Most customers don't need one — but if your licence is printed in a non-Latin alphabet, or was issued outside the EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation may be required.
EU and EEA licences
A valid licence from any EU or EEA country (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) is accepted everywhere without an IDP or translation.
Non-Latin alphabet licences
If your licence is printed in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, or any other non-Latin script, you must bring a valid IDP alongside your original licence. No exceptions.
Licences from outside the EU/EEA
If your country is part of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, your licence is accepted as long as it is in Latin script
If your country is not part of the Convention, an official translation from a recognised authority is required — or an IDP if your country issues one
In both cases, always carry your original licence as well
Living in Europe with a non-EU licence?
If you have been resident in an EU/EEA country for more than 6 months, you must present a valid EU/EEA licence instead.
Italy only: The threshold is 1 year of residency, not 6 months.
How long must you have held your licence?
A valid licence held for at least 1 year is required in most countries.
A few things to remember
Always bring your original licence — photocopies and digital versions are not accepted
An IDP is only valid when presented together with your original national licence
Requirements can vary by destination country. Always check the Rental Information for the country where you are picking up the vehicle
Check Rental Information for your destination ? [PLEASE VERIFY]
Need help before you travel? Find our contact options below.
Add an additional driver before pick-up in "My Bookings" on the website or in the SIXT app – a daily fee applies, and the driver must attend the pick-up in person with their own driving licence and photo ID.
Add online (fastest)
Sign in on the website or open the SIXT app
Click on Bookings
Scroll to Extras and select Additional driver
Confirm – we'll email your updated booking confirmation
At the branch
The additional driver must come to the branch in person with their driving licence – both at pick-up and when being added to the contract later during the rental.
What it costs
A daily fee with a daily cap. Some corporate or promotional rates waive the additional driver fee – sign in to see your rate applied.
Rules
Same age and licence-held requirements as the main driver
Driving licence valid for the country of hire
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by SIXT protection
Next step
Add an additional driver on the website or in the SIXT app.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
You need a full, valid driving licence you have held for at least one year, plus photo ID (usually your passport), to hire a car with SIXT in the UK. Upload both in the SIXT app to speed up collection.
UK residents bring
Full UK photocard licence, valid and held for at least one year
Second photo ID if your licence name differs from the booking
Credit card in the main driver’s name (debit cards accepted on most groups)
Non-UK residents bring
Full home-country licence, valid and held for at least one year
Passport
International Driving Permit if your licence is not in the Roman alphabet
Credit card in the main driver’s name
Good to know
EU and EEA licences are accepted on the same terms as UK licences
Provisional, learner and mobile-only digital licences are not accepted – bring your physical photocard
A small number of endorsements is fine; serious or recent DR/SP codes may prevent us from renting to you – check in advance if unsure
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
The minimum age to hire a car with SIXT in the UK is 21 for most groups, provided you have held a full driving licence for at least one year. Premium, luxury, sports and some specialised groups require drivers aged 23 or 25 and over.
Age rules at a glance
21+ – Economy, Compact, Mid-size (young-driver surcharge applies)
23+ – most Standard and Estate vehicles
25+ or 30+ – Premium, Luxury, Sports, SUV and Van categories
Exact rules per group are shown on the booking page when you search.
Licence-held requirement
Every driver must have held a full driving licence for at least one year. Provisional periods do not count.
Young-driver surcharge
Drivers aged under 28 pay a daily surcharge.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
No – SIXT does not apply a general maximum age in the UK. As long as your driving licence is valid and you meet our standard document and payment requirements, you can hire with us at any age.
Licence validity counts, not age
UK law requires drivers aged 70+ to renew their licence every three years. Make sure your photocard is still valid on your pick-up day.
Protection and insurance
All SIXT protection packages apply on the same terms, regardless of age, as long as your licence is valid.
Medical conditions
If a medical condition affects your driving, make sure the DVLA has been notified. SIXT relies on a valid licence as proof of entitlement.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.