Most rental companies require you to be at least 18, but you will pay extra fees until you turn 25
The legal minimum age to rent a car in the United States is 18 years old. However, being old enough to sign a contract does not mean you will pay the same rate as an older driver. Nearly every major rental company—Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and others—charges an additional daily fee called a young driver surcharge for renters between 18 and 24. This fee typically ranges from $15 to $30 per day, though it varies by company, location, and vehicle type.
At age 25, the surcharge disappears for most companies. Some regional or independent rental agencies may have different age policies, so always check the specific company's rules before booking. The surcharge exists because insurance data shows drivers under 25 have higher accident rates, and rental companies pass that risk back to younger renters.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old to rent a car, but you will pay a daily surcharge until you turn 25.
- Young driver fees range from $15 to $30 per day depending on the rental company and location.
- Some rental companies may refuse to rent to drivers under 21, so confirm the policy before you book.
- You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your name to complete the rental.
- The surcharge ends at age 25 for most major rental companies.
Why rental companies charge more for drivers under 25
Rental companies use age-based pricing because insurance claims data shows a clear pattern: drivers aged 18 to 24 file more damage claims and have more accidents than older drivers. The surcharge is the company's way of offsetting the higher risk they take on when renting to a younger driver. It is not a penalty—it is a business decision based on statistical likelihood.
This does not mean young drivers are reckless. It means that statistically, the group as a whole has more incidents. Insurance companies use the same logic when setting premiums for drivers under 25. The rental surcharge is separate from your own car insurance and applies whether or not you purchase the rental company's damage waiver.
Age requirements vary slightly by rental company and location
While 18 is the legal minimum, some rental companies set their own higher minimums. Enterprise, for example, rents to drivers as young as 18 at most locations but may require drivers under 21 to provide additional documentation or accept higher surcharges. Hertz and Budget generally rent to 18-year-olds as well, though policies can differ by branch.
A few companies impose a 21-year-old minimum at certain locations, particularly at airport rental counters or in specific states. Before you book online, the rental company's website will show you whether your age disqualifies you at that particular location. If the system will not let you complete a reservation, you are likely below that location's minimum age.
International rental companies and luxury car rental services often have higher age minimums—sometimes 25 or even 30. If you are renting a high-end vehicle or booking through a specialty service, check their policy directly.
What documents you need to bring to the rental counter
At the counter, you will need to present a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your own name. The credit card does not have to have a high balance—the rental company uses it to authorize a hold for potential damage charges, not to charge you upfront. Most holds are released within a few days after you return the car undamaged.
If you are under 25, have your insurance card ready. Some rental companies ask younger drivers to show proof of coverage before completing the rental. If you do not have your own insurance, you can purchase the rental company's damage waiver at the counter, though this adds significantly to your total cost—often $20 to $40 per day depending on the vehicle.
Bring your reservation confirmation number and any membership cards (AAA, military, corporate) that might may have access to you for discounts. These discounts sometimes reduce or eliminate the young driver surcharge, though this varies by company and promotion.
How the young driver surcharge affects your total rental cost
A three-day rental of a mid-size sedan might cost $120 before taxes and fees. If you are under 25, add $45 to $90 to that total just for the age surcharge. Over a week-long rental, the surcharge alone could add $105 to $210 to your bill. This is why comparing quotes across multiple companies matters—some may have lower base rates or smaller surcharges that offset each other.
The surcharge is not always listed separately in the initial quote. When you enter your age during the booking process, the system recalculates the total price. Always review the final quote before confirming, because the surcharge can be substantial enough to change whether the rental makes sense for your budget.
Strategies to reduce or avoid the young driver surcharge
Some rental companies waive or reduce the young driver surcharge for members of their loyalty programs. Enterprise Plus, for example, sometimes offers discounts to enrolled members. AAA membership can also lower the surcharge at certain companies. Check whether you may have access to for any memberships or programs before booking.
Corporate or military discounts occasionally reduce the surcharge as well. If your employer has a rental car agreement with a specific company, that rate may include a lower or eliminated young driver fee. Military personnel should always enter their military status during booking to see available discounts.
Booking through a third-party site like Kayak or Autoslash does not typically lower the surcharge—the fee is set by the rental company itself. However, these sites do make it straightforward to compare prices across multiple companies quickly, so you can find which one has the lowest total cost for your age and location.
What happens if you are under 18 or do not have a valid license
If you are under 18, no major rental company will rent to you, regardless of circumstances. Some specialty services exist for drivers aged 16 and 17 in a few states, but these are rare and typically require a parent or guardian to co-sign and be present at the rental counter. Standard car rental is not an option before age 18.
Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, most companies will not rent to you, even if you have a renewal process in progress. International drivers need an International Driving Permit along with their home country license at some locations, though this requirement varies. Check with the specific rental company before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 18 without paying the young driver surcharge?
No. Every major rental company charges drivers under 25 an additional daily fee. The only exceptions are loyalty program members or those with corporate or military discounts that specifically waive the surcharge, which is rare. At 25, the surcharge ends automatically.
What if I have my own insurance—do I still pay the surcharge?
Yes. The young driver surcharge is separate from insurance and applies regardless of whether you have your own coverage or purchase the rental company's damage waiver. The surcharge reflects the company's risk assessment, not your insurance status.
Can a parent or guardian rent the car for me if I am under 18?
No. The person whose name appears on the rental agreement must be the one driving the car and must meet the company's age requirement. A parent cannot rent a car for a teenager to drive. The renter and driver must be the same person.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car at 18?
Yes. The credit card must be in your name and will be used to authorize a hold for potential damage. Debit cards are not accepted by most major rental companies, even if they have sufficient funds. Some smaller or regional companies may accept debit cards with additional requirements, but this is uncommon.
Will the young driver surcharge explore if I rent a luxury or sports car?
Yes, and it may be higher. Luxury and sports car rental companies often charge steeper young driver surcharges because the vehicles are more expensive to repair. Some luxury services have age minimums of 25 or 30 and will not rent to younger drivers at any price.