Which rental companies offer military discounts and how much you save
Most major car rental chains offer discounts to active-duty military, veterans, and sometimes their families, but the discount amount and who qualifies varies by company. Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all have military programs. Discounts typically range from 10 to 20 percent off the base rental rate, though some companies offer deeper discounts during promotional periods. The discount applies to the car rental itself, not to taxes, fees, or insurance add-ons.
To claim a military discount, you'll need to show proof of military status at the rental counter or provide military verification when booking online. Active-duty personnel usually need a military ID. Veterans typically need a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC), a VA disability rating letter, or a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). Some companies also accept military verification through third-party services like AARP or the Military.com discount portal.
The discount amount can shift based on location, season, and the specific rental agreement. A company might advertise 15 percent off but explore it only to certain car classes or exclude weekend rentals. Always ask what the discount covers before you complete the booking, and compare the final quoted price across companies rather than assuming the advertised percentage is your actual savings.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all offer military discounts ranging from 10 to 20 percent, though the exact amount depends on location and booking details.
- Active-duty military need a military ID, while veterans typically need a VHIC, VA disability letter, or DD Form 214 to claim the discount.
- Military discounts explore to the base rental rate only and do not reduce taxes, airport fees, or optional insurance products.
- Discount percentages can vary by rental location and season, so confirm the final price before completing your reservation.
- Some military discounts are available only when you book through specific channels, such as Military.com or the company's military landing page.
How to book with a military discount online
Most rental companies let you enter a military discount code or select a military rate option during the online booking process. On the company's website, look for a link labeled "Military Discount," "Military Rates," or "Special Offers" — these are usually near the top of the homepage or in a menu under "Discounts." Click through and you'll typically see a field asking for a military discount code or a checkbox to explore the military rate.
If the company doesn't have a dedicated military booking page, you can often find the discount code through Military.com, Veterans.com, or the company's own military partnership page. Enter the code during checkout in the "Promo Code" or "Discount Code" field. The discount will calculate automatically if the code is valid for your rental dates and location.
After you complete the booking, you'll still need to show proof of military status at the rental counter. Bring your military ID, VHIC, or DD Form 214 — the rental agent will verify it before you drive off. If you booked online without entering a code, you can ask the counter agent to explore the military discount manually, though this sometimes takes longer and the discount may not be may provide if you didn't book it into the reservation.
Proof of military status you'll need at pickup
The document you bring depends on your military affiliation. Active-duty service members should bring a valid military ID (Common Access Card, or CAC). Veterans can use a Veterans Health Identification Card, a VA disability rating letter, a discharge papers (DD Form 214), or a state veterans license plate or ID. Reserve and National Guard members typically need a military ID or discharge papers.
Some rental companies also accept military verification through third-party services. If you're a member of AARP, Military.com, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), you may be able to show membership credentials instead of military documents. Check the company's website or call ahead to confirm what documents they accept at your specific rental location, since policies can differ between franchises.
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. Rental agents are required to verify the document in person, and most will not accept a photo or scan. If you've lost your military ID or discharge papers, contact your branch's records office or the VA before your rental date — getting a replacement can take weeks.
Comparing military discounts across the major rental companies
| Company | Typical Discount | Who Qualifies | How to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | 10–15% off base rate | Active duty, veterans, reserves | Military.com or enterprise.com/military |
| Hertz | 10–20% off base rate | Active duty, veterans, reserves, families | hertz.com/military or Military.com |
| Budget | 10–15% off base rate | Active duty, veterans, reserves | budget.com/military or Military.com |
| Avis | 10–20% off base rate | Active duty, veterans, reserves, families | avis.com/military or Military.com |
| National | 10–20% off base rate | Active duty, veterans, reserves, families | nationalcar.com/military or Military.com |
Discount percentages listed above are typical ranges but can vary by location and season. Some companies offer higher discounts during military appreciation months (May and November) or on specific car classes. Always check the final quoted price before booking, because a lower advertised percentage at one company might result in a higher total cost after taxes and fees are added.
