What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car in Belgium?

Wondering what documents you need to rent a car in Belgium, whether in Brussels, Wallonia or Flanders? Good news: the list is short and logical. In general, you need a valid driving licence, a proof of identity, a payment method in your name, and an online identity verification done just once. Nothing complicated, but it is wise to get your paperwork ready before you book, so the key handover takes only a few minutes.

On a peer-to-peer rental marketplace like Vehado, the logic is the same as with a traditional agency, only simpler. Much of the checking happens up front, online, when you sign up. On departure day, the host just needs to confirm your identity and your licence. Let us walk through, section by section, what to prepare and why.

The valid driving licence: the essential document

The driving licence is the must-have document to rent a car. Without a valid licence, no rental is possible, and that is entirely normal: it is what legally allows you to get behind the wheel.

What to check before booking:

• Your licence matches the vehicle category (usually category B for a passenger car).
• It is still valid and not expired.
• You have a certain amount of driving experience: depending on the case, some hosts or insurers ask for one or several months, sometimes a few years, especially for high-end vehicles.
• The licence is neither suspended nor revoked.

Always carry your physical licence on rental day: the host needs to see it in person at the key handover.

A proof of identity or passport

In addition to the licence, bring a valid proof of identity. For Belgian residents, this is most often the electronic identity card (eID). For visitors from abroad, a valid passport generally does the job.

This document confirms that you really are the person who booked and that the name matches the account and the payment method. It is a simple but essential step for everyone's safety: it protects both the renter and the host against identity fraud.

Online identity verification on Vehado (quick, once and for all)

This is where Vehado makes life easier. Before your first booking, you complete an online identity verification (KYC). In practice, you photograph your ID and your driving licence, front and back, directly from your account.

The benefits are clear:

• It is quick: a few minutes are enough, from your phone.
• It is once and for all: once your profile is approved, you do not have to start over for every rental.
• It builds trust: hosts know profiles are verified, which makes the community safer.

This step must be validated before you can finalise a booking. Do it as soon as you create your account: that way, when you find the ideal car, you book without waiting.

A valid payment method

To book, you need a payment method in your name. On Vehado, payments are handled securely via Stripe, which protects your banking details.

A few points to keep in mind:

• The card or payment method must be in the same name as the account holder and the licence.
• A security deposit may be requested depending on the vehicle; it acts as protection in case of damage and is not a final charge.
• Payment of the rental amount is made online, which avoids having to deal with cash at departure.

A valid, non-expired payment method avoids any nasty surprise when you confirm.

The case of tourists and foreign drivers

Coming from abroad and want to rent a car in Belgium? It is possible in most cases. Here are the main principles, bearing in mind that the details can vary depending on the situation.

• European Union licence (EU/EEA): in general, it is recognised as is in Belgium, with no special formality.
• Non-EU licence: depending on the case, an international driving permit may be requested alongside your national licence. It does not replace it: you must present both.
• Language and legibility: if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, the international permit greatly helps the host read it.
• Passport: for non-European visitors, the passport remains the reference proof of identity.

If in doubt, check before your trip that your documents will be accepted, and complete the online verification in advance to set off with peace of mind.

Summary table: which document, for what?

What the host checks at the key handover

On the day, the key handover is quick because the essentials were already done online. In general, the host will simply:

• Check your physical driving licence and your proof of identity.
• Make sure the name matches the one on the booking.
• Do a quick walk-around of the vehicle with you (condition report) to note the starting state.

This moment is also the chance to ask your questions: expected fuel level on return, mileage, any specific instructions. A clear exchange at departure means a smooth rental from start to finish.

Ready to book? Get your documents ready

In short, to rent a car in Belgium you need a valid driving licence, a proof of identity, a payment method in your name, and an online identity verification done just once. Foreign drivers add, depending on the case, an international permit. With these papers ready, your rental runs smoothly and with full confidence.

Book your car on Vehado