International Travel with a DUI: Rental Car Rules and Restrictions by Country

Can you still rent a car (or anything with a motor) abroad if you have a DUI on your record? Here’s what to know before you go.

You have a trip coming up and a DUI in your past. You're wondering: "Will my DUI and rental car plans work out when I land? What about renting a scooter, or even a boat?" The answer isn’t always clear, and in some countries, you might not find out until you’re standing at the rental desk. That’s where things can get expensive, fast.

If you have a DUI and rental car plans, check out our DUI.org resources page for more blogs filled with helpful information on international travel. 

This informational blog shares what you need to know about DUI and rental car logistics but is not considered legal advice. Always consult a qualified DUI attorney to assist with any international rental restrictions relating to your DUI. If you have immediate questions about the DUI process or installing an ignition interlock device, call a DUI.org specialist at (877) 246-7808.

Can a DUI Block International Vehicle Rentals?

A DUI and rental car request can be complicated, but it depends on where you’re going. Some countries don’t look at your driving history at all when you rent a vehicle. Others do, especially if:

• The conviction is recent
• It’s a felony DUI
• Your license was suspended

Most of the time, it’s not the government that blocks your rental, it’s the car rental company. While many international rental agencies don’t pull U.S. driving records, larger brands often do, especially when you reserve online with a credit card.

One thing to note: Canada treats DUIs as serious criminal offenses, which can block both your entry and your rental. Mexico, on the other hand, may let you enter, but some agencies have strict car rental DUI policy rules tied to how old your conviction is.

How Rental Company Policies Differ Abroad

The relationship between a DUI and rental car restrictions varies wildly between companies, even between companies operating in the same country.

Here’s what affects your chances of renting a car internationally:

• Agency Type: Big names like Hertz and Avis might screen you. Smaller local agencies usually don’t.
• How You Book: Online bookings linked to your driver's license or passport may trigger a check.
• Insurance Requirements: If your DUI disqualifies you from insurance, the company could cancel your booking.

Even if your DUI is five or ten years old, some companies have internal guidelines that reject rentals from anyone with a history of impaired driving. That’s why it's a good idea to review DUI car rental policies before you leave for your trip.

DUI and Car Rental: Country-by-Country Restrictions

Each region handles DUIs differently when it comes to renting cars, scooters, or boats.

Canada

When traveling to Canada, a U.S. DUI conviction may render you inadmissible, which means:

• Canada can deny you entry at the border
• You likely can’t rent a vehicle at all

Some travelers qualify for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation. But those processes take time.

Mexico

Mexico does not always check DUI records at the border. However, larger rental agencies may:

• Deny a car rental with a DUI if the charge is recent
• Require proof of a valid U.S. license and insurance
• Flag drivers with multiple offenses

European Union (EU)

In most EU countries, DUI records aren’t automatically shared. But:

• The agency may deny you if it pulls your record
• Countries like Ireland and Germany are stricter
• Insurance companies can still block your coverage

In France or Spain, local agencies are more flexible, but you’ll still need a valid license without active restrictions.

Asia

Japan is very strict. Any criminal conviction, including DUI, can result in denied entry. South Korea is less strict, but rental policies vary.

If you're trying to rent a car abroad with a DUI in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam), the process may be easier, but documentation is still necessary.

Australia and New Zealand

Both countries use an electronic visa process that require you to answer character-related questions, including whether you have any criminal convictions on your record. A DUI conviction could result in:

• The denial of your visa application, depending on the severity of the DUI and how much time has passed since the conviction. 
• The rental company canceling your rental because the country denied your visa

Even if the country approves you for entry, the rental company's own policy may still prevent you from renting. Always call or email ahead and get confirmation in writing.

South America

Rental enforcement is light in most South American countries. However:

• You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Insurance options may be limited
• Smaller agencies rarely run criminal checks

Still, international rental restrictions and DUI laws may apply if you’re involved in a crash while abroad. Know the local penalties.

Renting Scooters, Mopeds, or Boats With a DUI

Scooters and mopeds might seem easier to rent, but they’re often subject to the same restrictions as cars.

In Italy or Greece, for example:

• A moped still requires a valid driver’s license
• Some agencies ask for an IDP
• A DUI could invalidate your insurance

Boat rental DUI overseas rules vary even more. In Canada, operating a boat under the influence is a criminal offense and may be flagged during rental.

Can you rent a scooter with a DUI conviction? It depends on where you are and how recent the conviction is. Always check local laws.

DUI and Rental Car Insurance, Breathalyzers, and Penalties

Most international rentals include minimum coverage. But:

• The company can deny you coverage for past DUI convictions
• You may have to pay a surcharge or purchase additional liability protection
• Some insurers specifically flag DUI records, even old ones

Also, if your U.S. license requires an ignition interlock device (IID), you likely won’t be able to rent internationally at all. For more information on how IIDs work and why they're required, check out our partner Intoxalock. 

If you rent without disclosing your DUI or your legal restrictions and something goes wrong, you could:

• Be held financially liable
• Face additional criminal charges
• Lose your travel insurance coverage

Pro Tips: What to Do Before Renting a Vehicle Overseas

To avoid last-minute surprises or penalties, take the following steps for any DUI and rental car navigation:

• Contact the rental agency directly and ask about their DUI and car rental policy
• Get confirmation in writing if they say your record won’t be an issue
• Check visa and entry requirements for your destination
• Secure international insurance that doesn’t exclude DUI-related events
• Bring printed copies of your license, court documents, and SR-22, if applicable

Still unsure? Call DUI.org at (877) 246-7808 before you leave. We can let you know what documents are usually required after you get a DUI.

Alternatives: Rideshare, Public Transit, Driving with a Passenger

If you can’t rent a vehicle due to your DUI and rental car conflict, try the following:

• Use rideshare apps like Uber or Bolt
• Hire a local driver for airport transfers or day trips
• Rely on public transit, especially in Europe and Asia
• Travel with someone else who can drive legally

Trying to bend the rules or rent under someone else’s name could get you banned or worse.

International Rental Restrictions DUI Travel FAQs

Know the Risks Before Renting Overseas With a DUI

For more information, see these helpful resources:

DUI and rental car hire isn’t impossible, but it can be tricky. The rules vary by country, agency, and even the type of vehicle. And the last thing you want is to find out at the rental desk, in another language, with no ride.

• Can you go to Canada with a DUI?
• DUI penalties and consequences
• Is DUI a criminal offense or a traffic violation?

DUI.org is here to support you wherever you are on your DUI journey. Call our specialists anytime at (877) 246-7808.