When collecting a rental car in Spain, you normally need your valid driving licence, passport or other accepted identification, booking confirmation and the payment card or payment documentation required for your reservation. If your driving licence requires an International Driving Permit in Spain, you must bring that as well. Every additional driver must also provide the required driving-licence documentation before they can drive the vehicle.
The exact documents depend on:
- The country that issued your driving licence
- Whether you are a tourist or resident
- Your rental company’s requirements
- Your payment arrangement
- Whether additional drivers will use the vehicle
For Blanca Cars, the current FAQ tells customers to bring the documents and identification specified in their booking confirmation. This normally includes the required identification and a valid driving licence for every authorised driver.
The current Blanca Cars Terms additionally require drivers to provide appropriate identification and payment documentation and state that only drivers listed on the rental contract are authorised to drive.
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Applies to: Rental-car collection in Spain, with specific information for Blanca Cars customers on the Costa Blanca
Quick Answer: What Should I Bring When Collecting My Rental Car?
For a typical Blanca Cars rental, prepare:
- Valid original driving licence
- Passport, national ID or other accepted identification
- International Driving Permit if required for your licence
- Booking confirmation
- Accepted debit or credit card where required by your booking
- Any other payment documentation specified in your confirmation
- Driving licence and required documents for every additional driver
The most important rule is:
Read your booking confirmation before travelling and bring the documents specified for your individual reservation.
Do not assume that the documents required by another rental company — or even by a previous holiday — will automatically be the same.
What Is the Most Important Document?
Your valid driving licence.
The person driving the rental vehicle must be legally entitled to drive in Spain.
DGT lists the driver’s licence among the mandatory documents required to drive legally in Spain and states that the relevant documents must be originals or officially certified copies.
For rental collection, bring the physical licence required for your circumstances.
Do not rely solely on:
- Photograph
- Screenshot
- Scan
- Email attachment
- Photocopy
unless the rental company and applicable law specifically accept that form.
Does the Driving Licence Have to Be Valid?
Yes.
An expired licence should not be used to collect or drive a rental vehicle.
Check before travelling:
- Licence expiry date
- Name
- Vehicle category
- Restrictions
- How long you have held the licence
Do this before your flight rather than at the rental handover.
What Type of Driving Licence Do I Need?
For most ordinary passenger rental cars, you need a full licence covering the equivalent of:
Category B passenger cars.
The exact recognition rules depend on the country that issued your licence.
The main groups are:
- EU/EEA licences
- UK licences
- Other non-EU/EEA licences
These are not all treated identically.
What Documents Do EU and EEA Drivers Need?
If your valid licence was issued in an EU or EEA country, DGT states that it is valid for driving in Spain while it remains in force.
This includes licences from EU countries plus:
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
A typical EU/EEA customer should therefore bring:
Driving licence
Valid original EU/EEA licence.
Identification
Passport or accepted national identity document according to the booking requirements.
Booking confirmation
Keep your reservation details available.
Payment documentation
Bring the payment method specified in your Blanca Cars booking.
An International Driving Permit is not normally required for a valid EU/EEA licence.
Read: Can I Use an EU Driving Licence in Spain?
What Does a British Customer Need?
A British tourist should normally bring:
- Valid physical UK photocard driving licence
- Passport
- Booking confirmation
- Payment documentation specified for the booking
A British visitor using a valid qualifying UK photocard licence does not normally need an International Driving Permit for Spain.
If you have:
- An old paper licence
- An unusual licence format
- Licence restrictions
- Resident status in Spain
check the specific requirements before travelling.
Read: Can I Use a UK Driving Licence in Spain?
What Do American Customers Need?
For an American tourist, the safest document combination is:
- Valid physical U.S. driving licence
- Official International Driving Permit
- Passport
- Booking confirmation
- Payment documentation specified in the booking
DGT’s current visitor guidance tells drivers with licences issued outside the EU/EEA to have an International Driving Permit and carry it with their passport or identity document.
The IDP does not replace the American licence.
Bring both.
Read: Can an American Drive a Rental Car in Spain?
What Do Canadian Customers Need?
