Car subscription requirements: complete driver eligibility guide 2025

Car subscriptions are booming, offering flexible and convenient vehicle solutions. If you want to subscribe to a new car and leave all cost worries behind, you better know what to expect when contacting your chosen provider.

Overview of car subscription requirements

While specific documents and qualifcation requirements may differ between subscription companies, all providers conduct basic verification checks to approve your subscription. Still, they would all ask you to verify your identity, carry out a credit check, and (sometimes) assess your monthly payment affordability.

Unlike traditional car leasing or when buying a car on finance, car subscription companies more renewable and convenient terms. Most providers won’t require employment references or three years worth of evidence to qualify for a suitable subscription.

Providers will need to verify your occupation as certain occupations aren’t permitted. Depending on the specific subscription company, restricticted occupations may include:

• Professional sportsmen or sportswoman.
• Entertainment or theatrical professions.
• Professional racing driver,
• Gambling industry professionals.

What paperwork do I need to get a car on subscription?

To subscribe to a car through a reliable subscription provider for personal use, you’ll need to submit specific documentation. The essential items you’ll need are:

• Valid and legible photos or scanned copies of your driving licence.
• Proof of address (either a utility bill or a bank statement is usually fine.
• Required DVLA check code (you may be asked for this by some providers).
• Sign a csubscription agreement contract with the provider once you’ve passed all previous verification checks.

To apply, you’ll need to create an account using your identification details, like your full name, email address and date of birth. You’ll be registering and joining as the named driver. You can add a second driver to your subscription later.

Make sure you have all of your required documents ready before starting the sign-up process so you can share your documents conveinently with the provider as soon as they request them.

What are the basic eligibility requirements to join?

Now that the required documentation is out of the way, it's worth checking that you meet the necessary eligibility and qualification criteria most vehicle subscription companies adhere to:

• Suitable age range: Be 25 to 85 years old, or (you can still subscribe if you're retired)
• You must be between 30 to 85 for expensive, premium cars.
• Hold a full, valid UK driving licence - a provisional licence is not accepted.
• Have held your UK licence for at least 12 months
• If you've exchanged a foreign licence, you'll need to provide evidence.
• The licence should be the category vehicle you want to subscribe to.
• Be a UK resident using a valid UK bank account for payments.

Driver history and restrictions

Also, providers have more stringent rules when it comes to your driving past. Your subscription may not be approved if you:

• You have accumulated more than 6 points on your licence, received during the last 3 years.
• Have been banned from driving within the last 5 years.
• Have more than one fault claim within the last 3 years.
• Have been refused car insurance in the past.
• Any disability or condition that the DVLA aren’t aware of.
• Been convicted during the last 5 years of any offence/s that resulted in more than 6 penalty points on your licence, suspension or ban from driving.
• This also includes pending prosecutions, which you must disclose when joining.

See the full list of penalty points.

What you can’t do with your car while on a subscription

When you subscribe to a car for personal use, certain requirements and terms in the agreement must be followed. Here are the key restrictions all drivers must meet:

• The vehicle can’t be used for any commercial or business use,
• Modifications to the vehicle are not permitted,
• Don’t overload the vehicle by carrying more passengers than seats available, or by transporting heavy goods.
• Only use approved repair facilities in your subscription agreement. 
• Don’t leave the country without obtaining prior permission from the subscription service.
• Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You must maintain legal driving standards at all times. 

These are generally universal rules whether you decide to lease, rent or subscribe to a car! 

What happens if I don’t pass the eligibility criteria?

Ouch, getting rejected from a provider won’t be fun but you have to accept that car subscriptions tend to prioritise certain aspects of your driving history. The requirements are typically more comprehensive than other vehicle services

If a car subscription company is unable to accept your application, the company will:

• Provide a clear explanation of why you didn't pass their verification checks, 
• Include specific details about any failing criteria,
• Submit formal notification of the decision,

Many providers aim to process applications efficiently and may require an upfront payment or deposit before completing all background checks. If you don't qualify, any fees or deposits will be fully refunded.

Additional Considerations:

• Flexible terms may be available with different providers,
• Alternative subscription options might be more suitable,
• Renewal opportunities may exist after improving the eligibility status,
• Documentation can be resubmitted when circumstances change.

As some providers try to get your account up and running as soon as possible, they will as ask you for the deposit before all background checks have been carried out. In those situations, if you don’t meet their requirements, your deposit will be refunded in full.

If you're looking for more information about subscriptions, you can check out our review of elmo or perhaps compare the best car subscription services in the UK!