What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Greece? Documents, Driving Licence and Requirements

Renting a car in Greece is usually straightforward. However, receiving a booking confirmation does not automatically guarantee that the vehicle will be released at the pickup location.

The main driver must be able to prove their identity, demonstrate that they are legally entitled to drive the selected vehicle, and provide the payment card or security-deposit method required by the specific booking terms.

In most cases, you will need:

• a valid driving licence;
• a passport or accepted national identity card;
• an accepted credit or debit card;
• your booking confirmation;
• and, in some cases, an International Driving Permit.

The exact requirements are not identical for every rental offer. Minimum driver age, required driving experience, accepted payment methods and security-deposit conditions may vary depending on the rental provider, pickup location and vehicle category.

The important thing is not simply to bring “a licence and a card.” You need to bring the correct documents, in the correct name and in a form accepted under the terms of your specific reservation.

Quick answer: What do you need to rent a car in Greece?

Most travelers need the following when collecting a rental car in Greece:

1. A valid driving licence accepted in Greece.
2. A passport or valid identity document.
3. A credit card or accepted debit card, usually in the main driver’s name.
4. Sufficient available funds or credit for the security deposit.
5. The booking confirmation.
6. An International Driving Permit, when required for the licence’s country of issue.
7. The documents of every additional driver who will use the vehicle.

You should carry the original physical documents unless the rental provider has confirmed in writing that a particular official digital document will be accepted.

Which documents are required to rent a car in Greece?

1. A valid driving licence

Your driving licence must:

• be valid throughout the rental period;
• cover the category of vehicle you are renting;
• belong to the person registered as the main driver;
• be legible and in good condition;
• and be legally recognised in Greece.

An expired licence, a document reported lost, or a licence that does not cover the relevant vehicle category may result in the rental provider refusing to release the car.

A licence issued by an EU member state is generally recognised throughout the European Union, provided it remains valid and covers the correct vehicle category.

However, legal recognition is only one part of the requirement. The rental provider may also require the licence to have been held for a minimum period, such as one or more years.

This is a commercial and insurance-related condition, not necessarily the same as the legal right to drive in Greece.

2. A passport or national identity card

The rental provider must verify that the person collecting the vehicle is the same person shown on:

• the reservation;
• the driving licence;
• the rental agreement;
• and, usually, the payment card used for the security deposit.

EU citizens can generally travel within the European Union using a valid passport or national identity card.

Travelers from outside the EU will normally need to present a valid passport.

The spelling of the driver’s name should be consistent across:

• the booking;
• the driving licence;
• the passport or identity card;
• and the payment card.

Minor differences in transliteration may not necessarily cause a problem. Significant differences, however, should be clarified before the pickup date.

3. An accepted credit or debit card

The payment card may be required for two separate purposes:

• paying the rental cost;
• securing the rental company against possible additional charges.

These are not always handled through the same transaction.

A booking may have been paid online:

• with a debit card;
• with a different person’s card;
• through a digital wallet;
• or through a booking platform.

That does not automatically mean the same payment method will be accepted for the security deposit when the car is collected.

Before booking, check:

• whether a credit or debit card is required;
• whether the card must be physical;
• whether it must be in the main driver’s name;
• how much will be blocked;
• whether the card supports pre-authorisations;
• and whether the available funds or credit limit are sufficient.

For a detailed explanation, read our guide to renting a car in Greece without a credit card.

4. Your booking confirmation

Your booking confirmation may be available:

• by email;
• as a PDF;
• inside an application or online account;
• or as a printed document.

It should clearly display:

• the reservation number;
• the main driver’s name;
• the pickup date and time;
• the pickup location;
• the booked vehicle category;
• the rental price;
• included services;
• and any selected extras.

The booking confirmation does not replace the final rental agreement. However, it provides evidence of what was selected and paid for during the reservation process.

It can also help resolve questions about:

• the vehicle category;
• insurance;
• additional drivers;
• child seats;
• pickup instructions;
• and the cancellation policy.

Do you need an International Driving Permit in Greece?

The answer depends mainly on the country that issued your driving licence.

Driving licences issued in the European Union

A valid driving licence issued by an EU member state is generally recognised in Greece.

In most cases, an EU licence holder does not need an additional International Driving Permit simply to drive temporarily in Greece.

The driver must still confirm that:

• the licence has not expired;
• it covers the correct vehicle category;
• any restrictions shown on it are respected;
• and the rental provider accepts it under the booking conditions.

Driving licences issued outside the European Union

There is no single answer that applies to every non-EU licence.

