Renting a car is a convenient and flexible way to travel, whether you’re exploring the scenic roads of Moldova or venturing onto new routes abroad. However, to get behind the wheel of a rental car, you must first prepare the correct set of documents. In this informative article, we will detail exactly what you need to complete your rental with Rent-Auto.md and when traveling internationally.
🇲🇩 Documents for Car Rental in Moldova
For car rental directly in Moldova, including with Rent-Auto.md, the following basic set of documents is typically required:
- Identity Card / Passport:
- For citizens of Moldova: A valid ID Card (Buletin de identitate).
- For foreign citizens: A valid Passport.
- Driving Licence:
- A valid national driving licence (Category “B”).
- Important: Most companies, including Rent-Auto.md, set requirements for a minimum driving experience (often 2-3 years) and a minimum driver age (usually 21-23 years).
- Credit/Debit Card:
- A card is usually required to block the deposit (security bond) in case of potential damage or fines. The card must be in the name of the main driver. Some smaller local companies may accept a cash deposit, but this is an exception rather than the rule.
🌍 Documents for Car Rental Abroad
If you plan to rent a car in another country, the list of requirements becomes stricter. In addition to your national documents, special attention is paid to the International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Passport:
- A valid passport is a standard requirement for international rentals.
- National Driving Licence:
- Your standard, valid licence.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) $\Leftrightarrow$ (Permisul Internațional de Conducere – PIC):
- The IDP is an official, multilingual translation of your national licence.
- Is it mandatory? In countries that are signatories to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (which includes Moldova), your national licence containing Latin characters should theoretically be sufficient. However, it is strongly recommended to have an IDP when renting in any country:
- Many large international rental companies require it as part of their internal policies.
- In countries that are only signatories to the Geneva Convention, the IDP is mandatory.
- Having one will significantly simplify communication with local police or rental company staff in case of an incident. The IDP is only valid when presented alongside your original national driving licence.
- Credit Card:
- Almost always, a credit card (not debit) in the main driver’s name is required to secure the deposit. The deposit amount can be substantial.
- Booking Voucher:
- A printed confirmation (voucher) of your reservation.
❓ 10 Questions and Answers on Car Rental
- Q: What is the minimum age to rent a car at Rent-Auto.md?
- A: Generally, the minimum age is 23 years, although for some car classes and companies it may be 21. Drivers under 25 may sometimes incur an additional fee (“young driver surcharge”).
- Q: What is the minimum driving experience required?
- A: In most cases, a minimum driving experience of at least 2-3 years is required.
- Q: Can I rent a car in Moldova using only my national licence from another country?
- A: If your national licence contains information in Latin characters and the issuing country is a party to the Vienna Convention, this is usually possible. However, for citizens of non-contracting countries, or for extra security, an International Driving Permit (IDP) will be necessary.
- Q: Is a credit card mandatory for the security deposit?
- A: Most international and large local companies require a credit card to block the deposit. Using a debit card or depositing cash may be possible only at some smaller local agencies and often comes with stricter conditions.
- Q: What is the difference between an IDP and my national licence?
- A: The national licence grants you the right to drive. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is simply an official translation of your national licence into several languages (often 8 or more), confirming its validity abroad. It is illegal without the presentation of the original national licence.
- Q: How long does it take to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
- A: The timeframe depends on the country and the issuing authority (usually government services, like the Public Services Agency in Moldova). Depending on the procedure, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Plan its acquisition in advance.
- Q: What happens if I return the car later than the agreed time?
- A: Delays generally lead to penalties or payment for an additional day of rental. Always notify the rental company of the need to extend your rental in advance.
- Q: Can a second driver be included in the contract?
- A: Yes, this is a standard procedure, but almost always for an additional fee. The second driver must meet all age and experience requirements and present their documents during the booking process.
- Q: Do I need a visa to rent a car abroad?
- A: If a visa is required to enter the rental country, you may be asked to provide proof of legal stay (e.g., your visa or residence permit) when formalizing the rental agreement.
- Q: What if my driving licence is not in the Latin alphabet (e.g., Cyrillic)?
- A: When renting abroad, if your licence does not have dual entries in the Latin alphabet, having an IDP becomes mandatory, as it provides an official translation that is understandable to rental company staff and law enforcement.