Landing at Fès–Saïss Airport (FEZ) and picking up a rental car is usually quick, if your documents are ready before you reach the counter. The most common delays happen when travelers forget a second ID, arrive with a license that needs an official translation, or don’t have the right payment method for the deposit. This guide gives you the exact paperwork to prepare for a smooth FEZ airport car rental, plus smart “backup” options if your situation is slightly different (family booking, business invoice, no-deposit rental, etc.).
Table of Contents (Checklist)
1) The “must-have” documents for FEZ airport car rental
2) Passport + entry details: what matters and what doesn’t
3) Driving license rules: what gets accepted fastest
4) Do you need an IDP in Morocco (and when it’s essential)?
5) Deposit & payment documents: card, authorization, and limits
6) Extra driver, child seats, and special cases (business, long-term)
7) Quick document checklist you can screenshot before your flight
FAQ
1) The “must-have” documents for FEZ airport car rental
For almost every traveler picking up a car at Fes–Saiss (FEZ), the document “core set” is:
Passport (original, not a photo)
Valid driving license (original, not a photo)
Payment method for the deposit (usually a bank card)
Rental confirmation (printed or on your phone)
That’s the base. Where people get stuck is the “edge cases”: name mismatch, card issues, or a license format that needs an IDP (more on that below).
Local tip (FEZ pickup flow): If you’re arriving with checked luggage, keep your passport and license on you (not packed) so you don’t lose time re-opening bags in the arrivals area.
2) Passport + entry details: what matters and what doesn’t
At the counter, your passport is used to confirm identity and match your booking. The key points:
Name must match the booking (same spelling order is best). If your passport includes two surnames or special characters, book using the exact passport format.
Passport validity: Most agencies expect a passport that is valid for the duration of the rental (and often beyond). If your passport is expiring soon, bring a second supporting ID if you have one.
Arrival stamp / entry context: You normally don’t need to show anything extra beyond the passport itself, but being recently stamped into Morocco makes identity checks straightforward.
If you’re meeting a driver/rep inside FEZ for a handover, car rental services are available at the airport facilities listed by the operator ONDA (Office National des Aéroports). You can see the airport’s official services and “car rental” category on ONDA’s FEZ page here: ONDA – Aéroport Fès Saïss
3) Driving license rules: what gets accepted fastest
Most travelers drive in Morocco using their national driving license, as long as it’s:
Valid (not expired)
Readable (Latin alphabet is easiest at the counter)
Matches the driver’s identity (same person as passport)
Common “smooth pickup” scenarios at FEZ
EU/UK/US/Canada licenses (Latin alphabet) → usually processed quickly
New-style plastic licenses → easiest for agents to verify
A license with clear issue/expiry dates → fewer questions
“Potential delay” scenarios (bring backups)
Your license is not in Latin characters (Arabic, Cyrillic, etc.)
Your license is very old paper format and hard to read
Your license is temporary/interim (some companies reject these)
If any of these apply, you’ll want an IDP (next section), because it reduces the “translation and legitimacy” debate at the counter.
4) Do you need an IDP in Morocco (and when it’s essential)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a “second license”, it’s an official translation of your home license. It’s especially helpful when your license isn’t easily readable or when an insurance/police check requires a standardized format.
A clear authority definition: the FIA explains an IDP as a legally recognised translation of your national driving licence that helps you drive legally outside your country when your domestic permit isn’t enough. FIA Region III – International Driving Permits (IDP).
When an IDP is strongly recommended for FEZ rentals
Your license is not in Latin alphabet
Your name on the license doesn’t match your passport format cleanly
You want fewer questions at pickup (especially late-night arrivals)
You’re renting a higher-category car where the company is stricter
Important warning (don’t waste money)
Avoid websites selling “International Driving Licenses” that are not recognized. An IDP must be issued by an authorized body in your home country and used together with your original license (not as a replacement).
5) Deposit & payment documents: card, authorization, and limits
The deposit is where most “surprise friction” happens at airport rentals. Even when the rental price is prepaid, many companies still require a deposit hold.
What you should prepare:
A bank card in the main driver’s name (best case)
Sufficient available balance/limit for the hold (varies by category)
Same-name consistency (passport ↔ booking ↔ card)
No-deposit or low-deposit rentals
Some agencies (including local networks like MarHire) can offer no-deposit or low-deposit options on selected categories—but the trade-off is usually one of these:
stricter driver profile checks
limited car categories
specific insurance packages
advance verification by WhatsApp before arrival
Business rentals (invoice / company needs)
If you need a company invoice, bring:
Company name + address details
Tax/ICE details if applicable (or send them in advance)
The driver’s passport/license still remains mandatory (the company can’t “replace” the driver identity)
6) Extra driver, child seats, and special cases (business, long-term)
Extra driver
If you want a second driver, that person should also bring:
Passport (or valid ID)
Valid driving license
Be present at pickup (many companies require signature)
Child seats / boosters
Not a document issue, but a planning one: confirm ages/weights ahead of time so the correct seat is reserved.
Long-term rentals (weekly/monthly)
Longer rentals can trigger extra checks (address, flight details, local contact number). Keep it simple:
have your WhatsApp number active
keep a screenshot of your booking and payment proof
7) Quick document checklist (screenshot this before you fly)
FEZ Airport Car Rental – Bring:
Passport (original)
Driving license (original)
IDP (if license isn’t Latin / you want smoother pickup)
Bank card for deposit (ideally in driver’s name)
Booking confirmation (PDF/screenshot)
Second driver docs (if applicable)
Company invoice details (if applicable)
FAQs
Do I need my passport if I already have a national ID card?
For most international rentals, passport is the primary ID. Some residents may use Moroccan residency documents, but visitors should rely on the passport for smooth processing.
Can I rent a car at FEZ with only a photo of my license?
Usually no, agencies typically require the original physical license.
If my driving license is in Arabic, is an IDP mandatory?
In practice, it’s highly recommended because it’s a recognized translation and avoids counter disputes.
What if my credit card is not in the driver’s name?
Many companies refuse third-party deposits. If you’re traveling as a couple or group, put the booking in the same name as the deposit card to avoid refusal.
Is the deposit always the same amount?
No, deposit policies vary by company, car category, rental length, and insurance choice.
Do I need an IDP if I have a UK/EU/US license?
Often not, but it can still be useful as a standardized translation document, especially for high-category rentals or if your license format is unclear.