A Canadian visitor should prepare:
- Valid physical Canadian driving licence
- Official International Driving Permit
- Passport
- Booking confirmation
- Required payment documentation
Again:
IDP + original national licence
is the correct combination.
An IDP alone is not sufficient.
Read: Can a Canadian Drive a Rental Car in Spain?
What About Other Non-EU Driving Licences?
DGT’s current visitor guidance states that drivers whose licences were issued outside the EU/EEA should have an International Driving Permit and carry it together with their passport or identity document.
DGT’s more detailed foreign-licence rules also recognise some foreign licences where they:
- Are written in Spanish
- Are accompanied by an official Spanish translation
- Follow recognised Geneva Convention formats
- Follow recognised Vienna Convention formats
- Otherwise meet Spain’s foreign-licence recognition conditions
Because these rules depend on the issuing country, the best practical advice is:
If your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, check the specific rule before travelling and obtain an official IDP where required.
Read: Do I Need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit — IDP is a multilingual document used alongside your national driving licence.
It does not replace your licence.
DGT expressly states that an international permit is a complementary document and must be carried together with:
- Valid national driving licence
- Passport
when it is required.
Therefore:
Correct
National licence + IDP
Incorrect
IDP only
If your licence requires an IDP, bring both documents to the rental handover.
Do I Need My Passport?
International customers should bring the identification specified in their booking.
For many tourists, this will be their:
Passport
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that drivers must provide identification documentation such as an:
- ID card
- Residence card
- Passport
together with the other driver requirements.
A driving licence proves driving entitlement.
A passport or identity document proves identity.
They serve different purposes.
Can an EU Customer Use a National ID Card Instead of a Passport?
Depending on nationality and the applicable booking requirements, an accepted national identity card may be sufficient identification.
The Blanca Cars Terms refer to identity cards as well as residence cards and passports.
However, customers should follow the identification request in their booking confirmation.
If your confirmation says:
Passport
bring your passport.
Do Spanish Residents Need a NIE or Residence Card?
If your booking or circumstances require residence documentation, bring it.
The current Blanca Cars Terms refer to:
- ID card
- Residence card
- Passport
as part of the documentation requirements.
Your NIE number alone should not automatically be assumed to replace a physical identity or residence document where one is required.
Follow the booking instructions.
Do I Need My Booking Confirmation?
Bring it or have it easily accessible.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ states that customers should follow the instructions contained in their booking confirmation, including the collection arrangements and documentation applying to their reservation.
Your confirmation can help verify:
- Name
- Booking dates
- Collection location
- Vehicle category
- Arrival details
- Payment arrangements
- Collection instructions
For airport rentals, it can also contain important meeting instructions.
Does the Booking Confirmation Have to Be Printed?
Not necessarily unless your individual instructions say so.
A digital booking confirmation on your phone is normally practical because it allows you to access:
- Reservation information
- Contact details
- Collection instructions
However, this is different from your driving licence, where you should bring the required original physical document.
A digital booking email and a digital photograph of a driving licence are not equivalent.
Do I Need a Credit Card When Collecting the Car?
Not simply because you are renting with Blanca Cars.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ says a credit card is not required merely to rent a Blanca Cars vehicle and that supported debit-card payment methods are available, subject to the arrangements for the particular booking.
Therefore:
Do not assume you need a credit card.
But you should bring the payment card or payment documentation specified in your booking.
Can I Bring a Debit Card Instead?
Blanca Cars allows supported debit-card payment arrangements.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ confirms that debit-card payment methods are available.
Blanca Cars’ current debit-card guidance also states that customers using debit-card car hire should bring:
- Driving licence
- Passport or accepted ID
- Booking confirmation
- Accepted debit card
and says the accepted debit or credit card should be in the driver’s name.
Does the Payment Card Need to Be in the Driver’s Name?
Current Blanca Cars debit-card guidance says the accepted debit or credit card should be in the relevant driver’s name.
Therefore, do not arrive expecting to rely on:
- Friend’s card
- Parent’s card
- Partner’s card
without first confirming that arrangement.
The safest approach is for the applicable driver to bring the accepted payment method specified in the reservation.
What if I Have Already Paid Before Arrival?
