Is Aadhaar mandatory for self-drive car rental?

Aadhaar is the most accepted government photo ID. Passport or voter ID also work. Zymo bookings include an Aadhaar OTP verification step (via WhatsApp or email link) you complete before pickup, which speeds up partner handover.

Can I book a self-drive car with a learner's licence?

No. A full (non-learner) Indian driving licence valid for the car class is required across all rental partners. Most platforms also require the licence to be at least one year old.

Are digital copies of documents accepted?

Carry originals at pickup. Most rental partners require original physical documents for verification — digital copies alone are typically not enough. Photos saved in DigiLocker may be accepted by some partners; check the booking page.

Do I need a credit card for the security deposit?

Most partners accept credit OR debit cards. A few accept UPI deposits. Cash deposits are uncommon. The deposit is fully refundable after the trip, typically within 5-7 working days.

What documents do foreign nationals need?

International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your home-country licence, your passport, and a copy of your Indian visa proving period of stay. Some partners require additional address proof in India.

What Documents Do I Need to Book a Self-Drive Car?

What documents do I need to book a self-drive car in India?

Updated May 2026 · Based on partner policies across the Zymo network

To book a self-drive car in India you need three documents: a valid Indian driving licence (full, non-learner, at least one year old), a government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID), and a credit or debit card for the refundable security deposit. Carry originals at pickup — digital copies are usually not enough. Foreign nationals additionally need an International Driving Permit and passport with valid Indian visa.

The three core documents

1. Driving licence (full, non-learner)

Indian driving licence valid for the car class you're booking. Most partners require the licence to be at least one year old — recently-issued licences may be rejected. The licence must not be expired or suspended. Bring the physical original; photocopies and DigiLocker images are accepted by some partners as a backup but not as a replacement.

2. Government photo ID

Aadhaar is the most widely accepted. Passport, voter ID, and PAN card also work for most partners. The ID must match the name on your driving licence and the booking. If your booking name and licence name don't match (e.g., post-marriage name change), bring proof of the change (marriage certificate or affidavit).

3. Payment card for security deposit

Credit or debit card under the booking name. The deposit is held (not charged) for the rental period and refunded within 5-7 working days after return, provided the car is returned without damage and with the correct fuel level. Deposit amounts typically range from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 depending on the car class. Some partners offer no-deposit or low-deposit bookings on specific cars — visible on the booking page.

Aadhaar OTP verification on Zymo bookings

Zymo bookings include an additional Aadhaar OTP verification step you complete before pickup — via a link sent to your WhatsApp or email. This isn't a separate document; it uses the Aadhaar number you've already linked to your Zymo account. Completing it before reaching the partner speeds up handover by 10-15 minutes.

For foreign nationals

Foreign tourists and NRIs renting in India need:

International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country — valid for India, must be carried alongside your home-country licence (the IDP alone is not enough)
Home-country driving licence — original, not expired
Passport with valid Indian visa
Address in India — hotel booking confirmation or local host's address proof, accepted by most partners

Some partners restrict rentals to Indian citizens only. The booking page on Zymo shows partner-specific eligibility before payment.

What's NOT accepted

Learner's licence (any state)
Expired driving licence
International licence without IDP (for non-residents)
Photocopies or digital scans alone (DigiLocker may work as backup; carry originals)
Driving licence issued under a different name than the booking