If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, your options for renting a car will be limited depending on your specific rental company’s policies. If you have a restricted, suspended, or conditional license, you will be unable to rent a car as all companies require a valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
If you have been charged with a DUI but not yet convicted, and your license is not restricted or suspended, then you may be able to rent a car depending on your rental company’s policies.
Here’s why you should trust me: I’ve been a lawyer in Minnesota since 1987, and I’ve defended hundreds of DUI cases. I was named Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer three times — and I’ve been included on the list of the Best Lawyers in America every year since 2007. In 2021, I was named a "Minnesota ICON" in the field of criminal defense.
Can you rent a car with a DUI?
Whether or not you can rent a car with a DUI, or how long you’ll have to wait after a conviction to be able to rent a car, depends on the rental company’s policies. Several companies, like Avis and Budget, require a 4-year waiting period following a DUI conviction before allowing a rental. Other companies, like Enterprise, Hertz, and Payless don’t specifically mention DUIs, but still require a valid, unrestricted license.
No rental car companies are known to offer vehicles with ignition interlock devices — so if you’re required to drive with an IID, you will not be able to rent a car.
Do car rental companies always check your license status?
Yes, car rental companies will always check your license status to ensure it is valid. However, not all rental companies will run your criminal record — meaning you may be able to rent a car even if you had a recent DUI conviction, as long as you have a valid, unrestricted license.
That said, breaking the terms of your rental agreement in any way means you’re on the hook for any damages should an accident occur (or lawsuits should anyone be injured).
What are the requirements to rent a car?
While every car rental company’s specific requirements vary, all will require a valid, unrestricted license.
Other disqualifications for renting a car may include:
- Reckless driving convictions
- Failure to report an accident/leaving the scene of accident conviction
- Possession of a stolen vehicle or use of a vehicle in a crime
- Moving violations (excluding seatbelt violations, typically 3 or more in a specified time period)
- Accidents (typically 2 or more in a specified time period)
How an attorney can help after a DUI conviction
A DUI conviction doesn’t just make it harder to rent a car. It can also make it harder to rent an apartment or get a job.
If you’ve already been convicted of a DUI, you might think you’re out of options — but you’re not. An attorney can still help you expunge your record, reinstate your license, and get your life back on track sooner.
Of course, your options are more limited after you’ve been convicted — so if you’ve been recently charged with a DUI, you still have a chance to fight your conviction. Reach out to us as soon as possible to start building your case.
