Can a DUI Prevent Me from Renting a Car?

If you have a DUI on your record, you already know how far-reaching the consequences can be. From court penalties and license suspensions to employment concerns and insurance increases, a DUI conviction leaves a lasting impact. One common question that often comes up, especially for Illinois drivers planning a trip or business trip, is this: Can a DUI prevent you from renting a car?

The answer is yes in many cases, especially depending on how recent the DUI is and the policies of the rental car company. But there is more to the story. This blog breaks down how a DUI affects your ability to rent a car, which companies are stricter, how long a DUI stays on your driving record, and what you can do if you have a pending or past DUI in Illinois.

How Rental Car Companies View DUI Convictions

Rental car companies are private businesses. That means they can set their own rules and screen customers however they choose, within the bounds of state and federal law. Many companies perform background checks on your driving record before handing over the keys. And most major rental companies in the United States share one thing in common: they refuse to rent to drivers with recent DUI convictions.

This is especially true if your conviction occurred within the last 48 months. In fact, some rental agencies may deny your request even if the DUI happened five or more years ago. Their goal is simple: avoid risk. To a rental company, a customer with a DUI record is considered a higher liability, especially if there is a history of alcohol-related offenses or license suspensions.

In Illinois, this scrutiny becomes even more relevant given that the Secretary of State maintains detailed public driving records. If your DUI is within a certain time frame, most rental companies will see it and may automatically deny your request.

Typical Rental Car Policies Regarding DUIs

While policies vary slightly by company, the following guidelines are generally true across most major brands:

Hertz
Hertz has one of the stricter policies. The company may deny a rental to anyone with a DUI within the past four years. If there are additional driving offenses, that time period may extend.

Enterprise
Enterprise will typically reject rentals if your record shows a DUI conviction within the last three years. In some cases, this extends to five years, especially if there are multiple violations or suspensions.

Avis and Budget
These two companies, which are part of the same parent group, often apply a 48-month lookback period. If your DUI occurred within four years, you may be denied. If it was longer ago and you have maintained a clean record since, you may be allowed to rent.

Alamo and National
Both companies typically apply a three-year look back policy for DUIs, but may allow rentals after that period depending on your overall driving history.

Will a DUI Always Show Up on Your Record?

In Illinois, DUI convictions are permanent. They do not drop off your criminal or driving record after a set number of years. Unlike some other offenses, you cannot expunge or seal a DUI conviction under current Illinois law. That means it is visible to any rental car agency that checks your driving record.

Even if your case was resolved through court supervision, the Secretary of State still retains a record of the incident. In some cases, companies may treat court supervision differently, especially if it did not result in a conviction. However, many rental companies apply their own internal rules and may still use the incident as a reason to deny a rental.

If you refused chemical testing and received a statutory summary suspension, this may also appear on your driving record. While not a criminal conviction, it is an administrative action and may still raise red flags during a rental car screening process.

How a DUI-Related Suspension Affects Rentals

If your license was suspended or revoked because of a DUI and has since been reinstated, your ability to rent a car may still be affected. Some companies not only look for DUI convictions but also investigate your suspension history. For example, if your license was suspended for six months due to a failed chemical test, even after reinstatement, some rental agencies may still treat you as a higher risk. They may deny a rental even if the DUI occurred more than three years ago simply because of the suspension history.

In some Illinois counties, such as DuPage or Cook, where DUI arrest rates are high and courts are busy, suspensions are aggressively enforced. These suspensions become a part of your Illinois driving abstract, which can be accessed by rental companies.

Renting a Car with an Out-of-State DUI

If your DUI occurred in another state and you now live in Illinois, you may still face difficulty renting a car. Most states share driving record information through the National Driver Register. This means that even if your conviction was in another jurisdiction, the Illinois Secretary of State and car rental agencies may still see it.

Similarly, if you were convicted of DUI in Illinois and move to another state, that conviction remains on your driving record. It can still be viewed by companies in your new state, especially if you apply to rent a vehicle there. There is no simple way to avoid this issue other than the passage of time and a clean driving history since the incident.

Exceptions and Special Situations

There are some situations where you might still be able to rent a car even with a DUI on your record:

• The DUI occurred more than five to seven years ago and there have been no other incidents since
  
• You rent from a local or independent company with more flexible policies
  
• You provide proof of license reinstatement and a clean driving history
  
• You are approved through a corporate rental account with relaxed screening criteria
  

That said, these situations are the exception, not the rule. Most people with a recent DUI will have a hard time renting from a national brand without questions or outright denial.

Practical Tips If You Have a DUI and Need a Rental Car

If you have a DUI and need to rent a car, especially for travel or work, here are a few steps that may help:

Check Your Driving Record
Request your Illinois driving abstract from the Secretary of State. This will help you see what the rental company may be looking at.

Contact the Rental Company in Advance
Call ahead and explain your situation. Some companies will tell you whether your history is a problem before you arrive. This saves time and embarrassment.

Use a Corporate or Business Account
If your employer has a corporate rental agreement, the company may waive some of the standard screening requirements. Check with your HR or travel department.

Provide Proof of Insurance and Reinstatement
Showing that your license has been reinstated and that you have valid insurance may help your case.

Look for Smaller or Independent Rental Firms
Local companies may have more flexible policies, especially if you explain your circumstances.

Why Legal Representation Matters

One of the most overlooked consequences of a DUI is how it impacts your freedom to travel and conduct everyday business. Losing access to rental cars may not sound critical at first, but it can affect job opportunities, travel plans, and family responsibilities.

Attorney Andy Sotiropoulos has been defending DUI cases since 1999, with a focus on practical solutions. He understands that a conviction is not just about fines and court dates. It is about preserving your ability to live your life. Whether you are facing a first-time DUI in Kendall County or a repeat offense in Kane or Will County, Andy knows how to evaluate your case and seek outcomes that protect your record and future mobility.

If you are facing a DUI charge in Illinois and are worried about how it could impact your ability to rent a car, call Andy Sotiropoulos today. With over two decades of experience in DUI defense and courtroom strategy, Andy offers free case evaluations to help you understand your options and defend your rights. Contact Andy today to schedule your free case review and take the first step toward protecting your driving record and your future.