Are you planning a trip to Spain and wondering how to move around freely? One of the most common questions we get at Moovers.es is: What do I need to rent a car in Spain as a tourist?
And it’s completely normal to have doubts if you’re coming from another country:
Is my driver’s license valid?
Do I need any special documents?
Can I pay with a debit card?
Is there an age limit? In this article, we’ll answer all those questions so you can arrive in Spain feeling confident and fully prepared.
We speak from real experience, not theory. We’ve been working with international clients for years and we know exactly what can go smoothly — and what can cause issues if you don’t have the right information before renting.
Why Rent a Car in Spain as a Tourist?
Spain is a country best enjoyed on four wheels. Sure, train and bus connections are decent, but if you truly want freedom, flexibility, and access to hidden gems, renting a car is your best option.
Plus, you’ll enjoy benefits like:
- Saving time on transport.
- Visiting multiple destinations in one day.
- Reaching beaches, towns, and scenic routes that public transport doesn’t cover.
- Traveling more comfortably with family or friends.
But to enjoy your trip with peace of mind, it’s crucial to understand exactly what you need to rent a car in Spain as a foreigner. Let’s go step by step.
Basic Requirements to Rent a Car as a Tourist
A Valid Driver’s License in Spain
This is where most of the confusion starts. To rent a car in Spain as a foreign visitor, you’ll need:
- A valid, unexpired driver’s license issued in your home country.
- The license must be written in the Latin alphabet (such as English, Spanish, French, German, etc.).
- If your license uses a non-Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese), you must provide either: An International Driving Permit (IDP), or An official translation into Spanish or English.
An IDP does not replace your original license — it simply complements it as an official translation recognized worldwide.
Expired or temporary licenses are not accepted.
Passport or Identification Document
You’ll also need an official ID:
- If you’re coming from outside the European Union, you must present your original passport.
- If you’re from an EU country, a national ID card (DNI) is accepted.
You may also be asked to provide a contact address in Spain (such as your hotel), although this is not always required.
Credit or Debit Card and Security Deposit
Once your license and ID are sorted, it’s time to talk payments — and here’s where it can vary between companies.
At Moovers, we accept credit cards and some debit cards, as long as they are under the main driver’s name. Key points to know:
- A deposit will be held, which is refunded at the end of the rental if there is no damage.
- The deposit amount depends on the vehicle type and whether you add extra insurance.
Pro tip: Make sure you have enough available balance on your card. The deposit is not a charge, but the amount is temporarily blocked.
Mandatory Insurance and Optional Coverage
By law, every rental car must include basic third-party liability insurance. However, this only covers the minimum. For a stress-free experience, we highly recommend:
Here’s what that means:
- Excess: the portion you pay out of pocket in case of damage. For example, if the excess is €600, that’s your maximum liability even for a minor scratch.
- No-excess coverage: costs a bit more upfront, but you won’t have to worry about small repairs.
You can also add coverage for glass, tires, theft, breakdowns, etc.
At Moovers, we offer several plans so you can choose the one that best fits your trip. Check our terms and conditions for full details.
Restrictions and Conditions You Should Know
Mileage
Some rates include limited mileage. If you go over the limit, you’ll pay a fee per extra kilometer. Other rates offer unlimited mileage.
At Moovers, we adapt to your travel style:
Our Infinity or Fly & Drive rates include unlimited mileage.
The Basic Rate includes 160 km/day, with a maximum of 3,000 km per rental.
After that, we charge €0.25/km for any excess.
Permitted Driving Areas
Not all cars can be driven anywhere. Some rental conditions:
- Do not allow leaving Spain without prior approval.
- Restrict travel to islands (e.g. Balearic or Canary Islands) or remote rural zones.
- Require permission to take the car on a ferry.
At Moovers, we’re happy to confirm in advance if your planned itinerary is allowed.
Additional Drivers
If you plan to share driving, you’ll need to add an additional driver to the contract.
Usually, there’s a small extra charge, but this ensures that both drivers are covered by insurance.
Important: Only drivers listed on the contract are legally authorized to drive.
Return Schedule and Conditions
Plan your return time and date carefully. If you’re late, some companies may charge hourly fees or even a full extra day.
You must also return the car with the agreed fuel level. Failing to do so can result in extra charges.
At Moovers, we keep things transparent:
- The car must be returned at the agreed location, date and time, and in the same condition, including keys, documents, and accessories.
- Any changes may result in extra fees. If the car is returned excessively dirty (requiring more than 30 minutes of cleaning), a €100 cleaning fee will apply.
- Maximum rental duration is 25 days.
- Early returns do not entitle you to a refund for unused days.
- There’s a 59-minute grace period. After that, a €25 penalty plus one extra rental day will apply.
- Expired contracts cannot be extended. If we suspect unauthorized possession of the car beyond the grace period, we will follow legal procedures.
- To extend your rental, you must notify us at least 24 hours in advance, undergo a new vehicle inspection, and sign a new contract.
- If the car is not returned to the agreed location, you’ll be charged for extra days, a €25 penalty, and vehicle repatriation costs. Dropping the car at the Departure Terminal or any unauthorized location is strictly prohibited.
- Abandoning the vehicle outside the agreed drop-off point results in a €200 penalty, plus recovery costs.
- The car may be geolocated by GPS if needed.
- For after-hours returns (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.), you can use AquaCar Parking (Torrellano, Alicante), paying €25 at the time. Only available with the Infinity rate.
FAQs – Renting a Car in Spain as a Foreigner
What do I need to rent a car in Spain as a foreigner?
You need:
- Be at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience.
- A valid driver’s license in the Latin alphabet or with an IDP.
- A valid passport or ID.
- A credit or debit card for the security deposit.
- Fulfill all rental conditions (mileage, zones, etc.).
Can I rent a car with a foreign license?
Yes — as long as it’s valid in Spain. If it’s not in the Latin alphabet, you’ll need an official translation or an IDP.
How much is blocked for the deposit?
The deposit is shown on the front of the contract as “Fianza”, depending on the vehicle group:
- Groups A, AA, B, BA: €1,000 excess
- Groups C, CA, SC, SCA, D, DA, F, FA: €1,250 excess
- Groups CP, SP, GP, SG, SGA, FX, G, GA, H, HA, HX: €2,000 excess
The deposit is held or charged only via VISA or Mastercard credit card, under the main driver’s name.
Can I rent with just a debit card?
It depends on the company. At Moovers, we accept some debit cards under specific conditions. We recommend contacting us in advance to confirm.
Can I cross borders with the car?
In some cases, yes — but you must inform us during booking.
Trips to Portugal or France, for example, may require approval and an extra fee.
What We’ve Learned at Moovers
Over the years, we’ve seen all kinds of situations with international clients. Here are some real tips:
- Call ahead and ask about your license. What’s valid in one country might not be accepted in another.
- Read the fuel and mileage policies carefully. They’re often overlooked and can result in charges.
- Even if you think you don’t need an IDP — double check. Just because your license is valid in your country doesn’t mean it is here.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know exactly what you need to rent a car in Spain as a non-resident, the best part is still ahead:
Choose your car, plan your route, pack your bags… and let the road surprise you with landscapes and unforgettable moments.
At Moovers, we’re ready to make your experience smooth and simple — with new cars, no hidden fees, and a friendly team to help you every step of the way.
Still have questions?
Want to check if your license is valid?
Prefer to book by phone or WhatsApp?
Get in touch with us today and rent your car in Spain with no hassle.