Most rental companies require you to be at least 25, but some rent to drivers as young as 18
The short answer: no, you do not have to be 25 to rent a car, but most major rental chains do set that as their standard minimum age. Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis all require renters to be 25 or older at most locations. However, some companies will rent to drivers between 18 and 24, and a few will go as low as 18 with additional fees and restrictions.
The 25-year-old threshold exists because insurance companies and rental firms view drivers under 25 as higher risk. Younger drivers have higher accident rates in insurance data, so rental companies either exclude them or charge extra to offset that risk. The specific rules vary by company, location, and the type of vehicle you want to rent.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, and Avis require renters to be 25 or older at most locations, though some branches may have different policies.
- Alamo, National, and some regional companies rent to drivers as young as 18, but charge a daily underage driver fee that can add $15 to $30 per day to your rental cost.
- If you are under 25, you will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your own name to complete the rental.
- Some rental locations have different age policies than others, so calling ahead or checking the company's website for your specific location is necessary before booking.
- Military personnel and some credit card holders may have access to rental companies with lower age minimums through special programs.
Which rental companies accept drivers under 25
Alamo and National are the two largest chains that consistently rent to drivers between 18 and 24. Both charge an underage driver fee on top of the base rental rate—typically $15 to $30 per day depending on the location and vehicle type. This fee is not optional; it is added automatically when you book or pick up the car.
Thrifty and Fox Rent A Car also rent to younger drivers at many locations, though policies vary by branch. Regional and independent rental companies are more likely to have flexible age policies than the major national chains. Before booking, contact the specific location where you plan to pick up the car, because a company's national policy may not explore at every branch.
Some car-sharing services like Turo and Zipcar have lower age minimums than traditional rental companies—Turo allows drivers as young as 18, and Zipcar's minimum is typically 18 to 21 depending on the city. These services operate differently from traditional rentals and may be worth exploring if you cannot find a conventional rental company that works for you.
What you need to rent a car under 25
You will need a valid driver's license issued by your state or country. An expired license will not work, even if you have a renewal process pending. If your license is from another country, bring an International Driving Permit along with it.
You must have proof of insurance. This can be your own auto insurance card, your parents' insurance card if you are listed as a covered driver, or a rental company's insurance product purchased at pickup. Some rental companies will not accept proof of insurance from a parent's policy unless you are specifically named on that policy, so check with the rental location ahead of time.
You will need a credit card in your own name. Debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method at most rental companies, though some locations may accept them with additional requirements like a larger deposit. The credit card is used to hold a deposit and to charge the rental fee and any additional charges like fuel or damage.
Underage driver fees and what they cover
The underage driver fee is a daily charge added to your rental cost specifically because you are under 25. It is not insurance, and it does not cover damage to the vehicle. The fee typically ranges from $15 to $30 per day, but some locations charge more for premium or larger vehicles.
This fee goes directly to the rental company and reflects their increased liability risk. It is separate from any damage waiver or insurance product you purchase. If you rent a car for five days and the underage fee is $20 per day, you will pay an extra $100 on top of the base rental rate.
Some rental companies advertise lower base rates but charge higher underage fees, while others do the opposite. When comparing prices between companies, always calculate the total cost including the underage fee, not just the daily rate.
Insurance requirements for renters under 25
You must have some form of liability coverage before you drive off the lot. This can come from three sources: your own auto insurance policy, a parent's policy that covers you as a named driver, or the rental company's insurance product purchased at pickup.
If you have your own auto insurance, bring the insurance card. Call your insurance company before renting to confirm that your policy covers rental cars—some policies exclude rentals, and some have restrictions on who can drive a rental vehicle. If you are not listed on your parents' policy, their insurance will not cover you in a rental car.
If you do not have insurance through another source, you can purchase the rental company's coverage at pickup. This is typically called a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and it costs $15 to $25 per day. This is different from the underage driver fee and is optional, though most rental companies strongly encourage it.
How to book a rental when you are under 25
Start by calling the specific rental location where you plan to pick up the car. Online booking systems do not always display age restrictions accurately, and some locations have different policies than others. When you call, tell them your age and ask directly whether they rent to drivers your age and what the underage fee is.
If the location rents to you, ask about their insurance requirements and whether they accept your proof of insurance. Confirm the total cost including the underage fee. Some companies will quote you a base rate online but not show the underage fee until you arrive for pickup, which can be frustrating.
When you arrive to pick up the car, bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and credit card. Be prepared to show proof that you are insured. If you are using a parent's insurance, bring their insurance card and be ready to explain that you are a covered driver on their policy. Have your credit card ready for the deposit hold.
Military and special program discounts for younger renters
Active-duty military members and veterans may have access to rental companies with lower age minimums or waived underage fees through military discount programs. AARP members, AAA members, and holders of certain credit cards sometimes have partnerships with rental companies that offer better rates or more flexible age policies.
Check whether your credit card issuer has a rental car partnership. Some premium credit cards include rental car benefits that may cover the underage fee or provide access to companies with lower age minimums. Contact your credit card company's customer service line to ask about rental car benefits.
If you are military, contact your base's travel office or check the military discount section of rental company websites. These programs are real but vary by company and location, so you will need to verify what is available at the specific location where you plan to rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 18?
Yes, but only from companies like Alamo, National, Thrifty, and some regional chains. You will pay an underage driver fee of $15 to $30 per day on top of the base rental rate. You must have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your own name.
What if I am 23 and want to rent from a company that requires 25?
You cannot rent from that company at that age. The major chains (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis) enforce their age minimums strictly. Your only options are to use a company that rents to younger drivers, ask someone 25 or older to rent the car in their name, or explore car-sharing services.
Do I have to pay the underage fee if someone else is driving?
If you are the person whose name is on the rental agreement, you pay the underage fee regardless of who drives. If someone 25 or older rents the car in their name and you are listed as an additional driver, the underage fee may not explore—but policies vary by company and location.
Will my parents' insurance cover me if I rent a car?
Only if you are specifically named as a covered driver on their policy. Call your parents' insurance company and ask. If you are not listed, their insurance will not cover you, and you will need to purchase the rental company's coverage or get your own policy.
Is the underage driver fee the same at every location?
No. The fee varies by location, vehicle type, and rental company. A location in a major city may charge more than one in a rural area. Always ask the specific rental location for their underage fee before booking, because online quotes do not always show it.