What is needed to rent a vehicle from Wests

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ

All the following information to ensure when you collect your rental vehicle everything goes smoothly and to understand what is needed to rent a vehicle and the identity documents all drivers need to produce if they wish to hire/drive the rental vehicle.


  • ALL drivers must attend our rental office to be put on the rental agreement and vehicle insurance. 
  • Drivers can attend the rental office up to 14 days prior to the collection date, to be pre-added to the rental agreement and show all the required identification (listed below) and complete security and paperwork. Alternative you can leave it until you collect the rental vehicle. 
  • Payment for the rental vehicle can only be paid on the main drivers Visa Debit or Visa Credit card or Mastercard Credit Card, unless you are booking the vehicle in the name of a company, where we will accept payment off a company card - (copy of the card is required as well as a an official company headed order.)
  • The payment card must be produced upon collection of the vehicle, unless you are a company where a colour copy is accepted.
  • The driver's driving licence and their two proof of address identity must all match (same name and in their current home address).


What happens if the driver/drivers cannot produce the identification documents, payment, meets the driver criteria? - Click Here


IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT LIVE LOCAL TO OUR RENTAL DEPOT

Should the driver(s) not live in the local or in the surrounding areas of Rainham, Essex, please call us first as restrictions apply. (Terms and conditions apply, all rights reserved.)


 If The Driver(s) Live In The UK - Driver(s) Identification Required

Each and every driver must produce the original documents and attend the rental depot to be added to the rental agreement and vehicle insurance. 

All the below documents/Identification are required to rent a vehicle. 

Cancellation terms and conditions apply.


  • ID 1. DRIVING LICENCE

    ID 1.  DRIVING LICENCE


    Full valid current driving licence... either:


    • Full valid UK photo driving licence with valid licence check code      or 
    • Old valid full paper driving licence and valid passport with valid licence check code   or
    • Full valid EU* driving licence and valid passport with a valid international driving permit  or
    • Full valid Non-UK* driving licence and valid passport with a valid international driving permit  (restrictions and limitations apply)

        

    *If you have an EU or non UK driving licence, you must notify us when booking.  If we can hire, your deposit/excess may be higher.


    Please Note: 

    You will need to have your physical driving licence. 

    The driving licence must be in the driver's current name and home address.  

    We will not accept driving licence that is not in the drivers current home address.

    A UK licence 'Check Code' is required, driver(s) cannot hire or be added to the rental agreement without a valid, working check code on the day of collection. Cancellation terms and conditions will apply.


  • ID 2. PROOF OF BANK ACCOUNT

    ID 2. PROOF OF BANK ACCOUNT


    A Valid - 

    • Visa Debit Card  or 
    • Mastercard Debit or
    • Visa Credit Card or
    • Mastercard Credit Card  

    Please Note: A Mastercard Debit Card that is not issued from a UK high street bank, i.e. Monzo, Metro, Revolut, Chase, Strip etc have a longer pre-authorised holding policy.  Therefore, we advise not using this card to pay your security deposit that is required upon collection of the rental vehicle. 


    We do not accept payment or cards from American Express, Pre-Paid, Top-up, Travel Cards, Cash Cards or any card that is not in the name and current home address of the driver etc.

  • ID 3. 2 x PROOF OF ADDRESS IDENTITY

    ID 3.  2 x PROOF OF ADDRESS IDENTITY


    TWO Different Proofs of current address – this can be from the accepted 'Proofs of Address Identity'  list below.


    We do not accept your driving licence as a proof of address. 


    ONLINE BILLS AND STATEMENTS: 

    We can accept your downloaded bills and statements, if  you are paperless.  Please' log on' to your online account and download them in a PDF and then email them to us (if you do not have a printer to print them off).  

     

    RECENTLY DATED:  

    ALL bills, bank statements, credit card statements must have an issue date WITHIN 90 days (3 months) of your rental vehicle collection date, if the issue date of the bill or statement is over 90 days then we will not accept it as it will be too old. (i.e. if your rental vehicle collection date is the 6th June 2026, then the drivers bills/statements must have an issue date no old than the 9th March 2026)


    WE ONLY ACCEPT THE BELOW DOCUMENTS FROM THE 'ACCEPTED PROOFS OF ADDRESS IDENTITY,' NOTHING ELSE WILL BE ACCEPTED.  


    The address on your two proofs of address identity must also match the address on your valid driving licence and be from two different suppliers/companies from the list below. 


