Enterprise's Basic Requirements
To rent a car from Enterprise, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your own name, and to be at least 21 years old. Most locations will rent to you at 21, though some charge an extra daily fee (usually $15 to $25) for drivers under 25. You'll also need to show proof of insurance — either your own policy card or Enterprise's coverage options if you don't have insurance.
Enterprise accepts most major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The card must be in the renter's name and have enough available credit to cover the rental cost plus a hold for potential damage. Debit cards are generally not accepted, even if they have a Visa or Mastercard logo, because Enterprise cannot place a hold on a debit account the way it can with credit.
Your driver's license must be current and valid in the state or country where you're renting. International licenses are accepted if accompanied by a passport or other government-issued ID. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, Enterprise will not rent to you.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license and a credit card in your own name to rent from Enterprise.
- Drivers under 25 typically pay an additional daily fee, which varies by location and can range from $15 to $25 per day.
- Enterprise requires proof of insurance — either your own policy or their rental coverage — before you can take the car.
- A credit card is required to place a hold for the rental cost and potential damage; debit cards are not accepted.
- Your driver's license must be current and valid; suspended or expired licenses will disqualify you from renting.
Age Requirements and Young Driver Fees
Enterprise's minimum age is 21, but the cost changes significantly if you're under 25. The young driver surcharge applies to anyone from 21 to 24 and is added to your daily rate. This fee is not optional and applies even if you have a clean driving record. The exact amount varies by location, so ask when you reserve or call your local Enterprise branch.
Drivers 25 and older do not pay this surcharge. Some Enterprise locations may have different policies for drivers over 65, so if you're renting at an advanced age, confirm the terms when booking.
Insurance and Coverage Options
Enterprise will not hand over keys without proof that the car is insured. You have three paths: bring proof of your own auto insurance, purchase Enterprise's Damage Waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), or use coverage through your credit card company.
Your personal auto insurance must cover rental cars. Not all policies do — some exclude rentals or limit coverage to certain states. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask specifically whether your policy covers rental vehicles. If it does, bring your policy card or a letter from your insurer stating the coverage details.
If you don't have insurance or your policy doesn't cover rentals, Enterprise offers its own damage waiver. This shifts liability for damage to Enterprise rather than to you, but it costs extra (typically $15 to $30 per day depending on the car and location). Credit card companies like American Express, Visa, and Mastercard often provide rental coverage to cardholders, but the coverage is secondary — it pays only after your personal insurance is exhausted. Check your card's benefits before renting.
What to Bring to the Rental Counter
Arrive with your valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. If you're using your personal policy, bring the actual card or a printed declaration page showing your name, policy number, and coverage limits. If you're using credit card coverage, bring that card with you. Enterprise may call your insurance company to verify coverage, so have your policy number ready.
If you're renting under a corporate account or with a prepaid voucher, bring that documentation as well. Some employers and travel agencies provide rental vouchers that cover part or all of the cost; Enterprise will need to see the original voucher or confirmation number.
Bring a second form of ID if your driver's license is from outside the United States. A passport works, as does a state ID card or military ID. International renters should also bring their passport.
Restrictions That Can Block Your Rental
Enterprise will refuse to rent to you if your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. A license that expired within the last year may still be accepted at some locations, but do not count on it — call ahead. If you have an active warrant or outstanding traffic violations, Enterprise may decline, though policies vary by location.
A poor driving record does not automatically disqualify you, but Enterprise runs a driving history check and may refuse if you have multiple recent accidents or serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run. The company's underwriting standards are stricter for drivers under 25.
If the credit card you present is declined or has insufficient available credit, you cannot complete the rental. Enterprise will not accept a second card from someone else unless that person is also present and willing to sign the rental agreement as a co-renter.
How to Reserve and What Happens Next
You can reserve online at Enterprise.com, by phone, or in person at a local branch. When you reserve, have your driver's license number and the credit card number ready. Enterprise will ask for your insurance information at this point or when you arrive to pick up the car.
At pickup, you'll sign the rental agreement, which lists the car's condition, mileage, fuel level, and your liability. The agent will place a hold on your credit card for the rental cost plus a damage deposit (typically $200 to $500 depending on the car). This hold is released when you return the car undamaged. If there is damage, Enterprise will charge you for repairs or deductibles up to the hold amount.
You'll receive the keys and a copy of the agreement. Before you leave the lot, inspect the car for existing damage and take photos if you see any dents, scratches, or interior issues. Report any damage to the agent when ready — if you don't, you may be charged for it when you return the car.
What Happens If You Don't Meet the Requirements
If you arrive without a valid driver's license, Enterprise will not rent to you, period. There is no workaround. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot rent a car legally, and Enterprise will not take the risk.
If you don't have a credit card in your name, you cannot complete a rental at Enterprise. Some locations may accept a debit card if a family member with a credit card co-signs the agreement, but this is rare and not may provide. Call your local branch to ask.
If you have no insurance and do not want to purchase Enterprise's damage waiver, you cannot rent. Enterprise requires one or the other before the car leaves the lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I'm 20 years old?
No. Enterprise's minimum age is 21. If you're 20, you cannot rent from Enterprise at any location. Some other rental companies have different policies, so you may want to call around, but Enterprise does not make exceptions for age.
Do I have to buy Enterprise's damage waiver if I have my own insurance?
No. If your personal auto insurance covers rental cars, you can show proof of that coverage instead. Call your insurance company first to confirm they cover rentals, then bring your policy card or a letter from your insurer to the rental counter.
What if my credit card is declined at the rental counter?
Enterprise will not complete the rental if the card is declined or doesn't have enough available credit. You'll need to provide a different credit card in your own name. If you don't have another card, you cannot rent the car that day.
Can someone else's credit card be used if they co-sign the agreement?
Typically no. The credit card must be in the renter's name. In rare cases, a family member's card may be accepted if that person is present and signs as a co-renter, but this is not standard practice. Call your local Enterprise branch to ask about their specific policy.
Do I need to show my insurance card if I'm buying Enterprise's damage waiver?
You still need proof of insurance even if you purchase the damage waiver. Enterprise requires either your personal policy or their coverage — you cannot rent without one or the other. If you buy their waiver, you're covered for damage, but you still need to show that the car itself is insured.