Car rental in Malta isn’t one-size-fits-all. The rules shift depending on your age, and each rental company has its own take.

Younger drivers often face limits on which cars they can book and extra fees on top, while older drivers may be asked for more documents or insurance. The easiest age group is 25 and above, where most restrictions drop away.

Under 21: Almost Always a No

If you’re under 21, renting a car in Malta isn’t really an option. Most companies won’t allow it. Your best bet is public transport, taxis, or ride-hailing apps. If you’re planning nightlife or short stays, base yourself in Sliema or Valletta where buses, ferries, and rides are easy.

Tip: If you turn 21 during your trip, check carefully — eligibility usually depends on the pickup date, not the booking date.

Ages 21–22: Limited Options and Fees

Most companies will rent to you, but you’ll almost always pay a young driver fee. Expect to be limited to smaller cars (compact or economy). A full license for 1–2 years is usually required.

Ways to keep costs down:

• Stick with compact or economy cars.
• Compare fees across companies.
• Avoid adding extra drivers unless necessary.

Ages 23–24: Wider Access, Still Some Costs

At this stage, more vehicles become available, but you may still face a young driver surcharge. Deposits and excess amounts are often higher for this age group.

If you don’t want to risk a large bill after an accident, consider excess-reduction insurance (but weigh the cost — sometimes it’s more than the excess itself).

Age 25 and Over: Smooth Sailing

From 25 onwards, you’ll find the widest choice of cars and usually no young driver fees. Standard deposits and insurance apply.

One catch: even if you’re 30 or 40, some companies want at least 1–2 years’ license history. So if your license is brand new, double-check the terms.

Over 70: Still Possible, but More Paperwork

There’s no national maximum driving age in Malta, but rental desks can set their own limits. Many allow rentals over 70 but may ask for:

• A recent driving history
• Extra insurance
• Medical clearance (rare, but it happens)

Best move: book early, confirm what’s required in writing, and bring all documents with you.

Fact: In Malta, hitting 75 can mean fewer rental options, as some companies won’t accept older drivers.

What Documents You’ll Need

Regardless of age, expect to show:

• Physical driver’s license (in good condition)
• Passport or ID card
• Credit card in the main driver’s name (debit is usually refused)
• International Driving Permit (if your license isn’t in English or Latin script)

Over-70 renters should also bring any requested medical or history paperwork.

FAQs About Car Rental Age in Malta

1. Can I rent a car if I’m under 21?

No. Most companies in Malta won’t rent to drivers under 21. You’ll need to use buses, taxis, or transfers.

2. Do I need an International Driving Permit?

If your license isn’t in English or uses a non-Latin script, yes. Otherwise, your regular license is fine.

3. I’m 23 — will I still pay a young driver fee?

Usually yes. The fee often applies until 24, though it gets cheaper compared to ages 21–22.

4. I’m over 70. Can I still rent?

Yes, but expect some extra steps. Bring recent driving history, and some companies may ask for extra insurance.

5. What happens if my license is very new?

Even if you’re over 25, some desks require at least 1–2 years of driving history. Check the small print before booking.

Final Word: Is Renting a Car in Malta Worth It?

For most travelers, yes. The island is small, but buses can be slow and crowded, and taxis add up fast. A rental car makes exploring Mdina, Dingli Cliffs, and Gozo in one trip possible.

The caveat? Parking can be a headache in Valletta, Mdina, and nightlife areas like St Julian’s. Plan ahead with park-and-ride, garages, or just switch to taxis for evenings.

If you want full freedom — especially with kids, luggage, or a packed itinerary — a rental car in Malta is usually the way to go.

Quick answer: Yes, you can usually rely on credit card or third-party insurance when renting a car in Malta, but it’s not always straightforward. Coverage often comes with conditions, exclusions, and the need to handle paperwork if something goes wrong. For some visitors, taking the rental desk’s full cover is the smoother choice.

What Malta Car Hire Insurance Really Includes

Every rental car in Malta is legally insured, but the default cover can be misleading. Most companies include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which limits your liability if the car is damaged. The catch? You’re still responsible for an excess — often several hundred to a few thousand euros depending on the car and the company.

