At pick-up we'll verify your documents and payment method, review the rental agreement with you, hand over the key and provide instructions for vehicle collection.
At the SIXT Counter
Present your valid driver's license, identification, and payment method
Add optional protection products or rental add-ons, if desired
Review your rental agreement and confirm the rental details, including pricing
Vehicle Inspection Depending on the location
A SIXT team member may accompany you to the vehicle for a brief condition review. Any existing damage will be documented to ensure there is a clear record of the vehicle's condition at the start of your rental.
Key Collection
The method for receiving your vehicle key may vary by location:
Directly from a SIXT team member
Via a PIN-protected key box located at the branch or in the parking area
Next Steps
To help ensure a smooth and efficient check-in process, please have the following ready upon arrival:
driver's license, identification, and payment method
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
The authorization amount consists of the rental amount plus a fixed surcharge based on the vehicle group. If it seems higher than expected, this is usually because only the additional fixed amount was anticipated and not the rental amount included in it.
Common reasons
The rental amount is included in the total authorization — so the total is: rental amount + fixed surcharge
Vehicle category: Premium, Luxury, Sports vehicles and minibuses have higher fixed surcharges
Exchange rates or bank display formats can make the amount appear temporarily higher
Note: You can find the exact authorization amount for your vehicle group in the Rental Information on the SIXT website.
After return
The authorization is released within one business day after the end of the rental. Depending on your bank, the refund (Maestro/V PAY cards) or release of the held amount (credit or major debit cards) usually takes 5–10 business days
Still need help? Find our contact options below — please have your booking number ready.
Yes — at your SIXT branch you can upgrade to a higher vehicle category on the day of pick-up, subject to availability. The SIXT staff member will advise you of the exact daily rate before you confirm.
How an upgrade at the branch works
The SIXT staff member checks which higher categories are currently available. If a suitable vehicle is available, you'll be quoted the daily rate difference — you decide before confirming.
Still need help? Find our contact options below — please have your booking number ready.
With SIXT Digital Check-in, you can pick up your vehicle quickly and contactlessly — even after hours. Verify yourself online in advance, receive your PIN by email and collect the key directly from the key box at your branch.
Before your trip — verify online
Open sixt.com/check-in/
Upload your driver's license (front and back)
Upload a selfie
SIXT will verify your documents within minutes
Tips for clear photos:
Take photos in good light — avoid harsh shadows or reflections
Place the document flat on a surface — do not hold it in your hand
All four corners and all details must be fully visible
For the selfie: look straight into the camera, evenly lit, no sunglasses or hat
On the day of pick-up
Receive your PIN by email — approximately 1 hour before your pick-up time
Go to the key box at your SIXT branch
Enter your PIN and retrieve the key
Your digital rental agreement is created automatically when you take the key — you can drive off straight away
Where it's available
Available at many branches across SIXT markets — and growing every month. Your booking confirmation will indicate if your pick-up is via key box, under the note "Your key will be available via self-pickup".
Next step
Complete your Digital Check-in via Open sixt.com/check-in/ before your pick-up.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
If your booked car class is not available when you arrive at the SIXT branch, you will be upgraded to a larger, suitable vehicle at no extra cost — keeping you on the road without changing what you pay.
The usual outcome: a free upgrade
Our goal is to always have your reserved vehicle ready and waiting
If your specific car class is unavailable on arrival, you are automatically upgraded to a larger, suitable vehicle
You pay the rate of your original booking — the upgrade itself is free
In rare cases: alternative transportation
Unexpected operational issues — such as a sudden maintenance need or a delayed return — can mean only a smaller vehicle is available, or in extreme cases, no vehicle at all
Our branch management team will work with you on the spot to arrange alternative transportation
Any out-of-pocket expenses you incur while we sort this out are refunded
Next step
Talk to the SIXT branch team on arrival — they will arrange your upgrade or your alternative transportation directly
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
This article helps with damage that was already present at pick-up. Did new damage or an accident happen during your rental? To find out how to proceed, see the article "What should I do if there's parking damage on my SIXT rental car?" and "What should I do after an accident in my SIXT rental car?"
First, check which damage is already recorded — you'll find it in your rental agreement, which we sent you by email, or in your SIXT account under your booking (website or app).
Is the damage already listed?
Then everything is documented — there's nothing more you need to do. Please report any damage that is not listed there, no matter how small it may seem.
The damage isn't listed and you picked up your rental car less than an hour ago?
Then report it right away — you have two options:
Via link: Right after you rent the car, you automatically receive a WhatsApp or SMS with a link. Simply tap it to add the missing damage.
Through your booking: Open your booking in the SIXT app or on the website and add the missing damage during the vehicle check.
In both cases, you'll be guided step by step through the report and the photos. Your details are assigned to your rental and reviewed by our team. During our opening hours, you can also speak to our staff at the branch directly.
The damage isn't listed and you picked up your rental car more than an hour ago?
Then no direct report is needed — simply document the damage for yourself:
Take clear photos of the affected area and of the vehicle from all four sides.
Also photograph the odometer reading.
Keep this documentation. If our damage team contacts you later about a possible charge, point out that the damage was already there at pick-up and share your photos with the team. The damage team will assess the case on that basis. As long as no one contacts you, there's nothing more you need to do.
Tip: Did you spot the damage while still on SIXT premises? If possible, photograph it with the SIXT parking lot in the background — this can help with any later clarification.
Please note: If you notice damage that affects your safety — for example to the tires, brakes, lights, or windshield — please contact our staff or our roadside assistance immediately and do not continue driving.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.