Still follow the documentation instructions in your booking confirmation.
Payment before collection does not necessarily remove the requirement to bring:
- Driving licence
- Identification
- Payment card or other required financial documentation
A payment card can serve purposes beyond simply paying the rental price.
The booking confirmation is the best source for the documents required for your individual reservation.
Are Airport Payment Arrangements Different?
They can be.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ says payment arrangements may differ between:
- Local collections/deliveries
- Airport bookings
and specifically tells customers to use the payment method specified for their airport reservation.
Therefore, customers should not assume that the local collection procedure automatically applies at:
- Alicante Airport
- Valencia Airport
Follow the instructions in the confirmed airport reservation.
What Should I Bring for Alicante Airport Car Hire?
For a typical Alicante Airport booking, have ready:
- Valid driving licence
- Passport or accepted ID
- IDP where required
- Booking confirmation
- Payment documentation specified in the reservation
- Required documents for any additional drivers
Older Blanca Cars Alicante guidance also lists:
- Booking confirmation
- Valid driving licence
- Passport
- Debit or credit card in the driver’s name
for collection.
However, because booking and payment procedures can change, use the current booking confirmation and FAQ as the primary source.
What Should I Bring for Valencia Airport Car Hire?
Prepare the same essential documentation:
- Driving licence
- Passport/ID
- IDP where applicable
- Booking confirmation
- Applicable payment method
- Additional-driver documentation
Historical Blanca Cars Valencia Airport guidance similarly identifies the booking confirmation, valid licence, passport and debit/credit card in the driver’s name as collection documents.
The current FAQ instructs customers to follow the specific Valencia Airport collection and payment instructions supplied with the reservation.
What Do I Need for Local Home Delivery?
If Blanca Cars delivers the vehicle to your:
- Villa
- Apartment
- Hotel
- Home
- Garage
- Local accommodation
you still need to complete the rental handover properly.
Have available:
- Valid driving licence
- Required ID
- IDP where necessary
- Booking information
- Applicable payment documentation
- Additional-driver licences
Home delivery does not remove the driver-verification requirements.
What If I Am Paying Cash?
Cash is available for eligible Blanca Cars local deliveries on the Costa Blanca North.
The current FAQ states that cash is:
- Available for qualifying local deliveries
- Not available for Alicante Airport bookings
- Not available for Valencia Airport bookings
and customers intending to pay cash should arrange this in advance.
Paying cash does not mean you can arrive without:
- Driving licence
- Identification
- Other documentation required by the rental agreement
Payment method and driving eligibility are separate issues.
Does Paying Cash Mean I Do Not Need Any Card?
Do not make that assumption.
The current Blanca Cars Terms contain card and guarantee provisions separate from the way the rental price itself is paid.
Therefore:
Cash payment for an eligible rental and the documentation/security requirements of the rental contract are separate questions.
If you plan to pay cash and do not have an accepted payment card, confirm your exact requirements with Blanca Cars before collection.
What Documents Does an Additional Driver Need?
Every additional driver needs to satisfy the driver requirements independently.
At minimum this means the applicable:
- Valid driving licence
- IDP where required
- Identification requested by Blanca Cars
The current FAQ says another person may drive only if they meet the driver requirements and are registered as an authorised driver on the rental agreement.
The Terms state that drivers listed on the contract are the only authorised drivers.
Does an Additional Driver Need to Be Present at Collection?
The driver’s identity and licence eligibility need to be verified before they are authorised to drive.
If an additional driver cannot attend the original handover, do not simply allow them to start driving later.
Contact Blanca Cars and arrange for them to be properly:
- Verified
- Added
- Authorised
before they drive.
Is My Husband or Wife Automatically an Authorised Driver?
No.
Marriage does not automatically add someone to the rental contract.
Neither does being:
- Partner
- Friend
- Parent
- Child
- Travel companion
The driver must be properly authorised.
Even if they have a perfectly valid driving licence, they should not drive until they are listed according to the rental procedure.
Is an Additional Driver Included?
The current Blanca Cars FAQ says an additional authorised driver is included according to the applicable rental conditions.
However:
Included does not mean undocumented.