    Accepted Proofs Of Address Identity:

    • Recent - Gas / electric bill
    • Recent - Water / sewage bill
    • Recent - TV licence
    • Recent - Council tax invoice (only accepted if the issue date of the bill is within 90 days of your rental vehicle collection date, if older we will not accept it)
    • Recent - Mortgage statement
    • Recent - Landline phone
    • Recent - Home broadband bill 
    • Recent - TV Entertainment Package Bill - from either: Sky, Virgin or BT
    • Recent - Bank statement (you can use two bank statements as long as they are from two different banks)
    • Recent - Credit card statements (you can use two credit card statements as long as they are from two different card companies)
    • Recent - Credit card and bank statement from the same bank will also be accepted (must be a credit card and a current account statement)
    • HMRC invoice/letter

    REMINDER: The proofs of address must be addressed to the driver matching the same name and address as on their driving licence and dated within the last 3 months/90 days. We cannot accept any of the above if they mention debit recovery, final reminder, disconnection, unpaid amounts etc.  


    We cannot accept - mobile phone bills, debt letters, parking tickets, NHS letters/appointment etc, jury service letters, fines or similar, log books, wage slips, P60 or P45, finance agreements, catalogue or store card invoices/bills/letters etc, over due/final notice letters, eviction notices, council tax bills /letters dated older than 90 days old or anything other than what is listed above in section ID 3. etc.



    IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT LIVE LOCAL TO OUR RENTAL DEPOT

    Should the driver not live in the local area in or around Rainham, Essex, please call us first as restrictions apply (Terms and Conditions apply all rights reserved.)


  • ID4. PAYMENT FOR SECURITY DEPOSIT

    6. PAYMENT FOR SECUIRTY DEPOSIT:  


    This payment is required upon collection from a debit or credit card in the name of the main driver.


    Accept Payment Cards: 

    • Visa Debit Card   or
    • Mastercard Debit Card   or
    • Visa Credit Card   or
    • Mastercard Credit Card

    Please ensure you have the physical card, clear funds available and know the pin number for the card.

     

    We do not accept cash or any pre-paid, top-up, travel card, cash card, debit card, American Express, cheque etc. or a card that is not in the name of the main driver.  


    PLEASE NOTE: 

    IF YOU CANNOT PROVIDE ALL THE REQUIRED IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS AND METHOD OF PAYMENT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HIRE A VEHICLE AND YOU WILL LOSE THE FULL DEPOSIT/HIRE THAT HAS BEEN PAID. We accept no liability for you not providing the correct identification and/or a driver that does not fit our driver criteria. Cancellation Terms and Condition apply.

  • ID 5. EUROPEAN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (only if travelling abroad)

    ID 5. EUROPEAN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS


    When Travelling To Europe (Outside of Mainland UK):  


    Each driver needs their valid passport and valid international driving licence as we will need to take a copies of these prior to departure .


    If you are renting a minibus with more than 9 seats, a driver digital tachograph card is also required, even for personal use.  UK driving licence holders can obtained this via the GOV.UK website and normally takes around 6 weeks.  Please order well in advance.  


    Cancellation terms and conditions apply if you do not produce all the ID's and Documents upon collection for each driver.


Cancellation terms and conditions apply: if the driver(s) do not produce all the ID's and Documents upon collection. Driver does not meet the driver criteria.

 If The Driver(s)  DO NOT   Live In The UK - Driver(s) Identification Required

Each and every driver must produce the original documents and attend the rental depot to be added to the rental agreement and vehicle insurance. 

All the below documents/Identification from section 1 to 6 is required to rent a vehicle. 

Cancellation terms and conditions apply.


  • PROOF OF IDENTITY - No 1

    PROOF OF IDENTITY No 1.  


     Full valid driving licence - 

    • Full valid EU* driving licence with a valid international driving permit 
    • Full Non EU* driving licences with a valid international driving permit   
    • Full valid UK photo driving licence with valid licence check code 

    *If you have an EU or  non UK driving licence, you must notify us before booking.  An insurance clearance is required before you booking a rental vehicle if you hold a non UK driving licence. Insurance limitations and restrictions apply,  deposit/excess may be higher, admin fee may apply.


    The International driving permit must cover all countries you intend to drive in with the rental vehicle, including the UK.


    If you are hiring a 12 to 17 seat minibus you must make sure the International Permit is stamped with a category 'B' and 'D'.

         

    Please Note: The driving licence must be in the driver's current home address.  We will not accept driving licences that are not in the drivers current home address.


    A UK licence 'Check Code' is required, driver(s) cannot hire or be added to the rental agreement without a valid, working check code on the day of collection. 

    Cancellation terms and conditions will apply.


  • PROOF OF IDENTITY - No 2

    ID 2. PROOF OF CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT


    A Valid - 

    • Visa Credit Card or

    or

    • Mastercard Credit Card  

    Please Note: We do not accept debit card, pre-paid, top-up, travel card, cash card, American Express etc.

  • PROOF OF IDENTITY - No 3

    PROOF OF IDENTITY No 3. 

    • Valid Passport

  • PROOF OF IDENTITY - No 4

    PROOF OF IDENTITY No 4.


