Rome Airport Car Rental: What Documents Are Required?
Renting a car at Rome Airport — whether at Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA) — is a great way to explore Italy at your own pace. But without the right documents, you could be denied a rental, even if you’ve prepaid online.
This guide breaks down all the required documents for a successful car rental in Rome, including essential tips for EU and non-EU travelers, age restrictions, and payment methods.
1. Valid Driver’s License — Your Primary Requirement
Every car rental agency in Italy requires a valid driver’s license:
- ✅ It must be issued in your name
- ✅ Must have been held for at least 12 months (some agencies require 24)
- ✅ Must be in Latin alphabet (A–Z). Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, etc., are not accepted alone
🇪🇺 EU/EEA Residents
Can use their national license without restrictions.
🌎 Non-EU/EEA Residents
You will likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) — see below.
2. International Driving Permit (IDP) 🌐 — When Is It Mandatory?
If your license is not in a Roman alphabet (e.g. Cyrillic, Japanese, Arabic), you must carry:
- Your national driver’s license(original, physical)
- An IDP(must be obtained in your home country before travel)
The IDP is essentially a translation of your license. It does not replace your license, and you must present both at the counter.
✳️ Common Scenarios:
| Country | License in Latin? | IDP Required? |
|---|---|---|
| USA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Recommended (some agencies demand it) |
| UK | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not required |
| Australia | ✅ Yes | ✅ Sometimes requested |
| China, India | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
| Russia | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
️⚠️ If you don’t have the IDP when required, you may be refused the vehicle.
3. Passport or National ID Card 🛂 — For Identity Verification
Regardless of nationality, you must show official ID:
- EU citizens may present a national ID card
- Non-EU travelers must present a passport
Your ID must match the name on the driver’s license and credit card. Rental companies are legally required to verify identity.
4. Credit Card in the Driver’s Name 💳 — For Security Deposit
All major rental agencies at Rome Airport require a valid credit card for the security deposit. Key points:
- 💳 Must be a physical card in the main driver’s name
- 💸 The card will be pre-authorized (not charged) for €500–€2,500
- 🏦 Prepaid or virtual cards are not accepted for deposits
- 💼 Some providers accept debit cards, but only with full insurance purchase
💡 If you don’t have a credit card, your options will be very limited. Always check payment policies in advance.
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5. Rental Voucher or Booking Confirmation 📧 (Optional)
If you reserved your car online:
- Bring a printed or digital confirmation
- This speeds up processing
- Some agencies may require a voucher from third-party sites
Even with confirmation, the car will not be released unless your documents and credit card match the reservation.
6. International Travelers: Additional Things to Consider 🌍
✈️ Returning a Car to Another Country?
Some agencies allow international one-way rentals (e.g., Rome to Nice or Barcelona). If so, you may be asked for:
- Proof of return ticket
- Written permission for border crossing
👨👧 Renting with Extra Drivers or Family?
Each driver must present:
- Their own license
- Passport or ID
- May need to be present at pickup
Extra drivers often incur €5–€10/day surcharge.
7. Age Requirements & Young Driver Policies 🧑🛌
To rent a car at Rome Airport:
- Minimum age is usually 21
- Some categories (SUVs, luxury cars) require age 25 or older
- Drivers under 25 may be charged a young driver fee (usually €10–€25/day)
8. Can You Rent Without a Physical License or Passport? ❌
No. Digital scans, photos on phones, or email PDFs are not accepted. You must bring:
- The original plastic license
- The original passport or national ID
- The physical credit card
This applies even if you booked and prepaid everything online.
📟 Quick Checklist: What to Bring for Rome Airport Car Rental
✅ Valid driver’s license (in Latin alphabet)
✅ IDP (if required)
✅ Passport or EU ID card
✅ Credit card (driver’s name)
✅ Online booking confirmation (if applicable)
✅ Travel insurance (if using for coverage)
❋ What Happens If You Forget One Document?
| Missing Document | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Credit card | Refusal to release car |
| Passport/ID | No rental allowed |
| IDP (if required) | Depends — often denied |
| Printed confirmation | Possible delays, no denial |
📍 Call your provider in advance if you’re unsure what documents are valid.
📍 Where Do You Present These at the Airport?
- Fiumicino (FCO): Car rental desks are in Tower 2, connected via pedestrian walkway
- Ciampino (CIA): Rental counters are right by arrivals
- Have your documents ready at the check-in counter — this is where verification happens and your contract is printed.
🧠 Final Word: Bring the Right Documents, Drive Away with Confidence
Rome Airport makes renting a car quick and convenient — as long as you bring the correct paperwork. From family vacations to spontaneous road trips, a rental car gives you the flexibility to explore Italy your way.
Just remember:
- No physical license = no car
- No valid ID = no contract
- No credit card = no keys
✅ Prepare in advance and keep your documents together. The rest is just the open road. 🇮🇹🚘