The second driver still needs to satisfy the requirements and be registered on the rental agreement.
How Old Must Drivers Be?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state:
Driver age over 25 years old.
This applies separately from the question of which documents you bring.
For example:
Driver age:
23
Documents:
Perfect
Result:
The driver may still fail the standard published age condition.
How Long Must I Have Held My Licence?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that the driver must have held a valid driving licence for:
At least two years.
Therefore, bringing a valid licence does not automatically mean you satisfy the rental conditions.
Both matter:
Licence validity
Is the licence currently legal?
Licence history
Have you held it for long enough?
What if I Recently Renewed My Driving Licence?
A recently issued physical card does not necessarily mean you only recently became licensed.
For example:
Original driving test:
2005
Current licence card renewed:
2026
Driving history:
More than 20 years
If your physical licence does not make the original entitlement date clear and Blanca Cars needs to verify how long you have been licensed, bring supporting documentation where appropriate.
Contact Blanca Cars before travel if you think your licence format could create confusion.
What if My Licence Was Reissued After I Lost It?
The same principle applies.
A replacement licence may have a recent issue date even though you have been driving for many years.
If needed, supporting evidence from your licensing authority can help establish your driving history.
Do not automatically assume that the replacement-card date is the same as your original licence date.
What if My Licence Is Damaged?
A badly damaged licence may be difficult to verify.
Potential problems include:
- Unreadable name
- Unclear photograph
- Missing expiry date
- Unreadable categories
- Broken card
Replace a seriously damaged driving licence before travelling if possible.
Rental staff need to be able to verify your legal entitlement.
What if My Name Is Different on My Licence and Passport?
This can happen after:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Legal name change
Bring appropriate supporting documentation if the difference could make it difficult to verify your identity.
For example:
Driving licence:
Anna Smith
Passport:
Anna Jones
A marriage or legal name-change document can help establish that both documents belong to the same person.
Contact Blanca Cars before arrival if you expect a problem.
Does My Booking Name Need to Match My Identification?
Use your legal name when booking wherever possible.
Significant differences between:
- Booking
- Passport
- Driving licence
can complicate identification.
For example, using:
Mike
on the booking while the passport says:
Michael
is usually easier to understand than completely different surnames.
But the safest option is always to enter your details accurately.
What if My Passport Expires During the Trip?
Your travel and identification documents should remain valid according to the immigration and identification rules applying to your trip.
Do not use the rental collection as the first time you check your passport expiry.
Check all document dates before booking travel.
Can I Collect the Car Without My Original Driving Licence?
Do not assume so.
DGT says mandatory driving documentation must be original or officially certified.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ requires a valid driving licence for authorised drivers.
A:
- Phone photo
- Photocopy
- Screenshot
should not be relied upon as a substitute for the original licence.
What if I Leave My Driving Licence at Home?
Contact Blanca Cars immediately.
Do not simply arrive hoping the rental can proceed.
If the driver’s legal licence cannot be properly verified, Blanca Cars may be unable to authorise that person to drive.
Possible alternatives might depend on whether another person in the booking:
- Has the correct documents
- Satisfies the age requirement
- Meets the two-year licence rule
- Can become the authorised driver
Do not assume this can always be changed.
What if I Forget My Passport?
Contact Blanca Cars before collection.
Whether another identity document can be accepted depends on:
- Nationality
- Residence status
- Documents available
- Booking requirements
Do not assume a driving licence alone will always satisfy all identity requirements.
What if I Forget My International Driving Permit?
If your licence requires an IDP to be legally recognised in Spain, this can prevent you from satisfying the driver’s documentation requirements.
DGT’s current visitor guidance specifically says non-EU/EEA drivers should have the international permit together with their passport or ID.
The best solution is prevention:
Check whether you need an IDP before leaving home.
What if I Forget My Payment Card?
Contact Blanca Cars.
Your options depend on:
- Payment already made
- Booking location
- Accepted alternative payment methods
- Whether cash was pre-arranged
- Current rental conditions
Do not assume someone else’s card will automatically be accepted.
Can Someone Else Pay for My Rental?
Payment arrangements should be confirmed before arrival if the person paying and the person driving are different.
