Mexico generally requires separate Mexican insurance; one-way rentals are permitted on many routes but typically carry a drop-off/one-way charge.
Hertz states that a valid driver's licence issued by the renter's home country must always be presented; an International Driving Permit is recommended (and effectively required) when the home-country licence is not in the Roman alphabet or not in English, but Hertz will not rent on an IDP alone.
Once you collect the keys in Israel
Highway 6 (Kvish Shesh) is the main toll road and is fully electronic by plate with no booths; the charge plus a service fee is added to your rental bill. The fast-lane (Kvish Mahir) into Tel Aviv and the Carmel/Gilon tunnels are also electronically tolled.
Kerb markings set the rule: blue-and-white means paid parking (via app such as Pango/Cellopark or meter), red-and-white means no stopping, and grey/unmarked is free. Residential blue zones and unpaid bays are ticketed and cars can be towed.
Speeding, phone-use and seatbelt offences are largely camera- and patrol-enforced with fines from a few hundred shekels; there are no informal cash payments. Rental firms pass camera tickets to your card with a handling fee.
Call police on 100 (ambulance 101); a police report is required for injuries or disputed fault. Photograph the scene, exchange details, and do not move vehicles on an injury accident - notify your rental company before leaving.
Full driving guide for Israel →