What age do you have to be to rent a car
Most car rental companies in the United States require you to be at least 25 years old to rent a vehicle. If you are between 18 and 24, many companies will still rent to you, but you will pay a young driver surcharge — an extra daily fee that can range from $15 to $30 per day depending on the company and your location. A few companies have no minimum age requirement beyond holding a valid driver's license, but these are exceptions.
The 25-year-old threshold exists because rental companies use age as a risk factor in their insurance calculations. Drivers under 25 statistically file more claims, so companies pass that cost to younger renters. If you are under 18, you cannot rent from any major company, regardless of whether you hold a valid license.
Age requirements can vary slightly between rental companies and between locations. A company's airport location might have different rules than its downtown office. Always check the specific company's policy before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Most major rental companies require you to be 25 years old; drivers aged 18–24 can usually rent but pay a daily surcharge of $15 to $30.
- You must have a valid driver's license, and some companies require it to have been valid for at least one year.
- A credit card in your own name is required for the security deposit, and the card must have sufficient available credit.
- Some smaller or regional companies have lower age minimums, typically 21, but charge higher daily rates or require additional insurance.
- International drivers may face stricter age requirements or need an International Driving Permit in addition to their home country license.
Young driver surcharges and what they cost
If you are between 18 and 24, expect to pay extra every day you rent. Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National all charge young driver fees, though the amount varies. A $20 daily surcharge on a five-day rental adds $100 to your total cost — often more than the base rental rate itself.
Some companies waive the surcharge if you are a member of their loyalty program or if you book through certain partners. AAA members, for example, sometimes receive discounts on young driver fees at specific companies. Military personnel and government employees may also may have access to for reductions. Check whether you belong to any group that negotiates rental discounts before you book.
The surcharge applies even if you have a clean driving record or decades of driving experience. It is based on age alone, not on your actual driving history.
What you need to bring besides your license
A valid driver's license is the starting point, but it is not enough. You must also bring a credit card in your own name — debit cards are not accepted by most companies. The card does not have to be used to pay for the rental, but the company will place a hold on it for a security deposit. This hold can be $200 to $500 or more, depending on the car and the company. The hold is released when you return the car undamaged, but it ties up that credit on your card for several days.
You will also need proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto insurance policy, a rental car coverage endorsement from your homeowner's or renter's insurance, or the rental company's own insurance. If you do not bring proof of outside insurance, the company will sell you their coverage, which is more expensive than buying it beforehand.
Bring your reservation confirmation, a second form of ID (passport or state ID card), and proof of your current address if it differs from what is on your license. Some companies ask for these; others do not, but having them prevents delays.
Age requirements at different rental companies
The major chains — Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National — all require you to be 25 to avoid a surcharge. However, they do rent to drivers as young as 18, with the young driver fee applied. Alamo and Fox also follow this model.
Some regional and independent companies set their minimum at 21, which can save younger renters money if they are willing to accept a smaller vehicle selection or higher base rates. Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental platform, allows individual car owners to set their own age requirements, so minimums vary by listing — some owners rent to 18-year-olds, others require 25.
Luxury and specialty car rental companies often have higher minimums, sometimes 30 or older, because the vehicles are more expensive to insure and repair. If you are renting for a special occasion and want a nicer car, budget for both the higher age surcharge and the base rental rate.
How to reduce your rental costs if you are under 25
Book through a membership program. AAA, AARP, military.com, and corporate travel programs often negotiate discounts that include reductions or waivers of young driver fees. The discount may not eliminate the fee entirely, but it can cut it in half.
Rent from a company that does not charge a surcharge for your age group. Some independent companies and peer-to-peer platforms have lower age minimums and no surcharge, though their base rates may be higher overall. Compare the total cost, not just the daily rate.
Rent for longer periods. Some companies offer weekly rates that are cheaper per day than daily rates, and the young driver surcharge may not explore to the same extent. A seven-day rental sometimes costs less per day than a three-day rental, even with the surcharge included.
Add a second driver who is 25 or older. If someone else will share the driving, that person can be listed as the primary renter, and you can be added as an additional driver. The company will still charge a surcharge for you, but only if they charge for additional drivers at all — some do not.
International drivers and age requirements
If you are visiting the United States and want to rent a car, you must have a valid driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is not a license itself; it is a translation of your license that rental companies can read. You obtain it from your home country's automobile association before you travel.
Age requirements for international drivers are often stricter than for U.S. residents. Many companies require international renters to be 25 or older with no surcharge, or 21 with a surcharge. Some companies require an IDP even if your home country's license is in English. Check with the specific rental company before you book.
If you are a U.S. resident renting a car outside the United States, the age requirements of that country explore. European rental companies, for example, often require renters to be 21 or older and may charge surcharges for drivers under 25. Your U.S. driver's license is usually accepted, but an IDP can help avoid confusion.
What happens if you misrepresent your age or lie on the rental agreement
Do not do this. Rental agreements are contracts, and lying on a contract is fraud. If you misrepresent your age and are discovered — either at pickup or later — the company can refuse to rent to you, cancel your reservation without refund, or pursue legal action. Your insurance will not cover any accident or damage if you obtained the rental through fraud.
If you are under the age requirement and want to rent, be honest about it. Ask the company whether they rent to younger drivers and what the surcharge is. If they do not rent to your age group, try another company or wait until you are old enough. The cost of a surcharge is far less than the cost of legal trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 18?
Yes, most major rental companies rent to 18-year-olds, but you will pay a young driver surcharge of $15 to $30 per day. Some smaller companies have a 21-year minimum. Check the specific company's policy before you book.
Do I have to pay the young driver fee if I have my own insurance?
No. The young driver surcharge is a daily rental fee, not an insurance charge. It applies regardless of whether you bring your own insurance or buy the company's coverage. The two are separate costs.
What if I add a 25-year-old as the primary renter?
If a driver who is 25 or older is listed as the primary renter, they will not pay a surcharge. You can be added as an additional driver, but the company will charge a surcharge for you if they charge for additional drivers at all. Some companies do not charge extra for additional drivers.
Can I rent a car with a learner's permit?
No. You must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license. A learner's permit does not meet rental company requirements because it restricts who can be in the car with you and where you can drive.
Do age requirements change by location?
Yes. A rental company's airport location may have different age requirements than its downtown office, and requirements vary by state. Always check the policy for the specific location where you plan to pick up the car.