What You Need to Hire a Classic Car: The Checklist
Licence, ID, age, deposit headroom and the right expectations: a simple checklist so your first classic car hire goes smoothly.
Hiring a classic is simple once you've got the essentials in order. Run through this checklist before you send a booking request and the rest of the process takes care of itself.
Before you book
- A full driving licence held for the minimum period the owner asks for (self-drive only).
- A second form of ID; many owners ask for one at handover.
- Enough headroom on your card for the refundable security deposit.
- Your dates and a short note on the occasion; context goes a long way with owners.
Decide self-drive or chauffeured first
This shapes everything else. Self-drive means meeting the licence and age terms; chauffeured means you can leave the driving to a professional. If you're unsure, our self-drive vs chauffeured guide lays it out clearly.
Confirm the practical details with the owner
- Mileage allowance and any per-mile charge beyond it.
- Collection and return times and location.
- Fuel policy: for self-drive you'll usually return it as you found it.
- Any quirks of the car the owner wants to walk you through.
Understand the money side
Payment is only taken once the owner accepts your request, and the deposit is held separately and refunded after a clean return. For the full picture of pricing and cover, read what classic car hire costs and our insurance and deposits guide.
Got everything ready? Find a car for your dates and send your request.
Explore on BookAclassic
Frequently asked questions
- What documents do I need to hire a classic car?
- For self-drive, a full driving licence held for the owner's minimum period plus usually a second form of ID. Chauffeured hire needs no licence from you.
- How old do I need to be to hire a classic car?
- It depends on the owner and the car. Some set a higher minimum age for valuable models. Each listing states its own age and experience terms.
- When is payment taken?
- Only after the owner accepts your booking request. A refundable security deposit is held separately and returned after a clean handover.
Find your classic on BookAclassic
Browse thousands of classic and prestige cars from owners across the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada.
Last reviewed 2026-06-01

