Most rental companies require you to be at least 21, but you'll pay extra until you turn 25
The standard minimum age to rent a car from major chains like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget is 21 years old. However, being old enough is not the same as renting at the standard rate. If you're between 21 and 24, nearly every rental company charges a young driver surcharge — typically $15 to $30 per day on top of the base rental price. Some companies waive this fee if you're a member of their loyalty program or if you rent through certain credit card or employer partnerships, but the surcharge is the default.
At 25, the surcharge disappears and you pay the standard adult rate. A few regional companies and specialty rental services have different thresholds — some allow rentals at 18 or 19 — but these are exceptions, not the rule, and often come with higher daily rates across the board to offset the risk.
Your driver's license must be valid and current. Most companies will not rent to you if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, even if you meet the age requirement. You'll also need a credit card in your own name to hold the reservation and cover the security deposit, which typically ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the rental company and vehicle class.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 21 to rent from major car rental companies, though some smaller operators allow rentals at 18 or 19.
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a young driver surcharge of $15 to $30 per day in addition to the base rental rate.
- The surcharge ends at age 25, when you may have access to for standard adult pricing.
- You need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your own name to complete a rental, regardless of age.
- Some loyalty programs, employer partnerships, and credit card benefits can waive or reduce the young driver surcharge.
Why rental companies charge more for drivers under 25
The young driver surcharge exists because insurance data shows drivers aged 21 to 24 have higher accident and damage claim rates than drivers 25 and older. Rental companies use this age bracket as a risk threshold, and the surcharge is meant to offset the higher insurance cost they pay for that group. This is not a policy unique to car rentals — insurance companies themselves charge higher premiums for the same age group when you buy your own policy.
The surcharge is not negotiable at the counter. It's built into the rental agreement before you arrive, and you'll see it listed on your confirmation email and again at pickup. Some renters try to dispute it or ask for a waiver, but rental agents have no authority to remove it — it's a company-wide policy, not a discretionary fee.
How to reduce or avoid the young driver surcharge
If you're between 21 and 24, several paths can lower or eliminate the surcharge. The most reliable is a loyalty program membership with the rental company. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred, and Enterprise Plus all waive the young driver fee for members, though you may need to reach a certain tier or rental count first. Membership is free to join, but the fee waiver typically kicks in after your first rental or after you've rented a certain number of times.
Some credit cards offer young driver surcharge waivers as a cardholder benefit. American Express and certain premium Visa cards include this, but you must use that card to pay for the rental. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm before you book.
Employer partnerships can also help. If your employer has a corporate account with a rental company, you may be able to book through that account and avoid the surcharge. Ask your HR or travel department whether your company has negotiated rates with any rental chains.
If none of these explore, the only other option is to wait until you turn 25. Renting at 24 years and 11 months will still trigger the full surcharge.
Renting under 21: your limited options
If you're under 21, you cannot rent from Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, or Budget under any circumstances. These companies have a hard minimum age policy that applies to all customers, all locations, and all vehicle types.
Some smaller, regional rental companies and specialty services do rent to drivers as young as 18 or 19. These include certain Turo locations (peer-to-peer car sharing), some local independent rental shops, and a handful of national chains in specific markets. However, the daily rate is often 50 to 100 percent higher than what a 25-year-old would pay, and the security deposit may be larger. You'll also face stricter mileage limits and damage policies.
If you're a student, check whether your school has a partnership with a rental company that offers discounted rates for your age group. Some universities negotiate special terms with regional providers. Your school's travel office or student services can tell you whether this option exists on your campus.
What documents you need at pickup
Bring your valid driver's license, the credit card you used to book the reservation, and proof of insurance. Your own car insurance policy or a rental car coverage rider on your homeowner's or renter's insurance will work. If you don't have insurance, the rental company will sell you a damage waiver (usually $15 to $25 per day), but this is optional — you can decline it if you have coverage elsewhere.
Some companies ask for a second form of ID, such as a passport or state ID card. A few also request proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, though this is less common. Check your confirmation email to see what the specific location requires, or call ahead to confirm.
If you're renting under someone else's name — for example, a parent is booking the car for you to use — you will not be able to pick it up. The rental agreement is in the primary renter's name, and only that person can sign for the vehicle and take possession of the keys. Some companies allow an additional driver to be added to the agreement, but that person must be present at pickup and must meet the age requirement themselves.
International driver's licenses and temporary licenses
If your driver's license is from another country, you can rent a car in the United States, but you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country. The IDP is not a separate license — it's a translation of your existing license into multiple languages. You cannot get an IDP in the United States; you must obtain it before you travel.
Temporary or provisional licenses (the kind issued to new drivers in some states) are accepted by most rental companies, but you must still meet the age requirement. A 20-year-old with a provisional license still cannot rent because the age threshold applies regardless of license type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I'm 20 years old?
No. The minimum age at major rental companies is 21. Some small regional operators rent to drivers as young as 18 or 19, but rates are significantly higher and availability is limited. Check local independent rental shops or peer-to-peer services in your area.
Does the young driver surcharge explore if someone else is paying?
Yes. The surcharge is based on the age of the person whose name is on the rental agreement, not who pays the bill. If you're 23 and you're the primary renter, you pay the surcharge even if a parent or employer covers the cost.
What happens if I turn 25 during my rental?
The surcharge applies for the entire rental period based on your age at pickup. Turning 25 mid-rental does not reduce the fee. If your birthday is coming up, you could book a rental for after that date to avoid the surcharge, but the company will not adjust an existing reservation.
Can I add a driver under 21 to my rental agreement?
No. Any driver listed on the agreement must be at least 21 years old. If someone under 21 drives the car, even with permission, you are in violation of the rental agreement and the company can deny a claim if there's an accident or damage.
Do I need my own insurance to rent a car?
You don't legally need it, but it's strongly recommended. If you don't have your own coverage, the rental company will offer a damage waiver for $15 to $25 per day. This covers collision and theft but usually has a deductible. Check your personal auto or renter's insurance first — many policies cover rental cars at no extra cost.