Acceptance can depend on:

• the country that issued the licence;
• the international conventions that apply;
• the licence format;
• its language and alphabet;
• the traveler’s status and length of stay;
• and the rental provider’s requirements.

Some non-EU visitors may need an International Driving Permit in addition to their national driving licence.

Others may be able to use their original licence without one, particularly when the licence is recognised under the applicable international framework and is written in a form that can be easily verified.

Because the rules vary, non-EU travelers should obtain written confirmation before booking.

An International Driving Permit does not replace your licence

An International Driving Permit is normally a supporting document or translation of the driving entitlement shown on the original national licence.

When it is required, you must usually carry:

• the International Driving Permit;
• and the original valid driving licence.

Presenting only the International Driving Permit may not be enough to collect the vehicle or drive legally.

What should non-EU travelers confirm before booking?

Ask the rental provider:

1. Is my national driving licence accepted in Greece?
2. Do I need an International Driving Permit?
3. Is an official translation required?
4. Must I have held my licence for a minimum period?
5. Do different requirements apply to larger or premium vehicles?

Keep the answer in writing, especially when booking several months before the trip.

Can you use a photograph of your driving licence?

You should not assume that a photograph, screenshot or ordinary scanned copy will be accepted.

A picture stored on your phone:

• is not necessarily an official digital driving licence;
• may not allow the provider to verify authenticity;
• may not satisfy identity-verification requirements;
• and may not be accepted during a police check.

An official digital licence issued through a recognised government system is different from a photograph of the physical document.

Digital driving-licence frameworks are developing across Europe, but their practical acceptance depends on the systems available in each country and the rental provider’s ability to verify the document.

For a trip to Greece, the safest choice remains:

Carry your original physical driving licence unless the rental provider has expressly confirmed that it accepts the specific official digital document you intend to use.

A photograph should only be treated as a backup copy, not as a substitute for the original licence.

Minimum Age Requirements for Renting a Car in Greece

There is no single minimum rental age that applies to every company or every vehicle category.

The legal age at which someone can obtain a driving licence is not necessarily the same as the minimum age required by a rental company.

Depending on the provider, different conditions may apply regarding:

• minimum driver age;
• maximum driver age;
• minimum driving experience;
• young driver surcharges;
• premium vehicle restrictions;
• luxury vehicle eligibility;
• larger SUVs and passenger vans.

For example, a 20-year-old driver with a valid licence may legally be allowed to drive in Greece but still be unable to rent certain vehicle categories because of the provider's insurance policy.

Always check the specific requirements shown in your booking conditions before paying for the reservation.

Why Do Rental Companies Have Young Driver Restrictions?

Rental companies assess more than whether someone is legally allowed to drive.

Insurance providers often apply different levels of risk depending on:

• driver age;
• driving experience;
• vehicle value;
• engine performance;
• repair costs.

Because of this, younger drivers may face:

• higher security deposits;
• additional insurance requirements;
• limited vehicle availability;
• young driver fees;
• restrictions on premium categories.

These are commercial and insurance decisions rather than legal driving restrictions.

How Long Must You Have Held Your Driving Licence?

Many rental providers require drivers to have held their licence for a minimum period.

The required driving experience may vary according to:

• vehicle category;
• driver age;
• insurance conditions;
• rental company policy.

Requirements are often stricter for:

• luxury vehicles;
• convertibles;
• premium SUVs;
• passenger vans;
• high-performance cars.

A driver who obtained a licence only a few months ago may therefore be refused a premium vehicle even though they are legally entitled to drive it.

The issue is not whether the licence is valid.

The issue is whether it satisfies the provider's commercial and insurance requirements.

Does the Payment Card Have to Belong to the Main Driver?

Very often, yes.

The main driver is normally the person who:

• signs the rental agreement;
• accepts responsibility for the vehicle;
• presents the driving licence;
• provides the payment card used for the security deposit.

Even if:

• another person paid online;
• your employer made the reservation;
• your spouse used their credit card;

the rental provider may still require a payment card belonging to the main driver during vehicle collection.

Always verify this before travelling.

What Is the Security Deposit?

The security deposit is a temporary financial guarantee.

It is not the rental price.

It is not your insurance.

It is a separate amount that may be temporarily blocked or charged according to the rental agreement.

Depending on the provider, it may cover:

• insurance excess;
• vehicle damage;
• missing fuel;
• traffic fines;
• lost keys;
• late return;
• breach of contract.

Before collecting the vehicle, make sure you know:

• the exact deposit amount;
• whether it is blocked or charged;
• when the release process begins;
• which payment cards are accepted;
• whether additional insurance changes the amount.

Understanding the security deposit before booking can prevent one of the most common surprises at the rental desk.