    Proof of arrival and departure of the UK


    • Flight ticket 
    • Boat ticket   

    The online booking schedule or confirmation is accepted,  it must show the drivers name, arrival and departure dates and times, with flight/boat number. 



  • PROOF OF IDENTITY - No 5

    PROOF OF IDENTITY No 5.  


    Proof of Local Contact Address: 


    If you are staying with family or friends  - a recent utility bill or bank statement in their name and address with a recent issue dated within 90 days. (if this address is not local we would not be able to rent the vehicle to you.)


    Accepted Proof of Address In Friends or Families Name & Address: 

    • Gas/Electric Bill
    • Water / Sewage Bill
    • Landline Telephone Bill
    • Home Broadband Bill
    • Bank Statement
    • Credit Card Statement

    OR


    Hotel Booking Confirmation 

    Your hotel booking confirmation covering the dates you are renting the vehicle and with the drivers name on it.  (This hotel must be local to our vehicle rental depot.)


    Proofs of address, flight inventory, accommodation confirmation can be downloaded from online and either printed off or emailed to the rental company.

  • No 6 - PAYMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT

    6. PAYMENT FOR SECURITY DEPOSIT:  


    This payment is required upon collection from a credit card in the name of the main driver.


    Accept Payment Cards: 

    • Visa credit card or 
    • Mastercard credit card

    Please ensure you have the physical card, clear funds available and know the pin number for the card.

     

    We do not accept cash or any pre-paid, top-up, travel card, cash card, debit card, American Express, cheque etc. or a card that is not in the name of the main driver.  


    PLEASE NOTE: 

    IF YOU CANNOT PROVIDE ALL THE REQUIRED IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS AND METHOD OF PAYMENT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HIRE A VEHICLE AND YOU WILL LOSE THE FULL DEPOSIT/HIRE THAT HAS BEEN PAID. 

    We accept no liability for you not providing the correct identification and/or a driver that does not fit our driver criteria. Cancellation Terms and Condition apply.

Cancellation terms and conditions apply: if the driver(s) do not produce all the ID's and Documents upon collection. Driver does not meet the driver criteria.

If A Company Wishes To Hire:

Each and every driver must produce the original physical documents and attend the rental office.

Driver's driving licence, documents/identification must be in their name and current home address of each driver.

We also require a company order/purchase order on your company official headed paper.


  • Section 1: Company Order

    COMPANY ORDER & PAYMENT CARD 


    From the Company:

    • An official company letter head or purchase order is required
    • Please addressed the order to:

     Wests Self Drive Hire

     Wests Ind. Park

     Todd Close

     Rainham

     Essex

     RM13 9XX


    YOUR OFFICAL ORDER MUST STATE THE FOLLOWING:

    (You can copy and past our 'Company Order Template' on to your official company/organisation headed paper).


    • Order Date
    • Rental booking number
    • Collection and return date and time
    • Each driver(s) full name
    • Authorisation to debit your payment card for the rental balance and security deposit
    • Details of the payment card* you are asking us to take payment from i.e Halifax Visa Debit, the last 4 digits of the card number, the card holders name and address.
    • order must be signed by a member of your company that has authorisation/card holder.

    Copy of the payment card is also required - see 'Section 2 : Hire Payment/Security Deposit' to see the types of cards we accept.

  • Section 2. Hire Payment / Security Deposit

    2. Hire Payment / Security Deposit

    Payment is accepted by a card belonging to the company or main driver.

    • Hire payment is due upon booking.
    • Security Deposit is required upon collection.

    PAYMENT CARDS WE ACCEPT: 

    • Visa Debit Card
    • Visa Credit Card
    • Mastercard Credit Card  
    • Mastercard Debit Card 

    Please ensure you have clear funds available and know the pin number for your card. 


    We do not accept: cash or any pre-paid, top-up, travel, cash card, American Express etc.


    PLEASE REMEMBER: 

    IF YOU CANNOT PROVIDE ALL THE REQUIRED IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS AND METHOD OF PAYMENT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HIRE A VEHICLE AND YOU WILL LOSE THE FULL DEPOSIT/HIRE THAT HAS BEEN PAID. We accept no liability for you and/or your drivers not providing the correct identification and/or a driver that does not meet our driver criteria. 

    Cancellation Terms and Condition apply.

  • Section 3 - Driver's Driving Licence

    ID 1.  DRIVING LICENCE


    Each and every driver will need their:


    Full valid current driving licence... either:


    • Full valid UK photo driving licence with valid licence check code      or 
    • Old valid full paper driving licence and valid passport with valid licence check code   or
    • Full valid EU* driving licence and valid passport with a valid international driving permit  or
    • Full valid Non-UK* driving licence and valid passport with a valid international driving permit  (restrictions and limitations apply)

         *If you have an EU or  non UK driving licence, you must notify us when booking.  If we can hire, your deposit/excess may be higher.


