How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car From Enterprise?
Renting a car from Enterprise is straightforward for most adults — but age plays a bigger role in the process than many renters expect. The minimum age requirement isn't a single number, and neither is the cost. Here's how Enterprise's age policies generally work, and what factors shape your experience as a younger renter.
The Baseline: Enterprise's Minimum Rental Age
In the United States, Enterprise generally rents to drivers who are at least 21 years old. This is the standard threshold at most Enterprise locations for most vehicle types.
However, Enterprise also rents to drivers between 18 and 20 years old at many — though not all — locations. This is less common across the car rental industry, which makes Enterprise somewhat more accessible to younger renters than some competitors.
That said, renting under 21 comes with conditions.
The Young Renter Fee (Under 25)
Renters under 25 years old are typically subject to a young renter surcharge, sometimes called an "underage driver fee." This is charged in addition to the base rental rate and applies regardless of your driving record or experience.
The fee amount varies by location, but it's commonly applied per day for the duration of the rental. For a multi-day rental, those daily fees add up quickly. Renters should factor this cost into their budget before booking.
Renters who are 25 or older are not subject to this surcharge at Enterprise.
Renters Ages 18–20: What to Expect 🚗
If you're between 18 and 20, Enterprise may still rent to you, but the rules are more restrictive:
- Not all locations participate. Availability for 18–20-year-old renters varies by branch. Some Enterprise locations — particularly those at airports — may not rent to drivers under 21 at all.
- Higher surcharges apply. The young renter fee for drivers under 21 is typically higher than the fee for drivers ages 21–24.
- Vehicle type may be limited. Younger renters are often restricted from renting certain vehicle categories, such as luxury cars, large SUVs, or specialty vehicles.
- A valid driver's license is required. The license must generally be from your country of residence, not a learner's permit or provisional license.
Location Matters More Than You Might Think
Enterprise's age policies are not uniform across all locations. A corporate-owned branch and a franchised branch may handle young renter policies differently. Airport locations often follow stricter rules than neighborhood locations, and some states have specific regulations that affect what rental companies can and can't require.
A few states — including New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin — have laws that limit how rental companies can apply young driver surcharges or restrict access based on age. In those states, the fee structure or eligibility rules may differ from what you'd encounter elsewhere.
This is one of the most important variables: the Enterprise location you rent from, and the state it's in, both shape what rules apply to you.
What About Military Renters?
Enterprise has historically offered modified terms for active-duty military personnel who are under 25. Policies vary, but younger service members may have surcharges reduced or waived at participating locations. This requires documentation (such as military ID or deployment orders) and is subject to location-specific terms.
Additional Driver Age Rules
If you're renting as the primary driver and want to add a younger driver to the contract, that secondary driver must also meet the minimum age requirement for that location. Young renter fees typically apply to each driver under 25 listed on the contract, not just the primary renter.
Variables That Affect Your Experience as a Young Renter
| Factor | How It Affects the Rental |
|---|---|
| Age (18–20 vs. 21–24 vs. 25+) | Determines eligibility, surcharge tier, and vehicle access |
| Location type (airport vs. neighborhood) | Affects whether under-21 rentals are accepted at all |
| State laws | May modify or limit how age-based fees are applied |
| Vehicle category | Luxury, specialty, or larger vehicles often restricted for younger renters |
| Military status | May qualify for surcharge waivers at some locations |
| Membership programs | Some corporate accounts or loyalty programs affect how fees are applied |
International Renters and Age Rules
If you're renting in the U.S. as an international visitor, the same minimum age thresholds generally apply. However, you'll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home country license in many cases, and your home country's minimum driving age must meet Enterprise's U.S. requirements.
Enterprise also operates internationally, where age policies vary significantly by country. A 19-year-old renting in Canada or Europe may encounter entirely different age minimums, fee structures, and vehicle restrictions than they'd face at a U.S. location.
The Piece Only You Can Fill In
Enterprise's general age framework is consistent enough to plan around — 21 as the standard minimum, surcharges under 25, and limited but real access for 18–20-year-olds at many locations. But the exact fees, vehicle availability, and whether a location even accepts younger renters depends entirely on which branch you're booking, which state it's in, and your specific circumstances as a renter. ✅
That's the part no general guide can answer for you.
