Requirements for Renting
Requirements for Renting

To drive a Avis vehicle in New Zealand you must be over 21 years of age, and hold a current and valid licence (not being a restricted licence, learner’s licence) to drive the category of Vehicle for at least 12 consecutive months.

To drive an Avis vehicle in New Zealand,

(a) Drivers must be over 21 years of age, and hold a current and valid licence (not being a restricted licence, learner’s licence) to drive the category of Vehicle for at least 12 consecutive months;

(b) International Driver licences are accepted on “face value” but must be in English, or if not in English, the renter must have an English translation thereof. 

If the licence is not in English, an International Drivers Licence is required. Please see Do I need an international drivers licence? below.

Digital Drivers Licences (DDLs) issued by a Verification Authority in an Eligible Country MAY be accepted by the Avis as a valid form of identification for all purposes in which physical driver's licenses are currently accepted, PROVIDED that they meet the Avis security and authenticity requirements issued by the issuing Verification Authority (see below).

Eligible Countries

As at the date of this policy, DDLs issued by a Verification Authority in the following countries/states are accepted by the Avis :

(i) Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria); 

(ii) Brazil 

(iii) China 

(iv) Estonia 

(v) India 

(vi) Singapore 

(vii) United States of America (Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi and Utah).  

The following countries/states are either exploring, or in the process of developing, DDLs:

(i) New Zealand;

(ii) South Africa;

(iii) United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales); and

(iv) United States of America (Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming, Washington DC and Puerto Rico)   

Once the Verification Authority in these countries/states issue DDLs, they will be accepted by the Avis. Avis may at any time, and for any reason, reject a DDL.

Avis’s Security and Authenticity Requirements 

Avis will not accept a DDL unless it meets the following criteria:

1. DDLs must be issued by a Verification Authority of an Eligible Countries listed above;

2. DDLs must use strong encryption and biometric authentication to ensure their security; 

3. DDLs must be in English or, the customer must carry an accurate English translation;

4. DDL must include a photo of the holder of the DDL; and

5. DDL must include a QR Code, Barcode or similar scannable image allowing access to the DDLs information. 

Avis may reject or accept any DDL that does not meet, at its sole discretion, the requirements set out in this policy. 

Please note, a photo of a physical driver’s licence is NOT regarded as a valid DDL under this policy.

You must present a valid licence appropriate for the vehicle that is to be rented.

All digital licences will be checked live at the time of rental, a screenshot or photo of the licence is not acceptable.

A digital licence does not replace a physical licence and you should still carry your physical card when travelling outside the issuing state or territory.

If your driver licence is in any language other than English, it must be accompanied by an approved translation such as an International Driver Permit, issued in accordance with a United Nations Convention on road traffic. An international drivers permit is not a stand-alone document and must be carried with your valid domestic driving licence. 

Translations must be provided by a NZ Transport Agency authorised translation service, or a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate. Chinese licences are acceptable as long as they are also accompanied with a full English translation from an approved translator. This also includes a notary translation done in China.

Yes. If you lose or have your licence stolen and are waiting on a replacement, an NZTA driver licensing agent can issue a temporary driver licence.

This is accepted at time of rental.

Drivers must have a current form of ID to validate licence details.

Regardless of how you pay, when you start your rental, a pre-authorisation hold will be placed on your bank account for the duration of the rental. In addition, depending on your payment method or type of booking, additional Pre-authorisation holds will apply.

Pre-Authorisations

Please note the Pre-authorisation will be reflected as one amount on your bank account.

At the end of your rental

• Final applicable charges will be processed after your rental is returned; and if applicable any unused portion of the pre-authorisation hold will be released back onto your card.
• The time it takes to release the pre-authorisation hold is not within our control. Depending on your bank, the money is usually released from hold within 7-10 working days. If you have any queries regarding the time it takes to release this pre-authorisation hold, we recommend you contact your bank.
• As this is a temporary hold the pre-authorisation amount will not show as a transaction on your statement. Avis will not be held responsible for any overdraft fees incurred.

Sometimes you might like to share the driving responsibilites and kick back while someone else takes the wheel. Only those people whose names are recorded on the Rental Agreement may drive an Avis vehicle. For more information on additional drivers including any applicable charges please click here.

To ensure the safety of you and your passengers as well as others, the use of seatbelts is mandatory in New Zealand. Children of certain weight ranges may be required to use an approved child safety seat. For more information on these seats please click here.

You must present a valid credit/debit card and a current, full and valid driver licence in your own name. Any additional drivers must also be present at the time of rental and provide a current, full and valid driver licence.

Please Note: Avis does not accept electronic payments with phones or contactless tap and go payment types, you must present a physical card.

Your Rental Agreement details your personal information, your vehicle information, payment method, coverages and rental preferences. Remember to read it carefully as it's a legal binding document.

A Rental Agreement is the document you sign prior to each rental. A Master Rental Agreement is signed when you join Avis Preferred. It details your contact information, preferred payment method, coverages and rental preferences. It allows for faster handling of your reservation which means you can get on the road sooner.