A customer uses a wireless portable device to interact with a remote cloud-based car rental service. Details at check in are recorded and the customer is authorized to take possession of the car. At checkout, additional details are noted, a receipt is produced, and the customer leaves the car at the car facility. The check-in and checkout process can be achieved without any car rental attendant. That is, the customer via the wireless portable device and with the assistance of the remote cloud-based car rental service completely achieves check in and checkout for a car rental.