Updated November 2025

Planning a road trip in Iceland?

Before you book, it’s essential to understand the country’s rental age rules, license requirements, and coverage details. This guide explains everything you need to know so you can travel confidently and avoid surprises on arrival.

Summary

• You must be 20 years old to rent any car with Zero Car and 23 years old for large SUVs or passenger vehicles. 
• A valid driver’s license held for at least one year is required. 
• Every rental includes zero deductible insurance and no deposit. 
• Drivers of all ages are welcome as long as they meet license requirements.

How old to rent a car with Zero Car in Iceland ?

The minimum age to rent a car with Zero Car is 20 years old. Renters must be at least 20 to drive any standard vehicle in our fleet, including compact, hybrid, and electric models. To rent a large SUV or passenger vehicle, you must be 23 years old.

These age limits exist to make sure drivers have enough experience to handle Iceland’s varied weather and road conditions. Larger SUVs and 4x4s are designed for gravel or mountain roads, which demand more control and awareness.

If you’re under 23, you can still explore Iceland comfortably with an electric or hybrid car rental. They’re ideal for routes like the Golden Circle travel guide or scenic drives along the South Coast.

Driver’s License Requirements

To rent a car in Iceland, you must have a valid driver’s license that meets these conditions:

• It must have been issued at least one year before the rental date
• It must be printed in Latin characters (English letters)
• If not in English, you’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) alongside your license

EU and EEA licenses are fully valid in Iceland. Visitors from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can use their national licenses without an IDP. If your license comes from outside these regions, it’s best to carry an IDP to ensure it’s accepted at pickup.

Identification and What to Bring at Pickup

When you collect your car, bring:

1. A valid driver’s license
2. A passport or official photo ID

At Zero Car, you’ll never pay a deposit or face hidden costs. Every rental includes zero deductible insurance, giving you complete peace of mind from the moment you start your journey. No excess, no surprises — just straightforward, stress-free travel.

Maximum Age Limit and Young Driver Policy

• There is no upper age limit to rent a car in Iceland. Some companies may request extra documents for drivers over 75, but Zero Car does not impose age-based restrictions. As long as your license is valid, you’re eligible to drive.
• Drivers under 25 years old may have restrictions on vehicle type (for example, no large SUVs under age 23), but Zero Car does not charge additional young driver fees. We believe in transparent pricing and all-inclusive protection.
  To learn more about coverage and road safety, check our Driving in Iceland Guide.

Insurance: Zero Deductible, Zero Deposit

Most rental companies in Iceland charge large deposits and have high deductibles. At Zero Car, every rental includes zero deductible insurance — meaning no deposit and no excess payments, no matter what. You’re always fully covered for collisions, gravel, theft, and more.
Our goal is to make driving in Iceland simple, safe, and sustainable. For more on how we protect both travelers and the environment, read our Electric Car Rental Guide.

Renting a 4x4 or Camper if You’re Under 25

Yes, you can rent a 4x4 once you’re 23 years old and have held a valid license for at least one year. If you’re under 23, electric or hybrid vehicles are the best choice — they handle all major routes with ease and suit Iceland’s weather year-round.
You can comfortably reach famous landmarks like the Best Waterfalls in Iceland and the Hidden Gems of Reykjanes Peninsula without needing a 4x4. Before setting out, always check road conditions and weather updates to plan safely.

Why Age Rules Matter in Iceland

Iceland’s weather and terrain can change quickly; one minute you’re driving through sunshine, and the next, fog or wind. 

These age and license requirements help keep travelers safe, ensuring everyone behind the wheel has enough experience for Iceland’s conditions.

If you’re heading to the Highlands or tackling F-roads, a 4x4 rental is mandatory. For everyday routes like the Golden Circle, an electric car is the most efficient and eco-friendly option. Read more about responsible travel and road safety in our Travel Stories.

Example: Driving the Golden Circle Safely

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular scenic route and accessible year-round with a standard or electric vehicle. Roads are well maintained, but weather can shift fast so checking road updates before you go is essential. If you’re 20 or older with a valid license, you can rent confidently and enjoy one of Iceland’s most iconic drives with Zero Car.

Key Takeaways

Category	Standard & Electric Cars	Large SUV / Passenger Car
Minimum Age	20 years	23 years
License Requirement	Valid 1+ year	Valid 1+ year
Young Driver Fee	None	None
Deposit Required	No	No
Insurance	Zero deductible	Zero deductible
Accepted Licenses	EU, EEA, UK, US, CA, AU, NZ	Same
Maximum Age Limit	None	None