Guide

Age, licence and card requirements

The legal minimum age to drive in Portugal is 18, but hire companies set their own rules, and the conditions on age, licence and payment card vary more than the prices.

Checked 2026-11-05.

Age

• Most companies hire to drivers aged 21 and over; some start at 19 for small cars, and larger or premium cars often need 25 or more.
• Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge per day, sometimes with a maximum per rental.
• A few companies also charge older drivers, typically from 70 or 75. Check the terms if this applies to you.

Licence

• Most companies want a licence held for at least one year, and some for two or three years for bigger cars.
• EU and EEA licences are accepted as at home.
• UK photocard licences are accepted for visits. If you have an old paper licence or one issued outside Great Britain and Northern Ireland, check the UK government's guidance on driving abroad.
• Other countries (including the US, Canada and Brazil): Portugal accepts licences for short visits, but some hire companies ask for an International Driving Permit as well, so check before you travel.

Payment card

The deposit is almost always blocked on a credit card in the main driver's name. Many companies refuse debit cards, prepaid cards and cards in someone else's name, or accept them only if you also buy their zero-excess cover. Make sure the card's limit covers the deposit on top of your holiday spending. See insurance, excess and deposits.

Additional drivers

Anyone else who will drive must be named on the agreement and present their licence at pickup. Expect a daily fee per extra driver; some companies include one partner for free.