Eligibility requirements

Before you can rent a car on Sicarro, you'll need to meet a few basic requirements. These are in place to ensure the safety of our community — both drivers and car owners — and to comply with El Salvador's traffic and rental regulations.

Age Requirements

The minimum age to rent a car on Sicarro is 18 years old. However, age requirements can vary depending on the vehicle:

Standard Vehicles

• Minimum age: 18 — economy cars, sedans, and compact vehicles
• Some suppliers may set their own minimum age at 21 for standard vehicles

Premium and Luxury Vehicles

• Minimum age: 25 — many suppliers of SUVs, luxury cars, and high-value vehicles require drivers to be at least 25
• This is set by individual car owners to protect their investment

Young Driver Considerations

• Drivers aged 18-24 may find fewer vehicles available due to individual supplier age policies
• Some suppliers may require a higher security deposit for younger drivers
• Building a positive rental history on Sicarro can help you access more vehicles over time

Driver's License Requirements

A valid driver's license is mandatory for all renters. Here's what you need to know:

License Validity

• Your license must be currently valid (not expired or suspended)
• You must have held your license for a minimum of 1 year
• The license must authorize you to drive the category of vehicle you're renting (e.g., standard passenger vehicles)

Accepted License Types

• Salvadoran driver's license — accepted directly
• Foreign driver's license in English or Spanish — accepted with a valid government ID or passport
• Foreign driver's license in other languages — requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license

International Driving Permit (IDP)

If your license is not in English or Spanish, you'll need an IDP:

• Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling (it cannot be issued in El Salvador)
• The IDP must be valid and current
• You must carry both your original license and the IDP while driving
• An IDP alone is not sufficient — it's a translation, not a standalone license

Identity Verification

All renters must complete identity verification before their first booking. This is a one-time process that typically takes 1-24 hours.

Required Documents

• Government-issued photo ID — one of the following:
  • Passport (required for international visitors)
  • DUI (Documento Unico de Identidad) for Salvadoran citizens
  • National ID card from your home country
• Driver's license — front and back photos
• Selfie photo — for identity matching against your documents

For the full verification walkthrough, see our Identity Verification Guide.

Payment Requirements

You need a valid payment method to book and pay for rentals on Sicarro.

Accepted Payment Methods

• Credit card — Visa, Mastercard (must be in your name)
• Debit card — Visa, Mastercard with online transaction support
• Bitcoin Lightning Network — instant payments with minimal fees. El Salvador recognizes Bitcoin as legal tender, making this a seamless option

Payment Considerations

• Your card must support international transactions if issued outside El Salvador
• A security deposit hold will be placed on your card at booking (amount varies by vehicle)
• The deposit is released within 3-5 business days after a successful return
• Prepaid cards may not be accepted for the security deposit

Driving Record Considerations

While Sicarro does not currently pull formal driving records, the following apply:

• Your license must not be suspended or revoked — uploading a suspended license will result in rejection
• Rental history matters — your Sicarro profile builds a reputation over time. Positive reviews from suppliers make you eligible for more vehicles and better rates
• Damage history — repeated damage claims may affect your ability to book on the platform
• Traffic violations during rentals — you are responsible for all fines. Unresolved violations may lead to account restrictions

International Renters

Sicarro warmly welcomes international visitors to El Salvador! Here's what you need to know:

Required Documents

• Valid passport — must be current and not expiring within 6 months
• Driver's license from your home country — valid and current
• International Driving Permit (IDP) — required if your license is not in English or Spanish

Good to Know

• Currency: El Salvador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, so pricing is straightforward for American visitors
• Bitcoin: Bitcoin is also legal tender — you can pay for your entire rental with Lightning
• Driving side: Vehicles drive on the right side of the road, same as the US and most of the Americas
• Road conditions: Major highways are well-maintained. Rural roads may require a vehicle with higher clearance
• Insurance: Check with your supplier about insurance coverage details. Your home country car insurance typically does not cover rentals in El Salvador

El Salvador Specific Notes

A few things to keep in mind about renting and driving in El Salvador:

• Speed limits: Generally 90 km/h on highways, 60 km/h in urban areas, and 30 km/h in school zones
• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all occupants
• Cell phones: Using a phone while driving is illegal — use hands-free only
• Emergency number: Dial 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies
• Fuel stations: Widely available in urban and suburban areas. Payment in USD or Bitcoin at many stations
• Toll roads: There are no toll roads in El Salvador
• Parking: Use monitored parking lots in cities when possible. Avoid leaving valuables in the vehicle

Eligibility Summary

Requirement	Details
Minimum Age	18 years (25 for some premium vehicles)
Driver's License	Valid, held 1+ year
ID Document	Passport, DUI, or national ID
Payment	Credit/debit card or Bitcoin Lightning
IDP Required	Only if license not in English/Spanish
Verification	One-time, 1-24 hours processing

If you meet all these requirements, you're ready to create your account and start renting!