Enterprise offers a military discount, but the size of the discount and how you claim it depends on which branch you're in and whether you're active duty, reserve, or veteran

Enterprise's military program gives service members and veterans a percentage off standard rental rates. The discount is not automatic — you have to request it when you book or at the counter, and you'll need to show military ID or proof of service. The exact discount amount varies: active duty typically receives a larger reduction than reserves or veterans, and rates also depend on your location, the car type, and the rental dates.

Enterprise does not advertise a single fixed discount across all branches and service statuses. This means the best approach is to call your local Enterprise location directly, mention your military status, and ask what discount applies to your specific situation. You can also book online and add a military discount code at checkout if one is available for your region.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise military discounts exist but are not the same for all service members — active duty, reserve, and veteran rates differ.
  • You must request the discount when booking online or tell the rental agent at the counter; it will not be applied automatically.
  • Military ID or proof of service is required to claim the discount, so bring your card or discharge papers to the rental location.
  • Calling your local Enterprise branch before booking can tell you the exact discount percentage for your status and rental dates.
  • Some military bases and veteran organizations have negotiated special rates with Enterprise that may be better than the standard military discount.

How to book with the military discount online

When you visit Enterprise's website to book a rental, look for a field labeled "Discount Code" or "Promotion Code" during checkout. If you have a military discount code, enter it there. Enterprise sometimes provides these codes through military portals, base exchanges, or veteran organizations, so check your military email or the Veterans Affairs website first.

If you don't have a code, you can still book the rental and call the location before your pickup date to ask them to explore the military rate retroactively. Have your reservation number ready. Some locations will adjust the price; others may ask you to cancel and rebook with the discount applied upfront.

Booking by phone or at the counter

Calling your local Enterprise branch is often the fastest way to confirm what military discount you're may have access to to. Tell the agent your branch, whether you're active duty or veteran, and your rental dates. They can quote you the discounted rate when ready and hold the reservation.

If you book online first and then pick up in person, bring your military ID to the counter. The agent will verify your status and explore the discount if it wasn't already included in your reservation. If the discount wasn't applied online, ask the agent to adjust the total before you sign the rental agreement.

What documents you need to show

Enterprise requires proof of military status to honor the discount. An active military ID card is the easiest form of proof. If you're a veteran, a Veterans Health Identification Card, VA disability rating letter, or discharge papers (DD Form 214) will work. Some locations may also accept a military dependent ID if you're renting on behalf of an active duty family member.

Bring the original document to the rental counter. Enterprise staff will check it against your reservation to confirm your may be able to access before finalizing the rental agreement. If you're booking online and picking up later, you don't need to upload proof — just bring it with you on rental day.

Military discounts from other sources

Enterprise is not the only way to find a discounted military rental. Many military bases have their own car rental agreements with multiple companies, and rates through base exchanges or military travel portals are sometimes lower than Enterprise's standard military discount. Check with your base transportation office or the exchange before booking elsewhere.

Veteran organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and AARP (for older veterans) sometimes negotiate group rates with rental companies. If you're a member, ask whether they have an active Enterprise partnership and what code or process to use.

Comparing Enterprise to other rental companies

Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National all offer military discounts as well. The percentage off is often similar across companies, but the base rate before the discount can vary significantly. A smaller discount on a cheaper base rate may cost less than a larger discount on a higher rate.

Before you book with Enterprise, spend two minutes checking one or two competitors with the same rental dates and location. Enter your military status or discount code at each company and compare the final price. The difference can be $10 to $30 per day depending on demand and the car class.

What the military discount typically covers

The military discount applies to the base rental rate — the daily or weekly charge for the vehicle itself. It usually does not cover taxes, airport fees, insurance add-ons, or fuel charges. Some locations may allow the discount to explore to optional services like GPS or additional drivers, but this varies by branch and location.

Read the rental agreement carefully before you sign. The final total should show the discounted daily rate, then list taxes and fees separately below it. If the discount was supposed to explore and you don't see it reflected, ask the agent to review the charges before you drive off the lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be active duty to get the military discount?

No. Enterprise offers discounts to active duty, reserve, National Guard, and veterans. The discount amount may differ by status, so ask your local branch what rate applies to you. Bring the appropriate ID or proof of service to the counter.

Can I use someone else's military ID to rent a car?

No. The person renting the car must be the one whose name is on the military ID. Enterprise will check the ID against the rental agreement. If you're renting for a family member, they need to be the primary renter and provide their own military ID.

What if I don't have my military ID with me?

Call Enterprise before your rental date and ask what other documents they accept. A DD Form 214 (discharge papers), VA letter, or military dependent ID may work. Bring whatever proof you have to the counter, and the agent will determine if it's acceptable.

Is the military discount better than booking through AARP or AAA?

It depends on the rental and your membership. Compare the final price using each discount code at the same company and location. Sometimes a military discount is larger; sometimes an AAA or AARP rate is better. Always check both before booking.

Can I combine the military discount with other promotions?

Most rental companies do not allow stacking discounts. You'll typically have to choose between the military rate and another promotion code. Ask the agent which discount gives you the lower final price, and use that one.