Current Blanca Cars debit-card guidance says the applicable accepted card should be in the driver’s name.
If someone else intends to pay:
- Partner
- Parent
- Company
- Friend
confirm the arrangement with Blanca Cars first.
What About Company Rentals?
For a business rental, the company may pay for the booking, but every person actually driving the vehicle still needs to satisfy the driver requirements.
Business payment does not replace:
- Driving licence
- ID
- IDP where required
- Driver authorisation
The individual driver must still be legally entitled to drive.
What Documents Does the Rental Car Itself Need?
These are different from the documents you bring.
DGT says vehicles driving in Spain need:
- Driving licence of the driver
- Vehicle registration document
- Technical inspection documentation — ITV
and states that these requirements also apply to rental vehicles.
The vehicle-related documentation should be supplied with the rental car.
You do not normally bring the rental vehicle’s:
- Registration certificate
- ITV documentation
from home.
Blanca Cars provides the vehicle with its required documentation.
Should I Check the Vehicle Documents Before Driving?
Yes.
DGT specifically advises rental-car users to check that the rental vehicle contains the mandatory vehicle documentation before beginning the journey.
You should know where the relevant documents are kept.
This is useful if:
- Guardia Civil stops you
- You are involved in an accident
- Authorities request vehicle information
Do I Need to Carry an Insurance Certificate in the Car?
DGT states that since 2008 it has not been mandatory in Spain to carry the insurance policy or latest insurance-payment receipt in the vehicle, although the vehicle must of course have the required insurance in force.
The rental company handles the vehicle’s insurance arrangements.
As the customer, you should still understand the insurance conditions applying to your rental.
Read: What Does Rental-Car Insurance Normally Cover?
Should I Read the Rental Agreement Before Driving?
Yes.
Collection is not only about showing documents.
Before driving away, understand:
- Authorised drivers
- Insurance
- Excess
- Damage exclusions
- Fuel policy
- Return arrangements
- Emergency contact
- Vehicle condition
The Blanca Cars Terms state that by signing the contract, the renter confirms they have inspected the vehicle and that it is in good condition.
Should I Inspect the Car at Collection?
Yes.
Before leaving, check:
- Bodywork
- Bumpers
- Wheels
- Tyres
- Windscreen
- Mirrors
- Interior
- Fuel level
- Existing damage
Make sure any relevant existing damage is understood and documented.
Taking your own photographs is also useful.
Should I Check Which Fuel the Car Uses?
Yes.
Before leaving collection, know whether the vehicle requires:
- Petrol
- Diesel
- Another fuel type
Do not guess at the petrol station.
Incorrect fuel can result in significant repair and recovery costs.
Should I Save the Blanca Cars Emergency Number?
Yes.
Save the contact details supplied with your rental before you begin driving.
Current Blanca Cars public contact information includes:
Having the number stored in your phone is particularly useful for:
- Accident
- Breakdown
- Warning light
- Flat tyre
- Lost key
- Wrong fuel
- Other urgent rental problem
Should I Check That Additional Drivers Are Listed Before Leaving?
Yes.
Do this before anyone else drives.
The current Terms state that only drivers included in the contract are authorised.
Check that:
- Name is correct
- Driver has provided required documents
- Authorisation is complete
Do not wait until after an accident to discover that a second driver was never added.
What Happens if I Do Not Have the Required Documents?
Blanca Cars may be unable to hand over the vehicle or authorise a particular person to drive.
Examples include:
- Expired licence
- Missing licence
- Missing required IDP
- Driver below eligibility age
- Licence held for insufficient time
- Missing identity documentation
- Payment documentation does not satisfy booking requirements
This is why document checking should happen:
Before travel
not:
At collection
Will I Automatically Get a Refund if I Arrive Without the Correct Documents?
Do not assume so.
Whether cancellation, modification or refund rights apply depends on:
- Booking terms
- Reason the vehicle cannot be supplied
- Cancellation conditions
- Individual circumstances
The best solution is to check your documents before travelling.
Can Another Driver Take Over the Booking if My Documents Are Wrong?
Possibly, but only if Blanca Cars approves the change and the alternative driver satisfies all requirements.
