Landing at Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) and planning to rent a car? Before you get to the counter, it pays to know exactly what documents and conditions you’ll need. Rental requirements at SDQ are straightforward, but missing even one item can mean delays — or a rental you can’t complete. Here’s the full breakdown.
1. A Valid Driver’s License
You’ll need a driver’s license that is currently valid — not expired — from your home country. Most international visitors can drive in the Dominican Republic using their home country’s license alone, without an International Driving Permit (IDP), as long as it’s printed in Latin characters (English, Spanish, French, etc.).
If your license is in a different alphabet (for example, Arabic, Cyrillic, or Mandarin), bring an International Driving Permit along with your original license, since rental companies at SDQ typically require both together.
Tip: Your license should be valid for at least the full length of your rental period, ideally with a few extra months of buffer.
2. Minimum Age Requirements
Most car rental companies operating out of SDQ, including Travaro, require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a valid license held for a minimum of 1–2 years. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge, which varies by company and vehicle category — so it’s worth confirming this when you book, not at pickup.
3. A Credit Card in the Driver’s Name
This is the requirement that catches the most travelers off guard. Almost all rental agencies at SDQ require a credit card (not a debit card) in the primary driver’s name to place a security deposit hold. The hold amount depends on the vehicle category and typically ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, released after the car is returned undamaged.
Debit cards, prepaid cards, and cash are generally not accepted for the deposit, even if you’ve already paid for the rental itself online.
4. Passport and Proof of Entry
Since most renters at SDQ are arriving as tourists, you’ll also need your passport and, in some cases, your tourist entry card or e-ticket confirmation. This helps the rental company confirm your length of stay matches your rental period.
5. Full Insurance Coverage
Basic liability insurance is included in most rentals, but it rarely covers everything. Before you drive off, confirm exactly what’s covered for:
- Collision damage (CDW)
- Theft protection
- Windshield and tires (often excluded by default)
- Third-party liability limits
At Travaro, we walk every renter through their coverage options clearly before pickup, so there are no surprises if something happens on the road.
6. Additional Drivers
Planning to split the driving with a travel companion? Any additional driver must be present at pickup with their own valid license and typically needs to meet the same age requirement. Adding a second driver after the fact usually isn’t possible, so plan ahead.
Quick Checklist for Your SDQ Car Rental
- ✅ Valid driver’s license (+ IDP if not in Latin characters)
- ✅ Passport
- ✅ Credit card in driver’s name
- ✅ Minimum age 21 (25 to avoid surcharges)
- ✅ Confirmed insurance coverage
- ✅ Any additional drivers present at pickup
Rent With Confidence at SDQ
Renting a car at Santo Domingo Airport should be the easiest part of your trip — not the most stressful. At Travaro Car Rental, we handle the paperwork clearly upfront so you can go from baggage claim to the road in minutes, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Ready to book your vehicle at SDQ? [Reserve your car with Travaro today] and skip the guesswork.