Does Hertz require an IDP in Trinidad and Tobago?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Hertz in Trinidad and Tobago: 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.
Trinidad and Tobago drive on the left and accept a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-English licences.
In Trinidad and Tobago specifically, trinidad and Tobago 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. Port of Spain desks accept English licences; an IDP helps non-English drivers.
Hertz runs a global network; at its Trinidad and Tobago desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Trinidad and Tobago drives on the left, uses the TTD, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Hertz counter in Trinidad and Tobago
- 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 TTD deposit; Trinidad and Tobago drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Trinidad and Tobago Hertz renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Heavy congestion around Port of Spain.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- 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 Trinidad and Tobago
There are no toll roads in Trinidad and Tobago; the Uriah Butler, Solomon Hochoy and Churchill-Roosevelt highways are all free, with congestion rather than tolls being the main concern.
Central Port of Spain has metered and paid lots but very tight, congested kerbside space; downtown and Charlotte Street areas see vehicle break-ins, so use guarded car parks and never leave valuables visible.
From 1 January 2026 fines doubled: speeding ranges from TT$2,000 (1-9 km/h over) up to a TT$6,000 fixed penalty for 31 km/h or more, with heavy seatbelt, phone and DUI penalties; rental firms charge any camera tickets back to the hirer.
Call police on 999 (emergency 990 for fire/ambulance); report the accident to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (online or at a station), do not move vehicles when there are injuries, and exchange insurance details.
Full driving guide for Trinidad and Tobago →