Winter is one of the most popular times to visit Mexico, and many travelers want the freedom of their own car to explore beaches, colonial cities and ruins at their own pace. Before you book, though, it is worth knowing the rules: can you use your home license, what insurance is required and what documents will the rental desk ask for?
We have already covered Hertz car rental deals and how to compare rental companies. This guide is different: it is a practical checklist for foreign visitors, based on a 2026 guide published on the Hertz Mexico blog and the rental terms shown on hertzmexico.com, both checked on 4 November 2026. Rules can change and vary by state, so confirm details before you travel.
In this guide
Quick Checklist
| Topic | What Hertz Mexico says | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign license | Valid for tourists for their whole stay | Must be valid, in good condition and match your passport |
| International permit | Not mandatory | Useful if your license is not in Latin script or has no photo |
| Insurance | Third-party liability is mandatory on federal highways | Coverages at Hertz Mexico are optional add-ons |
| Minimum age | 18 to drive; most rental firms ask for 21 | Extra charges may apply under 25 |
| At the counter | Credit card, valid license, official ID | Book at least 2 hours ahead (per promo terms) |
Can You Drive with a Foreign License?
According to the Hertz Mexico blog, yes. Tourists can drive in Mexico with the license from their own country as long as it is valid, in good condition and matches the details in their passport. The license is valid for the whole tourist stay without needing a Mexican license.
The same guide says rental agencies usually accept licenses from Latin America, the United States, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, provided they are in good condition and legible. If you plan to extend your stay or apply for temporary or permanent residency, you would need to start the process for a local license.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit?
The Hertz Mexico blog states that an international driving permit is not mandatory in Mexico, but it can be useful in some cases, for example if your license is not written in the Latin alphabet, has no photo or uses an unusual format. It works as an official translation and must always be shown together with your original license, since it is not valid on its own.
Insurance: What Is Mandatory
Insurance is one of the most important points. The blog explains that third-party liability insurance is mandatory on federal highways and highly recommended across the country. It covers damage to third parties in case of an accident.
On its promotions page, Hertz Mexico describes the regular rental package as including unlimited mileage and third-party liability for property damage up to MXN 5,000,000, while extra coverages are optional and charged separately. Read the coverage options carefully at booking so you know exactly what you are buying.
Documents to Carry While Driving
- A valid driving license
- Your passport or official ID
- Your immigration document
- The insurance policy
- The vehicle registration card (tarjeta de circulacion), which comes with the rental car
The blog lists all of these as documents you should carry at all times. Having them together in the glove box or a travel pouch makes police checkpoints much less stressful.
At the Rental Counter
Hertz Mexico’s promotion terms say customers must present a credit card, a valid driving license and an official ID. The terms also mention that bookings should be made at least two hours in advance. The minimum driving age in Mexico is 18, but the blog notes that most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 and may charge extra for drivers under 25.
Driving in Mexico City
If you bring your own foreign car to the capital, the Hertz Mexico blog mentions a tourist pass that lets you drive without the Hoy No Circula restrictions for 3, 7 or up to 14 days, with conditions such as vehicle age limits and no validity on environmental contingency days. Many visitors simply rent a car locally instead, which Hertz Mexico offers at Mexico City locations.
Staying Longer? Getting a Mexican License
For travelers who move to Mexico, the blog outlines the general requirements for a local license, which vary by state: being over 18, holding temporary or permanent residency, a valid passport, a CURP, recent proof of address and payment of the fee. Some states also ask for driving tests, theory exams on traffic rules and eye tests. The process is done in person at the state mobility office and is usually in Spanish, so it can help to bring someone who speaks the language. For private cars, the equivalent license is called Licencia Tipo A or Licencia de Automovilista, depending on the state.
Where You Can Pick Up a Car
Hertz Mexico says it has more than 190 offices, including all airports and major cities. Destinations listed on its site include Cancun, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Merida, Los Cabos, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Tijuana, plus a CBX (Cross Border Xpress) location for travelers coming from San Diego. The site is available in both Spanish and English.
Final Thoughts
Renting a car in Mexico as a visitor is straightforward if you prepare: bring a valid license that matches your passport, consider an international permit if your license is unusual, understand the mandatory liability insurance and carry your documents at all times. Compare rates and current offers on hertzmexico.com and read the full Hertz Mexico driving guide before you go.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Information is based on hertzmexico.com and its blog as checked on 4 November 2026; it is not legal advice and rules may change.
