12 Things to Know Before Booking a Self-Drive Car Rental in India

4. Documentation Requirements and Legal Compliance

Before booking, confirm the documents the company requires and whether your licence is accepted for inter-state travel. Most firms ask for a valid Indian driving licence, one or two ID proofs (like Aadhaar or passport copy), and a passport-sized photo. Age limits often apply—many companies require drivers to be 21 or 23 and to have held a valid licence for a certain number of months. If you plan to cross state lines, ask whether special permits or additional paperwork are needed for that particular state. Some regions have unique rules or temporary permits for out-of-state vehicles. Ask about additional driver registration if someone else will drive. Keep digital copies and original documents handy at pickup. Confirm that the rental agreement will list the approved driver names to avoid complications with traffic police or insurance claims later on.