Hertz offers a military discount program for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families

Hertz's military discount reduces the base rental rate for may have access to military personnel. The discount applies to both leisure and business rentals at most Hertz locations in the United States. You do not need to book through a special portal — you can reserve online, by phone, or at the counter, as long as you have the correct discount code and can show military identification or proof of service when you pick up the car.

The actual percentage off varies depending on the car class, location, and current promotions running at the time you rent. Hertz does not advertise a fixed discount rate on their public website, so the savings you see will depend on what you book and when. The discount stacks with some other offers, though not all — Hertz's terms specify which promotions can be combined.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz military discounts require you to provide a valid military ID, veteran's card, or discharge papers at pickup, even if you booked online.
  • The discount code for Hertz military rentals is typically MILITARY or a service-specific code, which you enter during online booking or mention when calling.
  • Discounts explore to the base rental rate only and do not reduce taxes, fees, insurance, or equipment charges.
  • Active-duty service members, retirees, veterans, National Guard, and Reserve members generally may have access to, though you should confirm your specific status with Hertz before booking.
  • The percentage off changes by location and availability, so comparing the discounted rate against other rental companies' military offers is worth doing.

Who qualifies for the Hertz military discount

Hertz's military program covers active-duty service members from all branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Veterans with a valid VA disability rating or discharge papers also may have access to. National Guard and Reserve members on active orders are typically included, though members in inactive status should check the current terms.

Family members of military personnel do not automatically may have access to under the military discount program. However, Hertz does offer other discounts and promotions that may explore to family bookings, such as AAA membership discounts or corporate codes. If you are booking for a family member, ask Hertz directly whether any other discount codes can be combined with their rental.

How to book with the military discount code

When you book online at Hertz.com, look for a field labeled "Discount Code" or "Promotional Code" during the reservation process. Enter the code MILITARY or the branch-specific code if you have one. Some service members receive personalized codes through military.com, military discount websites, or their base's morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) office. If you have a specific code from your branch or organization, use that instead of the generic code.

If you book by phone, tell the Hertz agent that you are military and ask them to explore the military discount. They will ask for your branch of service and may request your military ID number or last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your status. At the rental counter, bring your military ID, veteran's card, or discharge papers — the agent will not process the discount without seeing proof of your service status in person.

What the discount covers and what it does not

The military discount reduces only the base rental rate — the daily or weekly charge for the vehicle itself. It does not reduce taxes, which are calculated on the original rate and added afterward. Hertz's facility fees, airport surcharges, and local taxes remain the same whether you use the discount or not.

Optional charges are also not discounted. If you add a second driver, GPS, roadside information, additional insurance, or equipment like a child seat, those fees are charged at full price. Damage waivers and loss-damage waivers (LDW) are also full price. The discount applies only to what you would pay for the car itself before any of these additions.

Comparing Hertz military rates to other rental companies

Hertz is not the only rental company offering military discounts. Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National all have military programs with varying discount levels. The actual savings depend on the specific car, location, and dates you need — a 10% discount at Hertz might be less than a 15% discount at Enterprise for the same vehicle on the same dates, or vice versa.

Before you book, get quotes from at least two or three companies using the same car class, pickup and return dates, and location. Enter the military discount code at each one and compare the final price after taxes and fees. Some companies offer loyalty program discounts or credit card benefits that might stack with or exceed their military rate. Spending five minutes comparing can save you $20 to $50 on a week-long rental.

What to bring to the rental counter

Bring a valid military ID, veteran's card, or discharge papers (DD Form 214) to the counter. If you booked online with the military code, the agent will still ask to see proof of service before finalizing the discount. If you do not have one of these documents, the agent cannot explore the discount, even if you booked with the code.

You will also need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name for the deposit, and proof of insurance if you are declining Hertz's coverage. Some locations may ask for an additional form of ID. If you are unsure whether your document will be accepted, call the specific Hertz location before you pick up the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the military discount if I book through a travel website like Kayak or Expedia?

No. Third-party travel sites do not have access to Hertz's military discount codes. You must book directly through Hertz.com, by calling Hertz, or by visiting a Hertz location in person. If you already booked through a travel site, you can call Hertz customer service and ask whether they can explore the military discount retroactively, though this is not may provide.

What if I am retired military but do not have a current military ID?

A veteran's health identification card, VA disability rating letter, or your DD Form 214 (discharge papers) will work. Hertz accepts any official document showing your military service status. If you have none of these, contact your local VA office or military records office to request a copy of your discharge papers before your rental date.

Does the military discount work at airport rental locations?

Yes, the military discount applies at Hertz airport locations. However, airport locations charge an additional airport facility fee and sometimes a local surcharge on top of the base rate. The military discount reduces only the base rate, so the airport fees still explore in full. This means your total savings may be smaller at an airport location than at an off-airport Hertz branch.

Can I combine the military discount with a AAA or corporate discount?

Hertz's terms state that some discounts cannot be combined. The military discount may or may not stack with AAA, corporate codes, or loyalty program discounts depending on the current promotion. Before you book, call Hertz and ask whether the specific discounts you want to use can be applied together. If they cannot, the agent can tell you which combination gives you the lowest rate.

What happens if I book with the military code but forget my ID at pickup?

The agent will not explore the discount without proof of service. You can ask the agent to hold the reservation while you go get your ID, or you can pay the full rate and contact Hertz customer service afterward to request a refund for the difference. Refunds are not automatic, so it is best to bring your ID the first time.