For example:
Original driver:
- Licence expired
Partner:
- Age 42
- Valid licence
- Licence held 15 years
- Correct documentation
There may be a potential solution, but do not assume the booking can simply be transferred automatically.
Contact Blanca Cars.
Example: EU Tourist Collecting in Jávea
Sophie is from the Netherlands.
She has:
- Valid Dutch driving licence
- Passport/ID
- Booking confirmation
- Accepted payment documentation
Her EU licence is recognised in Spain without an IDP.
She has held the licence for 12 years and meets the Blanca Cars age requirement.
Her document preparation is straightforward.
Example: British Tourist at Alicante Airport
James arrives from the UK.
He brings:
- Valid UK photocard driving licence
- Passport
- Booking confirmation
- Payment documentation stated in his airport booking
As a British tourist with a qualifying photocard licence, he does not normally require an IDP for Spain.
He should also follow the specific Alicante Airport collection instructions in his confirmation.
Example: American Tourist
Michael arrives from Florida.
He brings:
- Original Florida driving licence
- Official IDP
- Passport
- Blanca Cars booking confirmation
- Required payment documentation
He has held his licence for 20 years and is 45.
This is the correct practical preparation for an American tourist renting with Blanca Cars.
Example: Canadian Tourist
Sarah arrives from Ontario.
She brings:
- Original Ontario driving licence
- Official Canadian IDP
- Passport
- Booking confirmation
- Required payment documents
She has held her licence for 15 years and is over 25.
She is ready for the driver-document verification process.
Example: Additional Driver Forgot Their Licence
Peter makes the booking.
His wife Anna intends to share the driving.
Peter has all his documents.
Anna has forgotten her licence.
Peter can still potentially be the authorised main driver if all his own conditions are satisfied.
But Anna should not drive until Blanca Cars has been able to verify her documentation and add her properly.
Being Peter’s wife does not automatically authorise her.
Example: Customer Brings a Phone Photo of Their Licence
David has left his driving licence at home.
He shows a photograph on his phone.
DGT states that mandatory driving documentation must be original or officially certified.
Therefore, customers should not rely on a phone image as a substitute for the required licence.
Example: Customer Has an IDP but No National Licence
Emma brings:
- Passport
- IDP
but forgets her Canadian licence.
This is not sufficient.
DGT states that the International Driving Permit must accompany the valid national licence.
Example: Customer Has a Valid Licence but Is 23
Lucas has:
- Valid EU licence
- Passport
- Payment card
- Booking confirmation
- Five years’ driving experience
But he is:
23 years old
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that drivers must be over 25.
Having all the documents does not override the driver-eligibility condition.
Example: Driver Is 40 but Passed Last Year
Laura is:
40
and has:
- Valid licence
- Passport
- Booking
- Payment card
But she obtained her licence:
11 months ago
The current Blanca Cars Terms require a valid driving licence for at least two years.
Therefore, the physical documents may all be present while the driver still fails the published licence-history requirement.
Spanish Legal Documents vs Blanca Cars Collection Documents
This distinction is important.
Spanish Driving Requirements
DGT states that the required documentation for driving includes:
- Driver’s licence
- Vehicle registration documentation
- Vehicle technical inspection documentation
and that required documents should be original or officially certified.
The rental vehicle should contain its own vehicle documentation.
Blanca Cars Collection Requirements
Blanca Cars separately needs to verify:
- Driver identity
- Driving licence
- Driver eligibility
- Additional drivers
- Booking
- Applicable payment arrangements
The current FAQ says customers should bring the documentation specified in their booking confirmation and normally a valid driving licence and identification for authorised drivers.
Therefore:
Spanish law determines what you need to be legally entitled to drive. Blanca Cars separately determines which documents are required to complete the rental handover.
Collection Checklist Before Leaving Home
Use this checklist before travelling.