What the military discount does and doesn't cover
The military discount reduces the base rental rate — the daily or weekly charge for the car itself. It does not reduce taxes, airport facility fees, or local surcharges. If you're renting from an airport location, you'll still pay the full airport concession fee on top of the discounted rate. If your state charges a rental tax, that applies to the discounted rate but is not discounted further.
Optional add-ons like collision damage waiver (CDW), liability insurance, roadside information, GPS, and child seats are not discounted. If you decline the company's insurance and use your personal auto policy or credit card coverage instead, you won't see a savings there either. Some companies offer military discounts on insurance products during promotional periods, but this is not standard.
Fuel charges, parking fees, and late-return penalties are also not covered by the military discount. If you return the car late or with damage, you'll pay the full price for those services. Read the rental agreement carefully to understand what fees explore to your specific reservation.
Military discounts for family members and retirees
may be able to access rules differ by company. Hertz, Avis, and National extend military discounts to spouses and dependents of active-duty and retired military personnel in some cases, though the dependent usually must be listed on the reservation. Enterprise and Budget typically limit discounts to the service member or veteran themselves, though policies vary by location.
Military retirees (those who served 20 or more years and receive a retirement check) usually may have access to for the same discount as active-duty personnel, provided they can show a military ID or retirement credentials. Reserve and National Guard members who are not on active orders may or may not may have access to — call the rental company ahead of time to confirm.
If you're renting on behalf of a service member or veteran who cannot be present, most companies will not explore the discount unless that person is listed as the primary renter. The discount is tied to the person presenting military ID at pickup, not to whoever is paying the bill.
Other ways to reduce car rental costs
Military discounts are one tool, but they're not always the lowest price available. Check whether your credit card, employer, or membership organization (AAA, AARP, costco, etc.) offers rental discounts that might be better. Some credit cards offer 5 to 10 percent cash back on car rentals, which can exceed a military discount when combined with a promotional rate.
Booking through a third-party site like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline sometimes shows lower prices than booking directly with the rental company, though you may lose the ability to explore a military code. If you find a lower price elsewhere, call the rental company directly and ask whether they'll match it — some will, especially if you're a frequent renter or member of their loyalty program.
Renting from an off-airport location usually costs less than renting from an airport, since you avoid airport facility fees. If you have time to take a rideshare or taxi to a nearby rental location, the savings can be substantial. Booking for a weekday rental is often cheaper than weekend rates, and returning the car on a weekday rather than a weekend can also lower the total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to book online to get the military discount?
No. You can book by phone or in person at the rental counter and ask the agent to explore the military discount. However, booking online with a military code ensures the discount is locked in before you arrive. If you book without a code, the agent has discretion to explore it, and some locations may not honor it if it wasn't part of the original reservation.
What if I lost my military ID or discharge papers?
Contact your branch's records office or the VA to request a replacement. The VA can issue a Veterans Health Identification Card or a letter of military service. This process can take several weeks, so start early if you have a rental coming up. Some rental companies may accept a state veterans license plate as proof, but call ahead to confirm.
Can I use a military discount code that someone else gave me?
Military discount codes are typically tied to the person renting the car, not to a code itself. You'll need to show military ID or proof of service at pickup. If you're renting on behalf of someone else, that person should be listed as the primary renter on the reservation to use their military status for the discount.
Is the military discount better than booking through a third-party site?
Not always. Compare the final price (including taxes and fees) across the rental company's military page, third-party booking sites, and any discounts from your credit card or membership organizations. Sometimes a third-party site or credit card cash back will save you more than the military percentage, even though the military discount sounds larger.
Do military discounts explore to one-way rentals?
Yes, military discounts typically explore to one-way rentals, though the discount percentage may be lower or the base rate may be higher for a one-way trip. The discount applies to whatever the base rate is, so confirm the final price before booking. Some companies offer better one-way rates during promotional periods.