Where and how to return your National rental car
National Car Rental lets you return your car at any of its locations nationwide, not just where you rented it. You can drop off during business hours at any staffed location, or use the after-hours return option if the location has one — this means leaving the car in a designated spot and dropping the keys in a find box when the office is closed.
The standard return process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you return during business hours. An agent will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and print your final receipt. If you use after-hours return, the inspection happens the next business day, and you'll receive your receipt by email or mail.
You can also arrange a one-way return to a different city or state for an additional fee. This fee varies based on distance and the specific locations involved. Call National's reservations line or check your rental agreement to see what the one-way charge would be for your route.
Key Takeaways
- You can return your National rental to any National location in the United States, not just the one where you picked it up.
- After-hours return is available at many locations and involves leaving the car in a designated spot and depositing keys in a find box.
- One-way returns to a different city cost extra, and the fee depends on the distance and specific locations.
- Fuel charges explore if you return the car with less fuel than you rented it with, and the per-gallon rate is set by National.
- Damage or mileage overages are charged to the credit card you used to rent the car, usually within a few days of return.
Fuel and mileage charges at return
National offers several fuel options at the time of rental. If you chose the "Full to Full" option, you must return the car with a full tank or pay National's per-gallon rate for any missing fuel — this rate is typically higher than what you'd pay at a gas station. If you chose the "Pre-Paid Fuel" option, the fuel is yours to use, and you can return the car empty with no additional charge.
Mileage limits depend on your rental agreement. Some rentals include unlimited miles, while others have a daily or total mileage limit with a per-mile overage charge. The agent will record the odometer reading at return and compare it to the pickup reading. If you've exceeded your limit, the overage charge appears on your final bill.
Both fuel and mileage charges are added to your rental invoice and charged to the payment method you provided at pickup, usually within three to five business days.
Damage inspection and additional charges
When you return the car, the National agent (or the inspection team the next day if you use after-hours return) will check for dents, scratches, broken glass, interior stains, and tire damage. Minor wear and tear is normal and not charged. Damage beyond normal use is documented with photos and added to your bill.
If you purchased a damage waiver or decline coverage at rental, that coverage may reduce or eliminate your responsibility for damage charges, depending on the terms. Check your rental agreement to see what coverage you selected. If you did not purchase coverage and damage is found, you will be charged National's repair estimate or actual repair cost.
Some damage may not be discovered until after you leave — for example, a bent rim or undercarriage damage. National can contact you days or even weeks later with an additional charge. This is why taking photos of the car's condition before you drive away is important.
What to do if you're late returning the car
If you return the car after your reservation end time, National charges a late fee. The amount depends on how late you are and your rental agreement terms. Returning the car even 30 minutes late can trigger a charge, though some locations may waive a short grace period — this varies by location and agent discretion.
If you realize you'll be late, call National's customer service line as soon as possible. You may be able to extend your reservation before the important date, which is cheaper than paying a late fee. If you cannot reach anyone or the extension is not possible, return the car anyway — the late fee will be charged, but you'll avoid additional daily rental charges.
Late returns are charged to the same credit card used for the rental, usually within a few days.
Returning a damaged or mechanical problem car
If the car breaks down or is damaged while you're renting it, call National's roadside information number when ready — this number is on your rental agreement and in the car's glove box. National will arrange a tow or repair depending on the situation. You are not responsible for the breakdown or damage if it was not caused by misuse on your part.
When you return the car, inform the agent about the mechanical issue or damage and provide the roadside information case number. The agent will document this in the system so you are not charged for repairs related to the breakdown.
If the car is too damaged to drive, National will arrange for you to return it by tow truck or provide a replacement vehicle so you can continue your trip.
Returning a rental with unpaid tolls or traffic violations
If you drove through a toll booth or were caught by a traffic camera during your rental, the citation or toll bill may arrive at National's address weeks or months later. National will forward the bill to you or charge your credit card for the toll or citation fee plus a processing fee that National adds.
To avoid this, check your rental agreement for the toll and violation policy. Some rental agreements make you responsible for all tolls and violations. Others allow National to charge you a flat processing fee on top of the actual toll or fine. Ask the agent at return whether any tolls were incurred during your rental period.
If you receive a toll or violation notice after returning the car, contact National's customer service with your rental confirmation number. They can tell you whether the charge will come through them or if you need to pay the municipality directly.
Getting your final receipt and rental history
At the time of return, the agent will print your final receipt showing the rental dates, daily rate, fuel charges, damage charges, mileage overages, and any other fees. Review this receipt before you leave the location. If something looks wrong, ask the agent to explain it or correct it on the spot.
If you used after-hours return, you'll receive your receipt by email within one business day. Check this receipt carefully and contact National if you see an error.
You can also view your rental history and receipts online through your National account at nationalcar.com. This is useful if you need documentation for a business expense report or if you want to dispute a charge later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a National rental car to a different city?
Yes. National allows one-way returns to any of its locations nationwide. A one-way fee applies based on the distance and locations involved. You can see the one-way charge when you make your reservation or call National to ask about the cost for your specific route.
What happens if I return the car with damage I didn't report?
The agent will document the damage at return and charge you for repairs. If you have damage coverage, it may reduce your cost depending on your policy. If you don't have coverage, you pay National's repair estimate. Taking photos of the car's condition before you drive away protects you by showing what damage existed before your rental.
How long does it take to get my final bill after I return the car?
Your receipt prints at return if you return during business hours. Additional charges like fuel overages or damage may take three to five business days to appear on your credit card. Tolls or traffic violations can take weeks or months to arrive, depending on when the municipality sends the bill to National.
What if I'm a few minutes late returning the car?
National charges a late fee for any return after your reservation end time, though the amount and whether a grace period applies varies by location. Call National before you're late to extend your reservation if possible — this is cheaper than paying a late fee.
Do I have to return the car with a full tank of gas?
Only if you chose the "Full to Full" fuel option at rental. If you chose "Pre-Paid Fuel," you can return the car empty. Check your rental agreement to see which option you selected. If you're unsure, ask the agent at return.