To rent a car in South Africa you must be at least 18, hold a valid unendorsed driver’s licence and present a credit card in your own name. International visitors also show a passport. Each company sets its own detail, and the figures below come from Avis and Hertz.
Debit cards are not accepted by Avis, and Avis adds a young-driver surcharge under 25. Other rental companies differ, so confirm with yours before you book.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
- Age: at least 18 at both Avis and Hertz. Avis also requires that you have held your licence for at least a year.
- Licence: valid and unendorsed, and you must have the physical licence with you.
- Payment: a credit card in the driver’s name.
- Visitors: a valid passport as well.
- Under 25 at Avis: R155 per day young-driver surcharge, for a maximum of 10 days. Check this on your quote.
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
Both companies require a valid, unendorsed licence. Avis states it is required by law to see the physical licence before releasing the car, so a photo or copy will not do. Hertz does not publish a minimum licence-held period on its FAQ, so ask Hertz.
Avis accepts a temporary licence only with supporting documents: the renewal receipt, your ID and, if possible, your old licence. Its risk department checks these, which adds time at collection.
A foreign licence at Avis must be in English, carry a photo or ID or passport number and carry your signature. If it is in another language, an international driver’s licence must accompany it.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
- Additional drivers: each must show a valid licence and be listed on the agreement. Avis charges R532 and Hertz R500 per driver per rental, both including VAT. Hertz says an unlisted driver makes you liable for the full damage.
- Collision damage waiver at Avis: with the Standard waiver your liability is 10% of the average value of the car group; with the Super waiver it is 2%. Tyres, rims, hubcaps and windscreens are not included, but a separate Windscreen and Tyre Damage Waiver exists.
- Cross-border: Avis does not allow its cars into Angola, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Zambia.
- Admin fees: Hertz charges R800 per accident incl. VAT. Avis charges a damage admin fee of R150 (damage under R300) or R500.
Walk around the car with the agent and record existing damage before you leave, so it cannot be attributed to you later.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
At collection take your physical driver’s licence, a credit card in your name and, if you are an international visitor, your passport. Neither Avis nor Hertz lists proof of address among its collection documents.
The rental company places an authorisation hold on your card. Avis says the average holding amount above the rental cost is R3,500 and varies by rental; no funds are taken, but some branches add a R10 000 hold. Hertz notes that banks can take up to 21 working days to refund deposits or cancel authorisations.
Avis requires two payment cards, one of them a credit card, for car groups F, G, H, I, J, K, L, N and O. Hybrid cheque cards are accepted as a credit-card equivalent.
Registration or Application Process
- Book with the rental company and check its age, licence and payment rules for your car group.
- List every person who will drive.
- Choose your waiver or cover option and note the liability.
- At the counter, show your licence and credit card (and passport if you are a visitor), sign the agreement and inspect the car.
Book through Avis or Hertz directly, or the company of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to rent a car?
Be at least 18, hold a valid unendorsed licence (Avis wants it held for a year) and present a credit card in your name. Visitors also show a passport.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes. Avis does not accept debit cards, and Hertz requires a credit card in the main renter’s name.
Can I rent a car if I am under 25?
Both Avis and Hertz rent from age 18. Avis adds R155 per day for drivers under 25, for up to 10 days. Check the surcharge on your quote.
Can I rent with a temporary driving licence?
Avis accepts one with the renewal receipt, your ID and, if possible, your old licence, but it takes longer. Ask other companies before you travel.
Should I take the company’s waiver?
It reduces what you pay if the car is damaged. At Avis the Standard waiver leaves you liable for 10% of the average value of the car group and the Super waiver 2%, with tyres, rims, hubcaps and windscreens excluded.
How do I avoid a damage dispute?
Record existing damage at collection, list all drivers and keep your paperwork until the card hold is released.
Confirm the details with your rental company before you book. See driving and transport requirements and e-hailing driver requirements.