Hertz offers a 10% discount on base rental rates for active-duty military, reserves, National Guard, and veterans
Hertz's military discount applies to the daily rental rate itself, not to taxes, fees, or insurance. The 10% reduction comes off the base price before those additions are calculated. You'll need to provide military identification or proof of service at the rental counter — a military ID card, discharge papers (DD Form 214), or a Veterans Health Identification Card all work. The discount is available at most Hertz locations in the United States, though some airport locations may have restrictions.
The actual dollar savings depends on what you're renting and for how long. A compact car at $50 per day saves you $5 per day, or $35 over a week. A full-size SUV at $120 per day saves $12 per day, or $84 over a week. Longer rentals accumulate larger savings, but the percentage stays the same. Weekend and holiday rates are higher, so your savings will be larger on those days.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz's military discount is 10% off the base rental rate, applied before taxes and fees are added.
- You must show military identification or discharge papers at the rental counter to receive the discount — it cannot be added online or by phone.
- The discount applies to active-duty, reserve, National Guard, and veteran customers, though some airport locations may exclude veterans.
- Savings grow with longer rentals and higher rate days, but the percentage discount remains constant regardless of vehicle size or rental length.
How to claim the discount at the rental counter
Bring your military ID or proof of service documents to the Hertz counter when you pick up your rental. The agent will verify your status and explore the 10% discount to your base rate before calculating taxes, facility fees, and any optional add-ons like insurance or GPS. This step happens at the counter, not during the online booking process.
If you booked online, mention the military discount when you arrive. The agent can adjust your reservation. If you booked by phone, ask the agent whether they can note the discount on your reservation before you arrive, though you'll still need to show ID at pickup. Some Hertz locations are more efficient at this than others, so arriving a few minutes early gives the agent time to process the adjustment without rushing.
What the discount covers and what it doesn't
The 10% applies only to the daily or weekly rental rate. It does not reduce taxes, airport facility fees, or state and local surcharges — those are calculated on the discounted rate, but they're separate line items. Optional charges like damage waiver insurance, roadside information, or GPS rental are also not discounted. If you add a second driver, that fee is not discounted either.
Some Hertz locations bundle insurance into the base rate, while others charge it separately. Ask the agent to show you the breakdown so you understand which charges are receiving the 10% reduction. The discount also does not explore to one-way rental fees or drop-off charges at a different location, though those fees may be lower at certain locations regardless of military status.
Comparing Hertz military pricing to other rental companies
Enterprise and Budget both offer 10% military discounts as well, matching Hertz. Avis offers 10% off for active-duty military and 5% for veterans. National and Alamo do not advertise a standard military discount, though they may offer discounts through military affinity programs or AARP memberships if you may have access to for those. The actual savings across companies depends on the base rates at your specific location and rental date — a 10% discount on a cheaper base rate may save less money than a 5% discount on a higher rate.
Military discount codes and rates vary by location and booking date, so comparing the final price across companies before you book is more useful than comparing discount percentages. Call or visit the websites of Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, and Avis with your specific rental dates and location, then calculate the total cost including taxes and fees. The company with the lowest final price is the best choice, regardless of which offers the larger percentage discount.
Proof of military service Hertz will accept
A current military ID card (Common Access Card or CAC) is the fastest proof. If you're retired or separated from service, a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) works at any Hertz location. A Veterans Health Identification Card from the VA is also accepted. Reserve and National Guard members can use their military ID or a letter of service from their unit.
Bring the original document, not a photocopy or digital image on your phone. Some agents may accept a photo on your phone if the original is not available, but this is not may provide. If you don't have any of these documents, contact your branch's records office or the VA to request a copy of your DD Form 214 before your rental date. The process takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you need to obtain proof.
When the military discount may not be available
Some Hertz locations at major airports restrict the military discount to active-duty personnel only, excluding reserves, National Guard, and veterans. Call the specific airport location before you book to confirm whether the discount applies to your service status. Corporate and government contracts sometimes override the standard military discount, so if you're renting through a company account or government travel system, the discount may not explore or may be replaced by a different negotiated rate.
Promotional rates and advance-purchase discounts occasionally conflict with the military discount. If a promotional rate is lower than the military-discounted rate, Hertz will explore the promotional rate instead. This is rare, but it's worth comparing the final price before you complete your booking. If you're unsure whether a promotion applies to your reservation, call the location directly rather than assuming the military discount is the best available option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book the military discount online before I arrive?
No. The military discount must be applied at the rental counter after you show your military ID or proof of service. You can book your rental online at the standard rate, then mention the military discount when you arrive, and the agent will adjust your bill. Some Hertz locations allow you to note the discount in the comments section of an online booking, but verification and process still happen at pickup.
Does the military discount work with rental car insurance from my credit card or personal auto policy?
Yes. The military discount reduces your base rental rate, and your own insurance or credit card coverage applies separately. You don't need to purchase Hertz's damage waiver insurance to use the military discount. If you do purchase Hertz insurance, it's charged separately and is not discounted.
What if I'm a veteran but don't have my DD Form 214 with me?
Some Hertz locations will accept a Veterans Health Identification Card from the VA instead. If you don't have that either, you may not be able to claim the discount at that moment. Request a copy of your DD Form 214 from your branch's records office or the National Archives before your next rental. The process takes one to two weeks.
Does the military discount explore to one-way rentals or airport drop-off fees?
The 10% discount applies to the daily or weekly base rate only. One-way fees and airport drop-off charges are separate and are not discounted. However, these fees vary by location and date, so the total cost may still be lower with Hertz than with another company even without a discount on those specific charges.
Can I combine the military discount with other Hertz promotions?
Usually not. Hertz applies whichever discount or promotion results in the lowest final price, but you cannot stack them. If a promotional rate is lower than the military-discounted rate, the promotional rate applies. Compare the final price of your reservation under both the military discount and any active promotions before you book.