The minimum age to drive a vehicle with Budget is 21 years of age. All drivers must hold a current, full and valid drivers licence, that has been valid for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. A young driver surcharge may apply.

To drive a Budget vehicle in Australia, you must hold a full, current and valid drivers licence that has been held for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. A learner, provisional, probationary or restricted licence is not accepted.

If the licence is not in English, an International Drivers Licence is required. Please see Do I need an International Drivers Permit? below.

Digital driver licences (with the correct endorsements) can now be accepted for any Budget rental.  All digital licences must be checked live at the time of rental via the respective validation process, a screenshot or photo of the licence is not acceptable.

A digital licence does not replace their physical licence and you should still carry your physical card when travelling outside the issuing state or territory. 

If your drivers licence is in any language other than English, it must be accompanied by an approved translation such as an International Driving Permit, issued in accordance with the United Nations Convention on road traffic.

An International Driving Permit is not a stand-alone document and must be carried with your valid domestic drivers licence.

Yes. A temporary licence issued as a replacement for a lost licence or due to a change of address is accepted and will be checked for validity at time of collection.

Drivers must have a current form of ID to validate licence details.

At time of collection Budget will place a pre-authorisation on your credit/debit card:

Pay Later Reservations

• $0 for credit card payments 
• $200 for debit card payments

Pay Now Reservations

• $200 for credit card payments 
• $200 for debit card payments

Depending on your bank, the money is usually released within 7-10 working days. Budget will not be held responsible for any overdraft fees.

Please note: Budget does not accept cards presented on phones/watches and doesn’t allow contactless payment methods such as pay-wave. You must present a physical card.

Share the drive and relax while someone else takes the wheel. Only those whose names are recorded on the Rental Agreement may drive a Budget vehicle.

For more information on additional drivers including any applicable charges please click here.

You must present a physical, valid credit or debit card as well as a current, full and valid drivers licence, all in the drivers name. Any additional drivers must also be present at the time of rental and provide a current, full and valid drivers licence.

Please note: Budget does not accept cards presented on phones/watches and doesn’t allow contactless payment methods such as pay-wave. You must present a physical card.

Your Rental Agreement details your personal information, your vehicle information, payment method, coverages and rental preferences. Remember to read it carefully as it's a legal binding document. 

A Rental Agreement is the document you sign prior to each rental. A Master Rental Agreement is signed when you join Budget Fastbreak. It details your contact information, preferred payment method, coverages and rental preferences. It allows for faster handling of your reservation which means you can get on the road sooner.