If you skip the rental desk’s full protection, the company will place a sizable hold on your credit card as security. That hold is released a few days after you return the car, but some banks take longer to show the funds back in your account.

Adding the rental’s full cover reduces or removes the excess, and the card hold is smaller. For many visitors, that peace of mind is worth it. Just remember, insurance only covers the renter and any additional drivers named in the contract. If someone else takes the wheel, the cover becomes invalid.

Using Your Credit Card Insurance in Malta

If you have a premium travel card, you can often skip the rental desk’s CDW and rely on your card’s protection instead. Cards like the Amex Platinum cover collision and theft if you pay with the card and decline CDW. The trick is knowing the fine print.

Before booking, double-check that your benefit applies in Malta, what car types are included, and whether the cover is primary or secondary. Save the benefit guide and claims number on your phone — and note any deadlines for reporting damage.

At the counter, always pay with the same card that carries the benefit. If your card requires you to decline CDW to trigger coverage, make sure you do so. Add all drivers to the contract, since card insurance generally only applies to named drivers. And don’t skip the photos — take shots of every panel, the wheels, the roof, the interior, and even the fuel gauge.

What’s Not Covered

Card insurance is rarely all-inclusive. You’ll usually find these exclusions:

• Windscreens and tires
• Undercarriage and interiors
• Lost keys, towing after misuse, and admin fees
• Traffic fines and Valletta CVA access charges

Third-Party Excess Policies

Another option is to buy an excess reimbursement policy. These don’t stop the rental company from charging you if the car is damaged — instead, you pay up front and then claim reimbursement.

They don’t remove the deposit hold on your card either, so you still need available credit. And the inspection process at return doesn’t change, so documenting the car is just as important.

If you choose this route, make sure Malta and Gozo are included in the policy, and check whether glass, wheels, and towing are covered. Some local banks, such as HSBC Malta in the past, have bundled excess cover into certain accounts — but always confirm current eligibility and limits.

When Full Cover at the Desk Makes Sense

Full cover at the counter costs more, but for many travelers it’s worth the price. If you’re landing late at night, it speeds things up and avoids long debates at the counter. Nervous drivers or visitors arriving in peak summer also benefit, since crowded streets and tight parking make scratches more likely.

With full cover, you usually get a zero or very small excess, fewer arguments at return, and broader roadside help that includes glass, tires, and keys. Read the policy carefully, but generally it buys you simplicity and peace of mind.

Local Insurance Gotchas in Malta

A few quirks in Malta can affect your decision. Valletta has a Controlled Vehicular Access system with cameras and fees during core hours — and no insurance will cover those charges.

Parking is notoriously tight in Valletta, Mdina, and village centers, while evenings in St Julian’s and Sliema can be hectic. If squeezing into bays makes you nervous, it’s wise to have cover for glass and wheels.

The Gozo ferry is usually included in contracts, and breakdown help typically extends there too, but always confirm in writing.

Handling Claims Without Drama

The easiest way to avoid disputes is to document everything. Take timestamped photos or videos at pickup and return, make sure any scratches are marked on the form, and keep both the check-in and check-out reports.

If damage happens, stay calm and gather evidence: close-ups, wide shots, and a police incident number if required. Notify the rental company immediately and keep all invoices and emails.

For card or third-party claims, you’ll need your rental agreement, final invoice, damage report, proof that you declined CDW (if applicable), and proof of payment with your card. File promptly — many benefits have tight deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use my credit card insurance instead of buying the rental company’s coverage in Malta?

Yes, if your card includes collision and theft cover and you decline the rental’s CDW. Just be sure Malta is covered, pay with that card, and follow the issuer’s rules.

2. Is credit card insurance primary or secondary in Malta?

It depends on your card. Some premium cards offer primary coverage, but many only reimburse after your personal insurance pays (secondary). Always check your benefit guide before traveling.

3. What car damages are usually excluded from card coverage?

Most card policies exclude windscreens, tires, undercarriage, and interiors. They also won’t cover lost keys, towing after misuse, admin fees, or traffic fines.

