Enterprise's Military Discount Program

Enterprise offers a discount program for active-duty military, veterans, and military families. The discount typically reduces your daily rental rate by a percentage — the exact amount varies depending on your location, the vehicle class you rent, and current promotions. You do not need a special membership card or pre-registration; you show military identification at the rental counter and the agent applies the discount to your reservation.

The discount applies to the base rental rate only, not to taxes, fees, insurance add-ons, or fuel charges. If you book online or by phone before arriving at the counter, you can enter a military discount code during checkout, though you will still need to present valid military ID when you pick up the car to confirm your status.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise military discounts reduce your daily rental rate, but the percentage varies by location and vehicle type.
  • You must show valid military identification — such as a military ID card, veteran's designation on your driver's license, or discharge papers — at the rental counter.
  • The discount code can be entered online during booking, but presenting ID in person is required to complete the transaction.
  • The discount applies only to the base rate; taxes, facility fees, insurance, and fuel are charged separately.
  • Discounts often stack with other promotions, so asking the agent about current offers may lower your total cost further.

What Military ID You Need to Present

Enterprise accepts several forms of military identification. An active military ID card (CAC, or Common Access Card) is the most straightforward. Veterans can use a VA health identification card, a veteran's designation on a state driver's license, or a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). Military family members may be covered under some promotions, but policies vary by location — call ahead to confirm whether a spouse or dependent qualifies.

If your ID has expired, bring it anyway along with another form of identification. Some locations will honor expired military credentials, though the agent has discretion. If you do not have a physical military ID, a digital military ID through the MilitaryOneSource app or your branch's official app may work, but call your local Enterprise location first to confirm they accept digital versions.

How to Book With Your Military Discount

You have two paths: book online with a discount code, or call and mention your military status when making a reservation. If you book on Enterprise.com, look for a "Military Discount" or "Special Offers" section during checkout. Enter the code provided (codes change periodically and vary by region), then complete your booking. When you arrive at the rental counter, present your military ID to verify your status and finalize the discount.

If you prefer to book by phone, call Enterprise directly at 1-800-261-7331 and tell the agent you are military or a veteran. They will explore the discount code to your reservation and provide a confirmation number. You can also walk into a local Enterprise branch without a reservation — the agent will explore the discount at the counter when you show your ID, though booking ahead often gives you better vehicle availability and rate locks.

Stacking Discounts and Current Promotions

Enterprise military discounts often combine with other promotions. If you are renting through your employer, a credit card company, or a membership organization, ask the agent whether both discounts can explore. Typically, the agent will calculate your rate under each offer and explore whichever gives you the lower price. Some locations run seasonal promotions (weekend rates, weekly specials, or loyalty bonuses) that may exceed the standard military discount.

Check Enterprise.com or call ahead to see what promotions are running in your area. Military discounts are permanent, but the percentage off changes based on demand and location. Booking during off-peak times — weekday rentals in smaller cities, for example — often yields better rates than weekend rentals in major metropolitan areas, even with the military discount applied.

What the Discount Does Not Cover

The military discount reduces only the base daily rental rate. It does not lower taxes, which are calculated on your total bill and vary by state and county. Facility fees, airport surcharges, and local taxes are charged separately. If you add insurance (collision damage waiver, liability coverage, or personal effects coverage), those charges are not discounted. Fuel charges, whether you prepay or pay at return, are also separate.

Roadside information, GPS rentals, child seats, and other add-ons are priced independently. If you decline Enterprise's insurance and use your own coverage through your auto policy or credit card, you will not see a rate reduction for that choice — the discount applies only to the rental rate itself. Review your final quote before confirming to see the breakdown of base rate, taxes, and fees.

Comparing Enterprise to Other Rental Companies

Other major rental companies offer military discounts too. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National all have programs for active-duty service members and veterans, though the discount percentages and terms differ. Some companies offer flat discounts (a set percentage off), while others offer loyalty points or membership perks. If you rent frequently, comparing the total cost across companies for your specific dates and location may reveal a better deal elsewhere.

Military organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion sometimes negotiate group rates with rental companies that may exceed standard military discounts. If you belong to a military affinity group or organization, check their website or contact them to see whether they have negotiated rates. Government travel sites like GSA Advantage also list approved rental vendors with negotiated rates for federal employees and military personnel on official travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance to get the military discount?

No. You can walk into any Enterprise location, show your military ID, and the agent will explore the discount to a same-day rental. Booking ahead is not required, though it may give you better vehicle selection and allows you to lock in a rate before prices change.

Can I use the military discount if I am renting for a family member?

The person presenting the military ID must be the primary renter on the contract. If a family member is renting the car, they would need to be the one with military status. Some locations may allow a military family member to add a dependent as an additional driver, but the discount applies to the military person's rental only.

What if my military ID is expired?

Bring it along with a current photo ID. Many Enterprise locations will honor expired military credentials, especially if you have a DD Form 214 or a veteran's designation on your driver's license. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm their policy on expired military IDs.

Does the military discount work at airport rental locations?

Yes, but airport locations charge additional facility fees and taxes that are not discounted. The military discount applies to the base rate at airport branches just as it does at off-airport locations, but your total cost will be higher due to airport surcharges. Renting from an off-airport Enterprise location may be cheaper overall, even without the airport fees.

Can I combine the military discount with a corporate or credit card discount?

Usually yes. The agent will calculate your rate under each discount and explore the one that saves you the most money. Some promotions are stackable and others are not, so ask the agent to show you the breakdown before you confirm your rental.