Main Driver
☐ Driving licence valid
☐ Licence held for required period
☐ Correct vehicle category
☐ IDP obtained if required
☐ Passport/ID packed
☐ Meets Blanca Cars age requirement
☐ Booking confirmation accessible
☐ Required payment documentation ready
Additional Driver
☐ Valid driving licence
☐ IDP if required
☐ Appropriate ID
☐ Meets age requirement
☐ Meets two-year licence requirement
☐ Will be added to contract
Booking
☐ Collection location confirmed
☐ Collection time confirmed
☐ Flight details correct where applicable
☐ Payment method confirmed
☐ Airport/local instructions read
☐ Emergency contact saved
Collection Checklist Before Driving Away
Once you receive the car:
☐ Rental agreement checked
☐ All authorised drivers listed
☐ Vehicle condition checked
☐ Existing damage understood
☐ Photos taken if useful
☐ Fuel type confirmed
☐ Fuel level checked
☐ Vehicle documents present
☐ Emergency number saved
☐ Return instructions understood
A few minutes spent checking these points can prevent substantial confusion later.
Common Document Mistakes
Forgetting the Physical Driving Licence
A phone photograph should not be relied upon.
Bringing an Expired Licence
Check the date before travel.
Bringing an IDP Without the National Licence
The IDP is not valid independently.
Forgetting the IDP
This can create a problem for drivers whose licence requires one.
Assuming Every Foreign Licence Has the Same Rules
EU, UK and other non-EU licences are treated differently.
Bringing Someone Else’s Payment Card
Check whose name the accepted card must be in.
Assuming Additional Drivers Need No Documents
Every authorised driver must qualify.
Assuming Your Partner Is Automatically a Driver
They need to be added properly.
Ignoring the Two-Year Licence Requirement
A valid licence can still have been held for too short a period.
Confusing Spain’s Legal Driving Age With Blanca Cars’ Rental Age
Blanca Cars currently publishes an over-25 requirement in its Terms.
Ignoring Airport Instructions
Alicante and Valencia collection arrangements can differ from local delivery.
Assuming Cash Payment Removes Documentation Requirements
Payment method and driver eligibility are separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need when collecting a rental car?
For a typical rental, bring:
- Valid driving licence
- Passport or accepted ID
- IDP where required
- Booking confirmation
- Payment documentation specified in the reservation
Every additional driver also needs the required licence and identity documents.
What does Blanca Cars require?
The current Blanca Cars FAQ says customers should bring the documents specified in their booking confirmation, normally including required identification and a valid licence for each authorised driver.
Do I need my original driving licence?
Yes.
DGT says mandatory driving documentation should be original or officially certified.
Can I show a photo of my driving licence?
Do not rely on a photo or screenshot instead of the required original licence.
Do I need a passport?
International visitors should bring the passport or accepted identity document required by their booking and nationality.
The Blanca Cars Terms refer to ID cards, residence cards and passports as applicable identification.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on where your licence was issued.
EU/EEA licence holders normally do not need one.
Many non-EU/EEA visitors do.
DGT’s current visitor guidance tells non-EU/EEA drivers to have an International Driving Permit together with their passport/ID.
Do British tourists need an IDP?
A British visitor with a valid qualifying UK photocard licence does not normally need an IDP for Spain.
Do Americans need an IDP?
American visitors should arrive with their valid U.S. licence, official IDP and passport.
Do Canadians need an IDP?
Canadian visitors should arrive with their Canadian licence, official IDP and passport.
Do I need my booking confirmation?
Yes, keep it accessible.
It contains the instructions applying to your particular reservation.
Does the booking confirmation have to be printed?
Not normally unless your booking instructions specifically require a printed copy.
A digital confirmation can be convenient, but this does not mean you can replace your physical driving licence with a photograph.
Do I need a credit card?
Not simply to rent with Blanca Cars.
The current FAQ says a credit card is not mandatory and supported debit-card methods are available.
Can I use a debit card?
Yes, subject to the payment arrangements applying to the booking.
Does the card have to be in the driver’s name?
Current Blanca Cars debit-card guidance says the accepted debit or credit card should be in the driver’s name.
What if I am paying cash?
Eligible local deliveries can be paid in cash where arranged in advance.
Cash is not currently available for Alicante or Valencia Airport bookings.
You still need the required driving and identification documents.
Does an additional driver need their licence?
Yes.
Every authorised driver must provide the required driving documentation.
Is my spouse automatically authorised?
No.
