Does Hertz require an IDP in Micronesia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Hertz in Micronesia: 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.
The Federated States of Micronesia drive on the right; an IDP is advised with your home licence across the scattered island states.
In Micronesia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Micronesia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Hertz will typically ask for it at the counter. Island rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
Hertz runs a global network; at its Micronesia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Micronesia drives on the right, uses the USD, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the Hertz counter in Micronesia
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the USD deposit; Micronesia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Micronesia Hertz renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Low speed limits on island roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Roads vary widely between states.
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 Micronesia
There are no toll roads or electronic toll systems in any of the four FSM states.
Parking is free and unregulated, with no meters or paid lots in Kolonia or other towns; vehicles park on roadsides and gravel verges with no towing regime to worry about.
Seatbelt and drink-driving laws are enforced with fines, but enforcement and speed cameras are minimal; the bigger hazard is poor road conditions and unlit roads rather than ticketing.
Dial 911 for police and ambulance and report the crash to the relevant state public-safety department (e.g. Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety in Kolonia); accidents frequently cause serious injury, so do not move injured people and wait for responders.
Full driving guide for Micronesia →