Car rental rules in Georgia in 2025 are straightforward, but international travelers must meet specific age, license, deposit, and insurance requirements. Understanding these rules ensures smooth pickup, legal driving, and full compliance with Georgian regulations.

This guide explains all Georgia driving requirements, including minimum age, driving experience, IDP rules, required documents, insurance coverage, deposits, and where rental cars are allowed to drive. Each section provides clear facts and small scenario examples to help travelers prepare correctly.

Questions & Answers

Who Can Rent a Car in Georgia (Age & Experience)

Car rental rules in Georgia require drivers to meet minimum age and driving-experience standards.

Most rental companies set the minimum driving age at 21 years old, with at least 1 year of licensed driving experience. Luxury, premium, and large SUV categories may require 23–25 years of age and at least 2 years of experience.

These rules come from insurance regulations that apply across Georgia.

Key facts:

• Minimum age for standard cars: 21+

• Driving experience: at least 1 year

• Premium/SUV categories: 23–25+ (depending on vehicle)

• Young driver surcharges may apply for renters aged 21–24
  
  
  

Example:
A 22-year-old driver with one year of experience can rent a compact sedan but may not be eligible for a Toyota Land Cruiser or luxury vehicles.

Terms & Conditions

Driver’s License Requirements

To meet Georgia driving requirements, renters must present a valid driver’s license that covers the class of vehicle being rented.

Georgia recognizes most foreign licenses for up to one year of stay. The license must be valid during the entire rental period.

Accepted licenses typically include:

• EU licenses

• US licenses

• UK licenses

• Canadian, Australian, and most Latin American licenses

The license must be readable by rental staff and police officers when presented during roadside checks.

Scenario:
A German, American, or UK tourist may drive using their standard national license without any translation.

Do You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in Georgia when the original license is not written in the Latin alphabet.

Travelers whose licenses are issued in:

• Russian

• Ukrainian (old format)

• Arabic

• Chinese

• Japanese

• Other non-Latin scripts

must carry an IDP or notarized Georgian translation.

An IDP cannot be issued inside Georgia; it must be obtained in the traveler’s home country before arrival.

Example:
A traveler from the UAE with an Arabic-script license must present an IDP.
A traveler from France or the US does not need an IDP.

Documents Required at Pickup

To meet the requirements to rent a car in Georgia, travelers must present a set of valid documents during pickup. All documents must belong to the primary driver and any additional drivers.

Required at pickup:

• Passport or national ID

• Valid driver’s license

• IDP (if applicable)

• Payment method (cash or card, depending on company policy)
  
  
  

Additional drivers must also appear in person to be added to the rental agreement.

Scenario:
A couple traveling together wants to share driving. Both must bring their licenses and passports to be added to the rental contract.

SUV cars

Car Rental Deposit Policy in Georgia

Car rental deposit in Georgia is usually $100–300, depending on vehicle category. Many companies offer no-deposit rental for standard cars, while premium or luxury vehicles require larger refundable deposits.

Deposits are held to cover:

• Minor damages

• Traffic fines

• Missing fuel

• Late returns

Deposits are refunded after the vehicle passes end-of-rental inspection.

Facts:

• Standard cars: often no deposit

• SUVs and premium categories: deposit $100–300

• Refund after inspection: usually immediate or within 1–5 days

Example:
A renter chooses a compact car with a no-deposit policy. A premium SUV rental, however, requires a $300 refundable deposit.

Insurance Rules: TPL, CDW & Full Coverage

Understanding car rental insurance in Georgia is crucial. Georgia requires rental cars to include Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance, while other protections (CDW or full coverage) are optional but recommended.

TPL – Third-Party Liability Insurance

TPL insurance covers:

• Damage to other vehicles

• Damage to third-party property

• Injury to third parties

TPL is mandatory and included in every rental.

CDW – Collision Damage Waiver

CDW insurance significantly reduces the renter’s liability for damage to the rental car.

CDW means:

• The renter’s liability is capped at an excess (typically $100–300)

• Without CDW, the renter may be liable for the full repair cost

CDW is strongly recommended for mountain driving or unfamiliar road conditions.

Full Coverage (Extended Protection)

Full coverage typically reduces the deductible to zero and may include windshield, tire, and underbody protection. Coverage details vary by rental company.

Insurance Exclusions

Insurance in Georgia does not cover:

• Off-road driving

• Driving under the influence

• Unauthorized drivers

• Interior damage or smoking

• Loss of keys

• Negligent or reckless driving

• Travel into prohibited regions

Scenario:
A driver damages a tire on a pothole. Standard TPL does not cover this; CDW may or may not cover it depending on conditions.

Where You Can and Cannot Drive in Georgia

Car rental rules in Georgia include restrictions on where vehicles may be driven. Vehicles are intended for public roads only.

Allowed:

• All paved public roads

• Gravel roads accessible by tow truck

• National highways and regional routes

Prohibited:

• Off-road routes not accessible to tow trucks

• Closed military zones

• Occupied territories (Abkhazia and South Ossetia)

• Dangerous high-mountain passes closed seasonally

Violations may void insurance.

Example:
A traveler driving to Kazbegi may use standard paved routes and gravel roads but cannot take the vehicle up unpaved mountain trails intended for 4x4 expedition vehicles.

Additional Rules for Mountain Roads

Mountain driving is common in Georgia due to regions like Kazbegi, Svaneti, and Adjara. Car rental rules emphasize safety and insurance compliance.

Important rules:

• SUVs are strongly recommended for mountain regions

• Use headlights at all times in tunnels and low-visibility zones

• Winter tires are mandatory during cold months

• Follow posted speed limits and slow down before curves

• Avoid driving during storms or heavy snowfall

Rental companies may restrict driving during severe weather for safety reasons.

Scenario:
A traveler plans a winter trip to Mestia. An SUV with winter tires is recommended, and CDW coverage reduces financial risk on icy roads.

FAQ: Car Rental Rules in Georgia 2025

What are the car rental rules in Georgia for new drivers?

Drivers must be 21+ with at least 1 year of driving experience. Premium cars require 23–25+.

What are the Georgia driving requirements for tourists?

Tourists must present a valid license, passport, and—if needed—an IDP for non-Latin licenses.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Georgia?

An IDP is required when the license is written in a non-Latin script such as Russian, Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese.

What is the car rental age in Georgia for SUVs?

Most SUV rentals require 23–25 years of age and at least 2 years of experience.

How does car rental deposit work in Georgia?

Deposits range from $100–300 for most vehicles and are refunded after inspection.

What insurance is included when renting a car in Georgia?

All rentals include TPL; CDW and full coverage are optional but recommended.

What roads are restricted for rental cars in Georgia?

Off-road areas, occupied territories, and closed high-mountain passes are prohibited.

Summary

Car rental rules in Georgia in 2025 are clear: travelers must meet age and license requirements, carry correct documents, understand insurance options, and follow driving restrictions—especially in mountain regions. With proper preparation, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Georgia’s cities, wine regions, and the Caucasus Mountains safely and legally.

Questions & Answers