Planning a trip to Bhubaneswar, the Temple City of India? Whether you’re visiting for work, a pilgrimage, or a family vacation, renting a car can be the most comfortable and flexible way to explore the city and its surroundings. However, before you hit the road, it’s important to know what documents are required to rent a car, a bike, or even a 12-seater tempo traveller in Bhubaneswar.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every document you need—and offer insider tips to ensure your rental experience goes smoothly. So let’s dive into it.
Why Renting a Vehicle in Bhubaneswar Makes Sense
Bhubaneswar isn’t just a city of temples; it’s also a hub of culture, education, and industry. With destinations like Puri, Konark, Chilika Lake, and Dhauli Shanti Stupa all within driving distance, having your own rental car or bike offers the flexibility that taxis or public transport simply can’t match.
Whether you're looking for a compact car, a scooty for solo rides, or a 12 Seater Tempo Traveller Hire for group trips, knowing what documents to carry can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Essential Documents Required to Rent a Car in Bhubaneswar
Here is a checklist of all the documents typically needed when renting a car:
1. Valid Driving License
Mandatory for:
Cars
SUVs
Self-drive rentals
12-seater tempo travellers (with commercial license)
? What to Ensure:
The license must be valid and not expired.
It should clearly display your photo and license number.
For renting larger vehicles like a 12-seater tempo traveller, you’ll need a commercial driving license (Type TR or equivalent).
? Pro Tip:
Foreign tourists can use an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home-country license. Ensure your IDP is translated into English if it’s not already.
2. Government-Issued Photo ID Proof
Accepted Documents Include:
Aadhaar Card
Passport
PAN Card
Voter ID
Driving License (also counts here)
Why It’s Needed:
Rental agencies require proof of identity and address to maintain records and for verification purposes.
Bonus Tip:
Make sure the address on your ID proof matches your current residence, or carry a utility bill or rental agreement as secondary address proof if needed.
3. Age Proof
Most rental companies in Bhubaneswar set 21 as the minimum age for renting a vehicle. Some providers may require you to be 23 or older for premium or larger cars.
To confirm eligibility, you’ll need to show a document that proves your date of birth—usually your driver’s license, Aadhaar card, or passport.
4. Security Deposit and Payment Proof
Even after providing ID and a valid license, rental companies in Bhubaneswar often ask for a security deposit. This is refundable upon return of the vehicle, assuming no damage.
? Payment Methods:
UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm)
Credit/Debit Cards
Cash (less preferred due to traceability issues)
Documents to Save:
Payment receipt
Any SMS or email confirmation of deposit
Rental agreement with mentioned terms
Additional Documents for Tourists and Foreign Nationals
If you’re not an Indian citizen, the following documents are essential:
1. Passport (Original + Copy)
Used for both identity and address verification.
2. Valid Visa
Your visa should clearly show the length of your stay in India.
3. International Driving Permit (IDP)
As mentioned earlier, this is essential if your home license is not valid in India.
4. Hotel Booking Proof or Local Stay Address
Some rental providers require an address where the tourist will be staying, in case of emergencies or vehicle tracking.
Documents for Group Rentals (e.g., 12 Seater Tempo Traveller Hire)
For larger group travel, especially involving tempo travellers or minibuses, documentation becomes slightly more detailed:
1. Commercial Driving License
The driver must have a valid commercial license. If you’re hiring a tempo traveller with a driver provided by the rental agency, you’re usually not responsible for this.
2. Group Travel Itinerary
Some agencies ask for a rough idea of your travel plan, especially if the vehicle is going outside the city limits or to tourist hotspots like Puri or Gopalpur.
3. Consent Forms (Optional)
In case of corporate or school group travel, consent or authorization letters from the institution may be required.
Checklist for Renting a Bike in Bhubaneswar
If you’re a solo traveler or a couple looking to explore Bhubaneswar’s scenic bylanes and busy markets, bike rent in Bhubaneswar is a great option. Here’s what you’ll need:
✅ Valid Driving License (with two-wheeler endorsement)
✅ Government-issued ID
✅ Security deposit (usually ₹500 - ₹1000)
✅ Rental agreement and receipt
Bonus Tip: Always wear a helmet (mandatory by law) and carry your documents while riding. Traffic police in Bhubaneswar have become stricter post-2022, especially in tourist zones.
What Happens If You Don’t Have the Right Documents?
Failure to present valid documentation can result in:
Refusal of service
Higher security deposits
Extra scrutiny or background verification
Legal complications if stopped by police
No insurance coverage in case of accidents
It’s always better to be over-prepared than to face issues on the road.
Common Scenarios and Document Tips
? Last-Minute Booking at Bhubaneswar Airport
Documents Required:
Driving license
Government ID
Digital payment receipt (screenshot or email confirmation)
Quick verification selfie (some rental providers request this)
? Family Trip with Elderly or Kids
Opt for a chauffeur-driven car if the primary traveler lacks a valid license. Carry extra identification for all travelers if renting a 12 seater tempo traveller.
?? Student Rentals
Some rental companies refuse rentals to students under 21 or those with “learner’s licenses.” Carry your college ID as an additional reference.
Digital vs Physical Copies: What’s Accepted?
In most cases, digital copies stored in DigiLocker or government apps like mParivahan are accepted, especially post-COVID. However, some agencies may still prefer or require physical photocopies.
Best Practice: Carry both formats—digital for convenience, physical for backup.
Insurance and Road Tax Documentation
Always ask the rental company for:
Insurance certificate copy (third-party or comprehensive)
Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate)
PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate
As a renter, you’re not required to produce these, but it’s good to have a picture or copy in case of traffic stops or incidents.
Top 3 Rental Services in Bhubaneswar: Who to Trust?
Here are some reputed options for both car rentals and bike rent in Bhubaneswar:
Zoomcar Bhubaneswar – Great for self-drive car rentals.
Royal Riderz – Known for reliable scooty and bike rentals.
OM Sai Travels – Offers 12 seater tempo traveller hire and larger group vehicles with or without a driver.
Before booking, always cross-check document requirements on their official website or by phone.
Final Checklist: What to Bring
Before walking into any car or bike rental office in Bhubaneswar, make sure you carry:
✅ Valid Driving License (Original)
✅ Government-issued ID (Original + Copy)
✅ Digital & physical copies of both above
✅ Age proof (if under 25)
✅ Payment method & confirmation
✅ Passport + Visa (for foreigners)
✅ Hotel booking details or local address
✅ Copy of rental terms/agreement
Conclusion: Better Safe Than Sorry
Renting a car or a bike in Bhubaneswar can enhance your travel experience tenfold—but only if you’re prepared with the right paperwork. Whether you’re opting for a quick bike rent in Bhubaneswar for solo sightseeing or planning a family pilgrimage with a 12 seater tempo traveller hire, having your documents sorted is key to a smooth journey.
Always double-check with your rental agency, and when in doubt, carry extra copies. In the world of Indian travel, a few proactive steps can go a long way.
