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Can someone under 25 rent an economy car?
21 is usually the minimum age required by most suppliers, but drivers as young as 18 may also be allowed to book with some suppliers. A young driver fee often applies to those under 25.
| Age | Eligibility | Typical surcharge | Notes |
| 18–20 | Select suppliers only | Higher surcharge; varies | Economy/mini class typically; higher deposit; not all locations |
| 21 | Most suppliers | Young driver fee applies | Minimum age at most major suppliers |
| 22–24 | All major suppliers | Around €7–12/day | Sometimes capped at a maximum per rental |
| 25+ | All suppliers | None | Standard terms, no surcharge |
ℹ️ This car segment is usually accessible to young drivers, who are often restricted from booking large or premium vehicles. Always confirm the driver age and licence requirements before making a reservation.
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What documents are needed to rent an economy car?
Standard documentation required to book with most rental companies in Croatia is as follows:
- Full valid driving licence held for at least 1-2 years, depending on the supplier
- Passport or national ID card
- Credit card in the primary driver’s name
- Booking confirmation voucherÂ
- International Driving Permit (IDP), if applicable
⚠️ The credit card must belong to the driver listed as primary on the rental agreement, as it will be required for the security deposit hold. A travel companion’s or family member’s card in a different name will be refused for pickup at the desk.
ℹ️ Photocopies and digital images of documents on a phone are generally not accepted at the rental counter, so make sure to bring original physical documents. Learner’s permits and provisional licences are also not accepted.
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Do I need an IDP to rent an economy car?
The need for an IDP (International Driving Permit) is usually based on the script used in your original licence rather than your nationality. But sometimes non-EU licence holders may be required to carry an IDP by some suppliers. It may also be required for crossing international borders from Croatia into neighbouring countries, even if the supplier may not request it.
| Licence type | IDP required? | Notes |
| EU/EEA licences | No | Accepted directly; no IDP needed |
| UK licence (Latin script) | No | Accepted at rental desks |
| US, Canadian, Australian licences | Not mandatory for the rental desk | Latin script; accepted without IDP at most suppliers; recommended for police stops and insurance purposes |
| Licences in non-Latin script (Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese, Korean, etc.) | Yes – required | Rental may be refused without one |
đź’ˇ Arrange an IDP before travel to avoid any hassle during your visit or cross-border travel, if unsure. Any additional driver is usually subject to the same age and licence requirements as the primary driver.
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Can I rent an economy car without a credit card?
You may not need a credit card to book online, but most rental companies need it to hold a refundable security deposit at car pickup. The card should be in the main driver’s name and have a sufficient credit balance to cover the deposit amount. Debit and cash deposits are rarely encouraged and require higher deposit and insurance levels when used.
✅ Check whether your travel companion can be registered as the main driver and use their card to book if you don’t have a personal credit card. You can be added as an additional driver in that situation.