Can Someone Else Drive the Rental Car?

Only if they have been officially approved as an additional driver.

Simply travelling with you does not automatically authorise another person to drive the vehicle.

An additional driver will usually need to:

• present a valid driving licence;
• provide identification;
• satisfy the same age requirements;
• meet the minimum driving experience;
• be added to the rental agreement.

Driving the vehicle without being listed on the contract may affect insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

Airport and Port Pickups

Collecting a rental car at an airport or ferry port normally requires the same documents.

However, you should also make sure the rental provider has:

• your flight or ferry number;
• your expected arrival time;
• a working telephone number;
• notification of any significant delays.

Not every "airport pickup" takes place inside the terminal building.

Some providers use:

• shuttle buses;
• nearby offices;
• external parking areas;
• designated meeting points.

Read the pickup instructions carefully before travelling.

Can You Take the Rental Car on a Ferry?

Do not assume that ferry travel is automatically permitted.

Depending on the provider, transporting the vehicle by ferry may:

• be freely allowed;
• require written permission;
• involve additional charges;
• affect insurance coverage;
• be restricted to certain islands.

Always obtain confirmation before boarding a ferry with a rental vehicle.

Can You Drive the Rental Car Outside Greece?

Cross-border travel must always be confirmed in advance.

The rental provider may need to approve:

• the destination country;
• insurance coverage;
• roadside assistance;
• required documentation;
• additional fees.

Driving into another country without permission may breach the rental agreement.

Final Checklist Before Travelling

A few days before collecting your vehicle, confirm that you have:

• Your original driving licence
• Passport or accepted identity document
• The correct payment card
• Enough available funds for the security deposit
• Booking confirmation
• International Driving Permit (if required)
• Documents for any additional drivers
• Flight or ferry details
• Pickup instructions
• Emergency contact details

Spending five minutes checking these items can prevent hours of inconvenience after arriving in Greece.

The Most Common Collection Problems

The most frequent issues include:

• arriving with only a photograph of the driving licence;
• presenting a payment card belonging to someone else;
• insufficient available funds for the deposit;
• arriving without an International Driving Permit when required;
• bringing an additional driver who has not been registered;
• misunderstanding airport pickup procedures;
• assuming ferry travel is automatically allowed;
• failing to meet the provider's minimum driving experience.

Almost all of these situations can be avoided by reading the rental conditions before booking.

How WheelDot Helps

A successful rental experience starts long before arriving at the rental desk.

Through WheelDot, travelers can compare rental cars across Greece and review the conditions attached to each offer before making a reservation.

Because payment methods, security deposits, age requirements and driving licence conditions may differ between rental partners, it is always important to read the terms of the specific vehicle you intend to book.

If you would like to understand the booking process in more detail, visit:

https://wheeldot.com/how-it-works

To compare available rental cars across Greece, visit:

https://wheeldot.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Greece using only my passport?

No.

A passport proves your identity, but you also need a valid driving licence accepted in Greece.

Can I use a temporary driving licence?

It depends on the issuing country and the rental provider's policy.

Always request written confirmation before travelling.

Is a digital driving licence accepted?

Only if it is an officially recognised digital licence and the rental provider confirms it can verify it.

A simple photograph of your licence is not the same thing.

Do EU citizens need an International Driving Permit?

In most cases, no.

A valid EU driving licence is generally sufficient for temporary driving in Greece.

Does an International Driving Permit replace my driving licence?

No.

When required, it must normally be presented together with your original national driving licence.

Can somebody else pay for my reservation?

Possibly.

However, the provider may still require the main driver to present an accepted payment card for the security deposit.

Does every additional driver need to show their documents?

Yes.

Additional drivers usually need to present their licence and identification and be added to the rental agreement.

Can I cancel within 14 days under EU consumer law?

Not necessarily.

Car rental bookings for specific dates are generally excluded from the standard 14-day withdrawal right.

The cancellation policy shown during booking will normally apply.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Greece is usually simple—but only if you arrive fully prepared.

Before travelling, make sure you have:

• a valid driving licence;
• the correct identity document;
• the required payment card;
• sufficient available funds;
• and a clear understanding of the rental conditions.

Most collection problems are not caused by missing documents.

They happen because travelers bring documents or payment methods that do not match the requirements of the specific booking.

Reading the rental conditions before paying is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary delays and enjoy a smooth start to your trip.

About This Guide

WheelDot Editorial Team

This guide has been prepared using official European and Greek public information together with current rental industry practices.

Driving licence requirements, payment methods, deposits and rental conditions may vary depending on the rental provider, pickup location and vehicle category.

Last updated: July 2026