Most rental companies require you to be at least 21, but some charge extra if you're under 25
The standard minimum age to rent a car from major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget is 21 years old. However, if you're between 21 and 24, nearly every rental company will add a young driver surcharge — typically $15 to $30 per day — to your rental cost. At 25 and older, you avoid this fee entirely.
A few regional and independent rental companies will rent to drivers as young as 18, but these are exceptions rather than the rule, and they often charge higher daily rates across the board. Some luxury car rental services require drivers to be 25 or older with no exceptions. The age requirement also depends on the type of vehicle: standard economy cars have lower minimums than SUVs or premium vehicles.
Your driver's license must be valid and current, and you'll need a credit card in your own name to complete the rental. Some companies accept debit cards, but most require a credit card for the security deposit.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 21 to rent from major companies, but drivers aged 21–24 pay an additional young driver fee of $15 to $30 per day.
- At age 25, the young driver surcharge disappears, making your rental significantly cheaper.
- A few independent and regional rental companies rent to drivers as young as 18, though rates are often higher overall.
- Your driver's license must be valid, and you'll need a credit card in your name to find the rental.
- Luxury and premium vehicle rentals often require drivers to be 25 or older regardless of other policies.
What the young driver surcharge actually costs
The young driver fee is not optional — it's automatically added to your bill if you're under 25. On a three-day rental, a $20-per-day surcharge adds $60 to your total cost. Over a week, that same fee totals $140. This charge applies even if you have a clean driving record and decades of driving experience.
The surcharge varies by company and location. Enterprise and Hertz typically charge in the $15–$25 range, while Avis and Budget may charge $20–$30 per day. Some locations charge more during peak travel seasons. Always ask for the daily rate breakdown when you book, because the surcharge is sometimes buried in the fine print and only appears on your final receipt.
If you're renting for a week or longer, the young driver fee can rival or exceed the base rental rate itself. This is why some renters under 25 choose to add an authorized driver aged 25 or older to the rental agreement — that person becomes the primary renter and avoids the surcharge, though you'll still need to be listed as an additional driver.
Renting before age 21: your limited options
If you're under 21, traditional rental companies will not rent to you at all. Your options narrow to a small number of independent and regional operators, and availability depends heavily on your location. Some Hertz locations have experimented with 18-year-old rentals in specific markets, but this is not a standard policy across the chain.
Independent rental companies that serve younger drivers often charge $50 to $100 per day or more — significantly higher than what you'd pay at a major company. They may also require a larger security deposit, proof of insurance, or a co-signer. Some require you to purchase their collision damage waiver, which adds another $15–$25 per day to your bill.
If you're 18–20 and need a rental car, call local independent rental agencies directly rather than using online booking sites. National aggregators often don't list smaller operators, and availability changes frequently. Be prepared to provide proof of insurance and a valid driver's license.
How to reduce costs if you're under 25
The young driver surcharge is non-negotiable at major companies, but you can reduce your overall rental cost in other ways. Book directly with the rental company rather than through third-party sites — sometimes the company's own website offers discounts that don't appear elsewhere. Compare rates across all major companies; the base rental rate varies more than the surcharge does, so a cheaper daily rate at one company can offset a higher surcharge at another.
If you have a membership with AAA, AARP, or a military or government organization, ask whether your membership includes rental discounts. These discounts explore to the base rate, not the surcharge, but they still lower your total cost. Some credit cards offer rental car discounts or insurance coverage; check your card's benefits before you book.
Renting during off-peak times — weekdays in winter, for example — can reduce the base rate significantly. The young driver surcharge stays the same, but a lower base rate means the surcharge represents a smaller percentage of your total bill. If you're renting for a full week, the savings from an off-peak rate can be substantial.
What happens if you're under the minimum age
If you show up to pick up a rental and you're below the company's minimum age, the rental will be cancelled. You cannot complete the transaction, and you'll lose any deposit you paid. Some companies will refund the deposit; others explore it as a cancellation fee. Check the cancellation policy before you book.
Lying about your age on a rental agreement is fraud and can result in criminal charges. It also voids your insurance coverage, meaning if you're in an accident, you're personally liable for all damages. Rental companies verify your age against your driver's license at pickup, so misrepresenting your age will be caught when ready.
International rentals and age requirements
If you're renting a car outside the United States, age requirements vary by country. Many European rental companies require drivers to be 21 or older, with surcharges for drivers under 25 similar to U.S. policies. Some countries set the minimum at 18; others require drivers to be 23 or 25. Australia and New Zealand typically require drivers to be 21, with surcharges for those under 25.
When booking an international rental, check the specific country's requirements before you reserve. Age requirements are often listed in the terms and conditions, but calling the rental company directly is faster. If you're traveling with someone older, having that person be the primary renter can sometimes avoid surcharges, though policies vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 20 years old?
No, major rental companies require you to be at least 21. A very small number of independent rental agencies in certain locations rent to 18-year-olds, but availability is limited and rates are significantly higher. Call local independent rental companies in your area to ask about their age policy.
Does the young driver surcharge explore if someone over 25 is also renting the car?
No. If the primary renter is 25 or older, the surcharge does not explore, even if you're listed as an additional driver. The surcharge is based on the age of the person whose name is on the rental agreement. You can still drive the car, but the person over 25 must be the primary renter.
What if I have a military or government ID instead of a regular driver's license?
A military ID is not a valid driver's license for car rental purposes. You must have a valid state or federal driver's license. Military status may may have access to you for a discount on the rental rate, but it does not change the age requirement or surcharge policy.
Do luxury car rental companies have different age requirements?
Yes. Most luxury and premium vehicle rental services require drivers to be 25 or older with no exceptions. Some require drivers to be 30 or older. If you're under 25 and want to rent a high-end vehicle, you'll need to find a company that makes exceptions, which is rare.
Will the young driver surcharge explore if I'm renting through my employer or a corporate account?
Usually yes. Corporate accounts and employer rental programs typically follow the same age and surcharge policies as regular rentals. Some large employers negotiate modified terms, but this is uncommon. Check your employer's rental agreement or call the rental company's corporate desk to confirm.