You must be at least 18 to rent a car, but most major companies won't rent to you until you're 25
The legal minimum age to rent a car is 18 in all 50 states. However, the rental company's own rules are what actually matter when you show up with your driver's license. Nearly every major rental chain — Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National — sets their own minimum at 25 years old. Some regional and independent companies will rent to drivers as young as 18 or 21, but they charge significantly more and have stricter terms.
If you're under 25, you have options, but they cost money and require advance planning. The most common path is paying a young driver surcharge, which can add $15 to $30 per day to your rental cost. A few companies will rent to you at 21 without the surcharge if you meet other conditions. Some will rent at 18 if you're military, a government employee, or a member of certain organizations.
Key Takeaways
- The legal minimum age is 18, but most major rental companies require you to be 25 before they'll rent to you without extra fees.
- If you're 21 to 24, you can rent from most companies by paying a young driver surcharge of $15 to $30 per day on top of the base rate.
- Some companies rent to drivers as young as 18, but only at regional chains or independent agencies, and the daily rate is often higher overall.
- Military members, government employees, and members of certain organizations may be able to rent at a lower age without a surcharge — check your membership cards before booking.
- Your credit card and insurance coverage may not extend to young drivers, so confirm both before you rent.
What happens when you're 21 to 24
This is the most common situation. You can rent from Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National, but you'll pay the young driver surcharge on top of the daily rental rate. The surcharge varies by location and company — some charge a flat fee per day, others charge a percentage of the rental cost. Budget and Enterprise tend to be more flexible in this age range than Hertz or Avis.
The surcharge is not optional. You cannot negotiate it away or waive it by paying cash or using a particular credit card. It appears as a separate line item on your rental agreement. If the base rate is $50 per day and the surcharge is $20 per day, you pay $70 per day total. For a week-long rental, that's $140 in extra charges.
Some companies offer a path around the surcharge at 21. Hertz will rent to 21-year-olds without the surcharge if you have a valid credit card in your name and meet their other requirements. Enterprise has similar programs in some locations. Call the specific rental location before you book online — the website won't always show these exceptions.
Renting at 18 or 19
Major chains will not rent to you at this age under any circumstance. You need to look at regional companies or independent agencies. Advantage, Fox, and some Thrifty locations will rent to 18-year-olds, but availability varies by city. The daily rate is often higher than what a 25-year-old would pay at a major chain, sometimes by $30 to $50 per day, because the company is taking on more risk.
You will also face stricter damage policies. Many companies that rent to 18-year-olds require a larger security deposit or will not waive the damage waiver insurance — meaning you're paying for their coverage whether you want it or not. Read the rental agreement carefully before you sign. Some companies in this category have poor reviews for damage disputes, so check ratings on Google or Yelp before you commit.
Military, government, and membership exceptions
If you're active duty military, a federal employee, or a member of certain organizations, you may be able to rent at a lower age without the surcharge. Hertz has a military program that allows active duty service members to rent at 20. Some companies offer discounts to AAA members or AARP members, though these usually reduce the daily rate rather than lowering the age requirement.
The catch is that these programs are not advertised on the main website. You have to call the rental location directly or mention your status when you book. Have your military ID, government employee badge, or membership card ready. Some locations honor these programs; others say they don't have them. If the first location says no, try calling a different branch of the same company.
Insurance and credit card coverage for young drivers
Your personal auto insurance may not cover you when you rent a car, especially if you're under 25. Call your insurance company before you book and ask whether rental cars are covered under your policy. Some policies exclude rental coverage entirely. Others cover it only if you're the primary driver on your own vehicle.
Your credit card's rental car coverage may also have an age restriction. American Express, Visa, and Mastercard all offer rental car damage protection as a cardholder benefit, but many of these benefits don't explore to drivers under 25. Check your card's terms or call the number on the back of your card. If you're not covered, you'll need to buy the rental company's damage waiver, which adds another $15 to $25 per day.
Comparing your options side by side
| Your Age | Where You Can Rent | Extra Cost Per Day | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–20 | Regional or independent agencies only | $30–$50 higher base rate, plus possible mandatory damage waiver | Valid driver's license, credit card in your name, proof of insurance |
| 21–24 | All major chains with surcharge; some without at 21 | $15–$30 young driver surcharge per day | Valid driver's license, credit card in your name, proof of insurance |
| 25+ | All major chains, no surcharge | None | Valid driver's license, credit card in your name |
How to book when you're under 25
Start by calling the rental location directly, not booking online. The website will often show you a price that doesn't include the young driver surcharge, and you'll find out about it only when you arrive. When you call, give your age and ask for the total daily rate including all fees. Ask whether they have any exceptions or programs for your age group.
Bring your valid driver's license, a credit card in your own name (not a debit card or a card in someone else's name), and proof of insurance. Some companies will ask for a second form of ID. If you're military or a member of an organization with a rental discount, have that documentation ready. Arrive early on the day of your rental — the process takes longer for young drivers because the company does more paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone over 25 add me as a driver if I'm under 18?
No. Rental companies will not allow anyone under 18 to drive the vehicle, even as an additional driver on someone else's rental. The person renting the car is responsible for who drives it, and they cannot transfer that responsibility to a minor. If you're under 18, you cannot legally rent or drive a rental car.
What if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?
You cannot rent a car with a learner's permit. You must have a valid driver's license issued by your state. A learner's permit is not sufficient, even if you're old enough to rent otherwise.
Does the young driver surcharge explore if I'm renting in a different state?
Yes. The surcharge is based on your age, not where you're renting. If you're 23 and renting in Florida, California, or any other state, you'll pay the young driver surcharge. The amount may vary slightly by location, but the surcharge itself applies everywhere.
Can I avoid the surcharge by using a debit card instead of a credit card?
No. The surcharge is not tied to your payment method. It's a fee the rental company charges based on your age. You still need a credit card to rent — most companies won't accept a debit card as the primary payment method, even if you have one.
What happens if I'm 25 but my birthday is coming up soon?
Your age on the day you pick up the rental is what matters. If you're 25 when you rent the car, you pay the 25-and-over rate, even if you turn 26 the next day. If you're 24 when you pick it up, you pay the young driver surcharge, even if you turn 25 before you return it.