What Documents Are Needed for Lisbon Airport Car Rental

🚗 What Documents You Need to Rent a Car at Lisbon Airport – 2025 Guide

Planning to rent a car at Lisbon Airport Terminal 1? ✈️ Whether you’re visiting Portugal for business 💼 or leisure 🏖️, having the right documents 📑 is essential for a smooth rental process. Forgetting even one item could delay your journey or prevent you from driving off altogether.

This detailed 2025 guide outlines all the required paperwork 📋 for tourists and residents alike — including licenses, payment cards, IDPs, and optional extras that can make your rental easier.

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🪪 Driver’s License: The Foundation of Your Rental

Your driver’s license is the most important document 🔑. You must present a physical, valid license that you’ve held for at least one full year.

If your license is from an EU country 🇪🇺, the UK 🇬🇧, or other Latin-script countries, you can usually use it without extra paperwork. If your license is in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g., Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese), then you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) 🧾.

📵 Digital or scanned licenses are not accepted.

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🌍 International Driving Permit (IDP): Do You Really Need It?

The IDP is an official translation 🗂️ of your license into multiple languages. It’s required if your license:

• 🔡 Is not written in Latin letters
• 🌐 Comes from a country with specific format requirements
• 🛂 Lacks photo, issue date, or validity indicators

Even when not strictly required, an IDP can help avoid confusion and delays at the counter.

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🛂 Passport or National ID: Identity Confirmation

If you’re not from Portugal 🇵🇹, you must show:

• A passport 🛬, or
• An EU/EEA national ID card 💳

🧾 Make sure the name on your ID matches your driver’s license and payment card.

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💳 Payment Card: Credit or Debit?

Most companies require a credit card 💳 in the main driver’s name to:

• Secure the booking
• Cover the deposit (security hold) 💰

Accepted cards:
✔️ Visa
✔️ Mastercard
✔️ American Express (sometimes)

If using a debit card, be sure that:

• It’s physical and embossed (not virtual or prepaid)
• You’re prepared to purchase full insurance 🛡️
• The name on the card matches your license and ID

Expect a deposit hold from €600 to €1,500, depending on car class and insurance.

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📧 Booking Confirmation: Digital or Printed

While optional, having your booking confirmation ready will:

• Speed up check-in
• Resolve potential disputes
• Prove rate and car class

You can present either:
📱 A digital copy on your phone
🖨️ A printed voucher

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🛡️ Insurance Options: What to Know Before You Sign

Most rentals include basic third-party insurance ✅, but with a high excess (deductible). Here are your choices:

• CDW: Covers damage, but you’re liable up to the excess
• Super CDW / Full Coverage: Minimizes or removes your responsibility
• Tire & Glass Protection: Adds coverage for windshield, wheels, and underbody
• Theft Protection: Usually included

💡 If you plan to rely on credit card insurance, bring written proof — and verify it’s accepted by your rental provider.

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👶 Young Driver Rules: Age Limits and Surcharges

Minimum age to rent is usually:

• 🧑‍🎓 21 years old (some allow 18 with fees)
• 📅 Must hold license for 1+ year

If under 25, expect:

• 🔁 Daily surcharge (€5–€15)
• 🚫 Restrictions on premium vehicles
• 📑 Extra documentation requests

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Additional Drivers: Documents Required

Sharing driving duties? The extra driver must be present and show:

• 📄 Driver’s license
• 🛂 Passport or ID
• 🧾 IDP (if needed)

Expect a fee of around €5–€10 per day. Remember: unregistered drivers invalidate insurance.

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🧾 Optional but Helpful Documents

Not mandatory, but useful:

• 🧳 Return flight confirmation – helps with debit card approval
• 🏨 Hotel address – useful for contact
• 🛣️ Toll road info/maps – if no Via Verde device is installed
• 👶 Child seat details – if you’re bringing or booking one
• 🏢 Business letter – for corporate rentals

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💼 Deposit & Fuel Policy Documents

Your rental agreement will include:

• ⛽ Fuel policy (full-to-full, full-to-empty)
• 💶 Deposit terms and conditions
• 📸 Vehicle condition report at pickup

🎯 Always inspect and photograph the car before driving away.

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✅ Summary: Document Checklist for Renting at Lisbon Airport

✅ Item	Required?
Driver’s license (1+ year)	✔️ Yes
Passport or EU/EEA ID	✔️ Yes
Credit/debit card (main driver)	✔️ Yes
International Driving Permit (IDP)	✔️ If needed
Booking confirmation	📱 Optional but helpful
Return flight confirmation	🛫 Optional
Insurance documents (if external)	🛡️ Recommended
Additional driver’s documents	👥 If applicable

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❌ What Happens If You’re Missing a Document?

Here’s what can go wrong if you’re unprepared:

• ❌ No driver’s license = No rental
• ❌ No IDP (if required) = Booking may be rejected
• ❌ No credit card = You’ll need to buy expensive insurance
• ❌ Name mismatch = Identity verification problems
• ❌ No booking proof = Delays or rate disputes

🛎️ Tip: If unsure, contact the provider ahead of time.

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💡 Final Tips for a Smooth Experience

• ⏰ Arrive early: Allow 30–60 minutes
• 📖 Read the fine print: Fuel, mileage, excess
• 📷 Take photos: Before and after use
• 🚦 Ask about toll device: Saves time on highways
• 🧾 Check the documents before signing anything

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Renting a car at Lisbon Airport is convenient — but only if you bring the correct documents. From your license and ID to your card and booking confirmation, each piece matters.

With this checklist and guide, you’re ready to rent quickly, confidently, and without unnecessary stress — even if it’s your first time renting in Portugal 🇵🇹.