4. Does card insurance cover driving in Gozo?

Generally yes — most rental contracts and card benefits extend to Gozo if you take the ferry. Still, confirm this in writing on your rental agreement.

5. Will credit card insurance cover additional drivers?

Only if each additional driver is named on the rental contract. If someone drives who isn’t listed, all coverage is void.

6. How do third-party excess policies work in Malta?

They reimburse you after the rental company charges you the excess. You pay the rental company first, then file a claim with the insurer. It doesn’t remove the deposit hold or change the return inspection.

7. When is it smarter to just buy full cover at the desk?

If you’re landing late at night, short on time, or not confident about handling claims and paperwork, the rental’s full cover is simpler. It usually reduces the deposit hold and avoids disputes at return.

8. Do I still need to take photos if I have full cover or card coverage?

Yes. Photos protect you from false damage claims and give you evidence if you need to file with your card or insurer. A quick walk-around with your phone saves headaches later.

We’re locals and happy to help you find the right car. Book with us today and start exploring Malta the easy way.

Yes, in some cases. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Malta if your home country’s license isn’t in English, or if you’re from a non-EU country and staying longer than 12 months. Those are the official requirements.

Even if you’re just visiting, an IDP is strongly recommended if your license isn’t in English or Maltese. It acts as an official translation, which makes things smoother with both the rental company and local police.

Important to know:

• The IDP never replaces your home license. You must carry both.
• You can only get an IDP in your home country, so apply before you travel.
• Rental desks in Malta often ask for it — having it avoids arguments at the counter.

So while not every single visitor legally needs one, most non-EU drivers are better off getting it. It’s cheap, valid for a year, and saves a lot of stress.

So what does an IDP actually do?

It’s not magic. It doesn’t give you extra driving powers. It’s basically a translation of your license into a bunch of languages under international conventions Malta follows. Think of it like subtitles for your license , it helps the desk staff (and police, if it ever comes to that) know exactly what you’re allowed to drive.

Important part: it never works alone. You always need your actual license with it. Most IDPs are valid for a year, so make sure it covers your whole trip.

How to get one before your trip

Back home, you’ll apply through your motoring association. In some countries, you can walk into a branch and leave with one the same day. In others, you’ll need to fill out a form, attach a passport photo, pay a fee, and wait for the postman.

Don’t overthink it, just give yourself a few weeks’ buffer so it arrives in time. And double-check that the name matches your passport exactly. Tiny mismatches can cause big issues at the counter.

Edge cases you should know about

Malta has quirks. After Brexit, some desks will take a UK photocard without blinking, while others insist on the IDP. That’s why it pays to email your rental company beforehand and keep their reply in your inbox.

If you’re here for longer than a holiday, Transport Malta may expect you to register or even convert your license. And no, screenshots or “digital licenses” on your phone won’t cut it. They want to see plastic.

What rental companies actually check for

When you show up at the desk, expect them to ask for:

• Your passport.
• Your physical license (plus the IDP if you need it).
• A credit card in the main driver’s name (for the security block).
• Your booking voucher.

Want peace of mind at the counter? 👉 Here’s the checklist every Malta car renter should tick off.

Age rules and driver history

Malta isn’t one-size-fits-all when it comes to age. Some companies rent from 21, others from 23. If you’re under 25, be ready for a “young driver surcharge” — basically, extra insurance because they think you’ll scratch the car.

On the other end, a few companies have an upper limit around 70–75. In that case, you might be asked for extra paperwork or a doctor’s note.

Extra drivers? They need to meet the same rules and show up with their licenses too. You can’t just add your cousin’s name last-minute because he wants to take a spin to Gozo.

Insurance basics in Malta

Here’s how it usually works: your rental comes with the bare minimum (third-party liability) and a Collision Damage Waiver. That Waiver sounds reassuring, but there’s always a catch — the excess. That’s the amount they’ll block on your card, often several hundred euros.

