The paperwork for a self drive car rental in Pune is deliberately small. In practice it comes down to two documents you already carry, an age requirement, and a refundable deposit. There is no employer letter, no credit history check and no separate driver form, because you drive the car yourself.
This page lists exactly what the team checks, why each document matters, and the small mistakes that hold up a booking at the door.
A valid LMV driving licence
Your driving licence is the single document the rental turns on. It has to be a permanent licence for a light motor vehicle (LMV), it has to be original, and it has to be valid on both the pickup date and the return date.
- Original licence, not a photocopy or a photo on your phone.
- Held for at least one year - a licence issued last month will not be accepted.
- Not expired, and not a learner licence, because a learner cannot drive unaccompanied.
- The name should match the ID you present.
One government photo ID
A single government-issued photo ID is enough. Aadhaar and PAN are the two most common, and a passport, voter ID or driving licence card with a photo also works. The purpose is to tie the person renting the car to the licence and the booking.
Bring the original. Verification takes a few minutes at pickup, and a mismatch between the booking name and the ID is the most common reason a handover is delayed.
Minimum age of 21 years
Renters must be at least 21 years old. The licence itself has to have been held for at least one year, which in practice means most people renting are well above that threshold.
A refundable security deposit
Every car carries a security deposit of Rs 10,000, collected alongside the rental amount. It is not a fee - it is held against damage and is returned after the car comes back and passes inspection.
- Refunded within 24 to 48 hours of return, once the car passes inspection.
- If something is damaged, only the actual repair cost is deducted.
- There are no rental-rate penalties stacked on top of a damage claim.
- Note any existing scratches at pickup so nothing is attributed to you later.
What happens at verification
The team checks your licence and ID when the car is handed over, whether that is at your home, office or hotel, or at the base on Sinhagad Road in Dattawadi. The check itself takes a few minutes.
Two habits save time: walk around the car before signing off and photograph any existing marks, and check the fuel level. Returning the car in the same condition and at the same fuel level is what releases the deposit without discussion.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a self drive car with a learner licence?
No. A learner licence does not permit you to drive without an accompanying licensed driver, and self drive rentals require a permanent LMV licence that has been held for at least one year.
Does the name on my ID have to match my driving licence?
Yes. The booking name, the government ID and the licence should all refer to the same person. Carrying originals avoids the only delays that usually happen at handover.
When is the security deposit refunded?
Within 24 to 48 hours of returning the car, after it passes inspection. If any damage is found, only the repair cost is deducted from the Rs 10,000 deposit.
Do I need any other paperwork for a monthly rental?
No. The same licence, ID and deposit apply whether you rent for a day or for a month. Longer plans simply cost less per day.
Ready to book?
Pick a car, show a licence and one ID, and have it delivered to your address in Pune.