This guide is for visitors from Germany, the UK, Australia, Japan, Korea and elsewhere who plan to rent a motorhome in the United States. Rules change, so confirm each point with your rental company before you book. Sources were checked on October 25, 2026.
Before you fly
Check what you need to enter the US as a tourist, whether that's a visa or an ESTA travel authorization. USA.gov: Travel to or within the U.S.
Driver's licence and International Driving Permit
- Your home licence is the main document. Depending on the states you drive in, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Not every state requires one, so check with each state's motor vehicle department. USA.gov: Driving in the U.S. if you are not a citizen
- Get the IDP at home. The US does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. Apply through the motor vehicle authority or automobile club in the country that issued your licence. IDPs issued for use in the US are valid for one year. USA.gov
- Example state rule: Wisconsin lets tourists from countries in the 1949 Geneva or 1943 Inter-American conventions drive on their valid home licence for up to one year from arrival. It advises carrying an IDP or an English translation. Wisconsin DMV
- Rental companies have their own rules.
- Cruise America does not require an IDP unless your licence is in a non-Latin alphabet or is handwritten. It does not accept digital licences. Cruise America client notes (PDF), Cruise America FAQ
- El Monte RV and Road Bear RV require an English translation of a non-English licence in addition to the original. They don't accept temporary licences. El Monte RV FAQ, Road Bear RV FAQ
- For Japanese and Korean licences, which are not in the Latin alphabet, plan on carrying an IDP or an accepted translation.
- No special licence is needed for these motorhomes. El Monte RV says a standard licence is enough for its Class A, B and C motorhomes, with no commercial licence (CDL) needed. Cruise America also says no special endorsement is needed. El Monte RV, Cruise America FAQ
Minimum age and what to bring
- Cruise America: every driver must be 21 or older. Bring your licence and passport, and a major credit card is required. There is no under-25 surcharge and no fee for additional drivers. Cruise America client notes (PDF)
- El Monte RV and Road Bear RV: the renter and all drivers must be at least 21. Bring a licence that doesn't expire during the rental and a major credit card with enough credit for the deposit. El Monte RV, Road Bear RV
- All drivers attend pickup. Every driver must be present at pickup and sign the rental agreement. Road Bear RV, Cruise America
Insurance
Ask exactly what is included, because it differs by company and by booking channel. As one example, Cruise America's 2026 notes for international clients say:
- Liability: basic statutory liability cover is included on a secondary basis.
- Supplemental liability: Supplemental Liability Insurance up to $500,000 is included for US departures up to January 31, 2027, and excluded from February 1, 2027.
- Damage to the RV: your responsibility for vehicle loss or damage is capped at a $3,000 deductible per incident, if you follow the rental terms.
Cruise America client notes (PDF)
Damage waivers become void in areas the company prohibits, such as Mexico and Manhattan. Cruise America FAQ
One-way rentals
- Approval and booking: Cruise America offers one-way trips between most of its rental centers by advance reservation only. Each route must be approved. The $300 down payment on a one-way booking is non-refundable once confirmed. Cruise America FAQ
- Fees: its 2026 notes give one-way fees within the US of $350 to $1,000, depending on route. An unauthorized one-way return costs $3,000. Cruise America client notes (PDF), checked October 25, 2026
- Canada: one-way rentals between the US and Canada are not allowed. Cruise America FAQ
Main pickup cities
- El Monte RV lists rental locations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Reno, Denver, Orlando, Miami, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Salt Lake City and Seattle. El Monte RV locations
- Road Bear RV lists Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Seattle, New York, Orlando and Dallas. Road Bear RV
- Cruise America says it has more than 120 rental locations in the US and Canada. Cruise America FAQ
We have local guides for several of these cities: Las Vegas, Denver, Seattle, Orlando, San Diego, Salt Lake City and Dallas. See also Where to start an RV road trip and Dump stations, campgrounds and overnight parking.