Now, you can reduce or even buy down that excess at the counter. It’s pricey, but some people sleep better knowing a dinged rim won’t cost them their whole deposit. Just know the standard insurance rarely covers windscreen cracks, flat tires, lost keys, or damage underneath the car.

Pro tip: walk around the car with your phone out and film it before you drive away. You’ll thank yourself later.

Child seats and equipment

Yes, child seats are mandatory in Malta. No exceptions. You can reserve one in advance with the rental company, but always check it when you pick up the car. Size, belts, cleanliness — don’t assume it’ll be perfect. If you’re picky (or just want peace of mind), bring your own.

As for the cars themselves, they’ll have the basics like a reflective vest and warning triangle. Winter kits aren’t a thing here — the coldest you’ll get is a breezy night in January.

If you skip the IDP, what are your options?

Some people think they can wing it with buses, Ferries or taxis, and yes, those exist. But let’s be real. Malta’s bus system covers most towns during the day, but it thins out late at night. If your flight lands after midnight, don’t expect a bus to be waiting — grab a taxi or pre-book a transfer.

Ride-hailing apps and white taxis are fine for nights out in St Julian’s or Paceville, but surge pricing bites hard on weekends.

Hiring a private driver can work for things like wine tours or when you just want a stress-free ride with kids and luggage. But for day-to-day exploring? It adds up fast.

That’s why most visitors still end up renting. The freedom to hop between beaches, villages, and Gozo without checking bus timetables is worth it.

Driving in Malta: the things visitors miss

We drive on the left here — just like the UK and Ireland. That catches some visitors off guard at first, but you’ll get used to it quickly.

The streets in many villages are on the narrow side, with beautiful old stone walls right at the edge. It just means you’ll want to take it easy and give yourself time. Think of it as part of Malta’s charm — the slower pace lets you actually see the islands instead of rushing through them.

Valletta has a Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) system — basically, a fee if you enter during weekday working hours. Honestly, it’s easier to park outside the city walls and walk in or grab the Park and Ride. Mdina is even stricter; it’s mostly pedestrian.

Heading to Gozo? The ferry is straightforward. Most rental companies let you take the car across, but you’ll need to bring the same vehicle back. Don’t forget the rental contract in the glovebox — you may be asked for it.

One last thing: Malta enforces low blood alcohol limits. If you’re planning to enjoy local wine or craft beer, just leave the car parked that day. Enforcement is strict, especially on weekends.

When a rental car really makes sense

If you’re staying only in Valletta or Sliema, you might get away without a car. But for everyone else — families, beach-hoppers, photographers chasing sunsets — a rental car just makes life easier.

Yes, parking can be tight in the busy areas, and yes, traffic builds around St Julian’s at rush hour. But the ability to link Dingli Cliffs, Blue Grotto, quiet coves, and Gozo villages in one day is priceless.

Think of it this way: buses and taxis are your backups. The rental car is your base camp.

So if you’re planning to explore beyond the main tourist spots, it’s worth having your own wheels. Book a cheap Malta car rental today and give yourself the freedom to see the islands your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do tourists need an International Driving Permit in Malta?

Tourists from the EU/EEA can drive with their home license only. Visitors from outside the EU should carry an IDP, especially if their license is not in English or Maltese, as rental companies and police often request it.

2. Is an International Driving Permit mandatory for US drivers in Malta?

Not always, but it’s strongly recommended. A US license is in English, so short stays are usually fine without an IDP. However, many rental companies still prefer to see one, and it avoids any issues with local authorities.

3. How long can I drive in Malta without an IDP?

If you’re from outside the EU, you can use your home license for up to 12 months. After that, you’ll need an IDP or to convert your license. For short-term visitors, an IDP is smart insurance against misunderstandings.

4. Can I rent a car in Malta without an IDP?

It depends on the rental company. Some will hand you the keys with just your home license if it’s in English, but many will insist on seeing an IDP as well. Always confirm in writing before booking to avoid surprises at the counter.

5. Where do I get an International Driving Permit before coming to Malta?

You must apply in your home country through the official motoring authority. Most can issue it the same day if you apply in person, but postal or online applications can take a couple of weeks, so plan ahead.