πŸ“ 7789 Othello Ave., Kearny Mesa, San Diego CA 92111 β€” 10 miles north of SAN Airport  Β·  Mon-Sat 9am-6pm ☎ 858-560-1919  |  rent@cmwcarrentals.com
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CMW Car Rentals Β· San Diego

International License Car Rental San Diego

CMW honors international driver's licenses β€” rent as a tourist, cross-border visitor, or foreign national. Cash and debit accepted.

20+
Years family-owned
75+
5-star reviews
$0
Per-mile charges
18+
Age minimum
βœ“ Drivers Age 18+
βœ“ No Mileage Limits
βœ“ Cash Β· Debit Β· Credit
βœ“ Roadside Assistance
βœ“ After-Hours Support
βœ“ International Licenses
Quick Facts

Can I Rent A Car In San Diego With An International License?

Yes. CMW Car Rentals accepts valid foreign and international driver's licenses. Visitors from outside the U.S. can rent in Kearny Mesa with no additional surcharge.

License TypesValid foreign national licenses and international driving permits accepted.
Minimum Age18 years old. No under-25 surcharge.
MileageUnlimited mileage on every rental.
PaymentCash, debit card, or credit card accepted.

Policy last updated May 15, 2026. Call 858-560-1919 for current rates and vehicle availability.

Renting With An International License

Visitors to San Diego often need a rental car to reach beaches, hotels, family, schools, medical appointments, or destinations beyond downtown. CMW honors international licenses when the license is valid and readable, helping travelers avoid confusion at larger rental counters.

If your license is not in English, it is helpful to bring an International Driving Permit or official translation along with the original license. The permit does not replace your license, but it can make the rental process smoother by showing the license details in a format staff can verify.

CMW accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards, which gives international visitors more flexibility when choosing how to pay. You can call ahead to confirm documentation, deposit expectations, and vehicle availability before traveling to the office.

Good To Know Before You Arrive

Driving in San Diego is much easier with a clear plan. Ask about approved driving areas, insurance requirements, pickup timing, and the best vehicle category for your trip.

  • Valid international driver's licenses are accepted.
  • An International Driving Permit is helpful when the license is not in English.
  • Cash, debit, and credit card payment options are available.
  • Drivers age 18 and older can rent with proper documentation.
  • Unlimited mileage is included for approved driving areas.

Whether you are visiting San Diego, driving to Los Angeles, or staying for several weeks, call CMW first so we can confirm what to bring and which vehicles are available.

International visitors should also ask about local driving expectations, approved travel areas, and return timing. A few minutes of planning can make the difference between a smooth pickup and a delay caused by missing documentation.

If you are arriving after a long flight or crossing from another region, confirming documents in advance helps you avoid extra trips or translation questions at pickup.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What foreign driver's licenses does CMW accept?+

CMW accepts valid driver's licenses from any country. If your license is not in English or Roman script, you should also bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent?+

An IDP is not required if your license is in English or includes a photo and Roman-script text that our staff can verify. However, it is strongly recommended for licenses issued in non-English languages.

Can a tourist rent without a US Social Security number?+

Yes. A US Social Security number is not required. CMW rents to tourists and international visitors with a valid foreign driver's license and passport for identity verification.

Can I rent with only a passport β€” no driver's license?+

No. A valid driver's license from your home country is required. A passport alone is not sufficient to rent a vehicle.

Is there a minimum stay requirement for international renters?+

No. CMW's minimum rental period (3 days) applies equally to all renters regardless of nationality. International visitors are subject to the same policies as any other renter.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?+

An International Driving Permit is helpful if your license is not in English. Bring the permit with your original valid license; it does not replace the license.

How much does a rental cost with an international license?+

Pricing depends on vehicle category, rental length, season, and availability. International license renters can call CMW for current rates and deposit details.

Can international visitors pay with cash or debit?+

Yes. CMW accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards from eligible renters, subject to normal deposit and documentation requirements.

Can I drive from San Diego to Los Angeles with an international license?+

Approved driving areas include San Diego and greater Los Angeles. Confirm your route, return timing, and rental terms when you reserve.

What should I bring besides my license?+

Bring your valid license, passport or ID, payment method, required insurance or coverage information, and an International Driving Permit or translation if needed.

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