    Please Note: The driving licence must be in the driver's current home address.  We will not accept driving licence that is not in the drivers current home address.


    A UK licence 'Check Code' is required, driver(s) cannot hire or be added to the rental agreement without a valid, working check code on the day of collection. Cancellation terms and conditions will apply.


  • Section 4. Drivers 2nd Form of Identity

    DRIVER ID 2. PROOF OF BANK ACCOUNT


    A Valid - 

    • Visa Debit Card  or 
    • Visa Credit Card or
    • Mastercard Credit Card  

    We do not accept Mastercard Debit Card that is not from a UK high street bank, American Express or any card that is not in the name and current home address of the driver etc.

  • Section 5. Drivers 3rd Form of Identity

    DRIVERS 3rd PROOF OF IDENTITY


    One Proof of current address – this can be from the below accepted 'Proofs Of Address Identity'  list below recently dated.


    We do not accept your driving licence as a proof of address. 


    ONLINE BILLS AND STATEMENTS: If your bills and statements are online (paperless) please' log on' to your online account and download them in a PDF and then email them to us (if you do not have a printer to print them off).  

     

    RECENTLY DATED:  the bill, bank statement, credit card statement must have an issue date WITHIN 90 days (3 months) of your rental vehicle collection date, if the issue date of the bill or statement is over 90 days then we will not accept it as it will be too old. (i.e. if your rental vehicle collection date is the 6th June 2026, then the drivers bills/statements must have an issue date no old than the 9th March 2026)


    WE ONLY ACCEPT THE BELOW DOCUMENTS FROM THE 'ACCEPTED PROOFS OF ADDRESS IDENTITY,' NOTHING ELSE WILL BE ACCEPTED.  


    The address on your proof of address identity must also match the address on your  drivers valid driving licence.


    Accepted Proofs Of Address Identity:

    • Recent - Gas / electric bill
    • Recent - Water / sewage bill
    • Recent - TV licence
    • Recent - Council tax invoice (only accepted if the issue date of the bill is within 90 days of your collection date)
    • Recent - Mortgage Statement
    • Recent - Landline phone
    • Recent - Home broadband bill 
    • Recent - TV Entertainment Package Bill - from either: Sky, Virgin or BT
    • Recent - Bank statement 
    • Recent - Credit card statement 
    • HMRC invoice/letter

    REMINDER: The proof of address must be addressed to the driver matching the same name and address as on their current valid driving licence and dated within the last 3 months/90 days. We cannot accept any of the above if they mention debt recovery, final reminder, disconnection, unpaid amounts etc.  Mobile phone bills, debt letters, parking tickets, NHS letters/appointment etc, Jury Service letters, fines, PCN Notice or similar, log books, wage slips, P60 or P45, finance agreements, catalogue or store card invoices/bills/letters etc, over due/final notice letters, eviction notices, council tax bills /letters over 90 days old or anything other than what is listed above etc.


    IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT LIVE LOCAL TO OUR RENTAL DEPOT

    Should the driver not live in the local area of Rainham, Essex, please call us first as restrictions apply (Terms and Conditions apply all rights reserved.)


  • Section 6. EUROPEAN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (only if travelling abroad)

    ID 5. EUROPEAN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS


    When Travelling To Europe (Outside of Mainland UK):  


    Each driver needs their valid passport and valid international driving licence as we will need to take a copies of these prior to departure .


    If you are renting a minibus with more than 9 seats, a driver digital tachograph card is also required, even for personal use.  UK driving licence holders can obtain this via the GOV.UK website and normally takes around 6 weeks.  Please order well in advance.  


    Cancellation terms and conditions apply if you do not produce all the ID's and Documents upon collection for each driver.


Cancellation terms and conditions apply.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I/WE CANNOT PRODUCE THE IDENTIFICATION/PAYMENT/MEET DRIVER CRITERIA?

  • If the main driver cannot provide all the required identification and accepted method of payment upon collection,  we will not be able to rent the vehicle to them and our cancellation terms and conditions will apply, you will lose and forfeit your full non refundable, non transferable booking deposit/payment.
  • If an additional driver (not the main driver who booked the vehicle) cannot provide all the required identification below, we will not be able to add them to the rental agreement and therefore they cannot drive the rental vehicle, the main driver can still hire and drive the vehicle.  If you choose not to take the rental vehicle because the additional driver cannot drive, then our cancellation terms and conditions will apply.
  • The rental company accept no liability and loss for the driver(s) not providing the correct identification and/or a driver that does not fit our driver criteria. Cancellation Terms and Condition will apply.
  • Please ensure the driver(s) can provide all the required documents and if a company is renting, they can produce the required documents and payment/bank card before committing to a booking and paying any booking deposit/payment.