Only properly registered authorised drivers may drive the rental vehicle.
How old must I be?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that drivers must be over 25.
How long must I have held my licence?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state:
At least two years.
What if I forget a required document?
Contact Blanca Cars immediately.
The company may be unable to authorise you to drive if the required documentation cannot be verified.
Do I need to bring the vehicle registration documents?
No. These belong with the rental vehicle.
DGT states that rental vehicles must carry the required registration and ITV documentation.
Should I check that the rental car has its documents?
Yes.
DGT specifically advises rental-car drivers to make sure the vehicle contains the mandatory documents before driving.
The Simple Answer
If you remember only one thing from this guide, remember this:
Bring your original valid driving licence, accepted identification, any required International Driving Permit, your booking confirmation and the payment documentation specified in your reservation. Every additional driver needs the correct documents too.
For Blanca Cars:
Original valid driving licence: Yes
Passport or accepted ID: Yes
Booking confirmation: Recommended/required for easy verification
IDP where applicable: Yes
Credit card always required: No
Supported debit card available: Yes
Card/payment arrangements depend on booking: Yes
Current licence-history requirement: At least 2 years
Current driver age: Over 25
Additional drivers need documentation: Yes
Additional drivers must be authorised: Yes
Cash available for eligible local delivery: Yes
Cash available at Alicante Airport: No
Cash available at Valencia Airport: No
Blanca Cars Collection Documents
The clearest way to describe the current Blanca Cars procedure is:
Bring the documents specified in your booking confirmation. At minimum, every authorised driver must have the valid driving documentation required for Spain and the customer must provide the identification and payment documentation applicable to the reservation.
For a typical customer, prepare:
1. Driving Licence
Original, valid and appropriate for the vehicle.
2. International Driving Permit
If required for the country that issued your licence.
3. Passport or Accepted Identification
Bring the identity document applicable to your booking.
4. Booking Confirmation
Keep it accessible, particularly for airport collection.
5. Payment Documentation
Bring the accepted payment method specified for your reservation.
A credit card is not universally required by Blanca Cars; supported debit-card arrangements are available.
6. Additional-Driver Documents
Every additional driver must independently satisfy the licence requirements and be registered before driving.
The current Blanca Cars Terms also state that drivers must have held a valid licence for at least two years and be over 25.
Related Blanca Cars Guides
Continue with:
- What Driving Licence Do I Need to Rent a Car in Spain?
- Can I Use a UK Driving Licence in Spain?
- Can I Use an EU Driving Licence in Spain?
- Do I Need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
- Can an American Drive a Rental Car in Spain?
- Can a Canadian Drive a Rental Car in Spain?
- What Is the Minimum Age for Car Hire in Spain?
- How Long Must I Have Held My Driving Licence to Rent a Car?
- Can Someone Else Drive My Rental Car?
- Can I Use a Debit Card for Car Hire?
- Can I Pay Cash for Car Hire?
Official Sources
For current document requirements, useful authoritative sources include:
- Dirección General de Tráfico — DGT
- Blanca Cars FAQ
- Blanca Cars Terms & Conditions
- The official licensing authority for your home country where relevant
DGT’s current foreign-driver guidance, updated 5 March 2026, states that drivers must carry the required licence documentation and explains the additional IDP requirement for non-EU/EEA licences.
DGT also specifically states that rental vehicles must contain the legally required vehicle documentation before they are driven.
About This Guide
This guide explains which documents customers should bring when collecting a rental car in Spain and separately identifies the current collection requirements published by Blanca Cars.
The exact requirements can depend on:
- Country issuing the driver’s licence
- Driver age
- How long the licence has been held
- Tourist or resident status
- International Driving Permit requirements
- Payment arrangements
- Collection location
- Additional drivers
The simplest preparation rule is:
Licence + ID + IDP where required + booking confirmation + required payment documentation.
Check every document before travelling.
For Blanca Cars customers, the confirmed booking and current rental agreement should always be treated as the final source for the documents and payment arrangements applying to an individual reservation.
Published by: Blanca Cars
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026
Review frequency: At least annually and whenever Spanish document requirements or Blanca Cars collection procedures change.