What you need to rent a car in Georgia

To rent a car in Georgia, you must present a valid driver's license at the rental counter. Most major rental companies — Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and others — require you to be at least 21 years old, though some charge extra fees for drivers under 25. You'll also need a credit card in your own name to hold the reservation and cover the deposit.

If you're renting with an international license, bring your passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country license. Georgia rental companies will accept these documents, but call ahead to confirm the specific location accepts international permits, since policies vary by branch.

Have your insurance information ready. You can use your personal auto insurance if it covers rental cars, your credit card's rental coverage if it includes that benefit, or purchase insurance directly from the rental company. The rental agent will ask which coverage you want before you drive off the lot.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance — either your own policy, credit card coverage, or the rental company's plan.
  • Major rental companies operate at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport, downtown locations in Atlanta and other cities, and neighborhood branches throughout Georgia.
  • Airport rentals cost more than off-airport locations because Georgia charges a 10 percent rental car tax at airports, plus facility fees.
  • One-way rentals between Georgia cities are usually available but cost more than returning to the same location.
  • Damage waivers and additional driver fees add to your final bill, so read the quote carefully before confirming your reservation.

Where to rent a car in Georgia

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has rental desks for all major companies on the lower level of the terminal. If you're flying in, this is the most convenient option, though you'll pay the airport tax and facility surcharge. The rental car center is connected to the terminal by a short train ride.

Off-airport locations in Atlanta include downtown branches, midtown offices, and neighborhood counters in areas like Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and near the airport perimeter. These locations do not charge the 10 percent airport tax, making them cheaper if you can reach them by other means. Enterprise and Budget typically have the most neighborhood locations across Georgia.

Outside Atlanta, you can rent from branches in Savannah, Augusta, Macon, and other cities, though selection is smaller than at the airport. Call or check the company's website to confirm the specific location has the car type you want in stock.

How airport rentals differ from off-airport rentals

Georgia charges a 10 percent tax on all rental car transactions at airports, plus facility recovery fees that vary by airport. This means a $50-per-day rental at Hartsfield-Jackson will cost roughly $55 per day after tax and fees. The same car from an off-airport Atlanta location will cost $50 with no airport surcharge.

Airport locations also tend to have longer wait times during peak travel hours, especially early morning and evening. Off-airport branches often move faster because they handle fewer customers at once. If you're renting for several days, the tax savings alone can cover an Uber or rideshare to an off-airport location.

Return procedures are the same at both: you drive to the lot, the agent inspects the car for damage, you sign the paperwork, and you're done. Airport locations have shuttle service back to the terminal; off-airport locations may offer shuttle service to nearby transit hubs or require you to arrange your own ride.

Understanding rental car insurance and damage coverage

The rental company will offer you a damage waiver (called Loss Damage Waiver or Collision Damage Waiver) that removes your responsibility for damage to the rental car. This costs $15 to $30 per day depending on the company and car type. You do not have to buy it if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars.

Check your auto insurance policy or call your insurer to confirm rental coverage before you arrive at the counter. Many policies cover rentals within the United States at no extra cost. Credit cards from American Express, Visa, and Mastercard often include rental car coverage, but you must decline the rental company's waiver to use the card's coverage.

If you have neither personal insurance coverage nor credit card coverage, buy the rental company's waiver. Without it, you're responsible for any damage, theft, or loss, which can cost thousands of dollars. The waiver is optional but strongly recommended if you lack other coverage.

Additional fees and charges to watch for

Beyond the daily rental rate, you may face charges for an additional driver (usually $10 to $15 per day), a young driver fee if you're under 25 (typically $15 to $25 per day), and fuel charges if you return the car with less gas than you rented it with. Some companies charge a flat refueling fee; others charge per gallon at a markup.

GPS rental costs $10 to $15 per day, but most people use their phone's navigation instead. Child car seats cost $10 to $15 per day if you need one. Late return fees explore if you keep the car past your reservation time — usually $40 to $75 for the first hour, then daily rates for each additional day.

Read the full quote before you confirm the reservation. The advertised daily rate is rarely the final price once taxes, fees, and optional coverage are added. Ask the agent to break down each charge so you know what you're paying for.

One-way rentals and returning to a different location

You can rent a car in one Georgia city and return it to another — for example, pick up in Atlanta and drop off in Savannah. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because the company must move the car back or position it for another customer. The extra charge varies but typically adds $50 to $200 depending on distance and demand.

To book a one-way rental, enter your pickup location and return location when you search for rates. The system will show you the one-way fee before you confirm. Some companies offer better one-way rates than others, so compare quotes from multiple companies if you need to rent one-way.

If you're renting for a long trip across Georgia, returning to the original location is cheaper than a one-way rental, even if you have to drive back yourself or use rideshare.

How to book a rental car in Georgia

Visit the rental company's website directly or use a comparison site like Kayak, Priceline, or Autoslash to search rates across multiple companies at once. Enter your pickup location, return location, pickup date and time, and return date and time. The site will show available cars, daily rates, and total cost including taxes and fees.

Book directly with the rental company if you find a better rate on their website than on a comparison site — rental companies sometimes offer loyalty discounts or promotional codes that don't appear on third-party sites. If you book through a comparison site, you'll still pick up the car from the rental company's counter and use their insurance and damage policies.

Confirm your reservation details before you arrive: the pickup location address, your driver's license number, the car type (or size category if a specific model isn't may provide), and the total cost. Call the location a day before if you're renting during a busy travel period to confirm the car you want is in stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Georgia?

Yes. The rental company requires a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and place a hold for the damage deposit. Debit cards are not accepted. The hold is released when you return the car in good condition, but you must have a credit card to complete the rental.

Can I rent a car if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your license must be valid and not suspended. An expired license will not work. If your license is suspended, you cannot rent from any major company in Georgia. Renew your license before you attempt to rent.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late return fees explore after your reservation time ends. Most companies charge $40 to $75 for the first hour, then charge you for an additional full day if you're more than an hour late. Return the car on time to avoid these charges, or call the location in advance if you need to extend your rental.

Can I rent a car if I'm under 21?

No. Georgia rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. If you're 21 to 24, you can rent but will pay a young driver surcharge of $15 to $25 per day. Drivers under 21 cannot rent from major companies.

Is it cheaper to rent from the airport or downtown Atlanta?

Downtown and off-airport locations are cheaper because they don't charge the 10 percent airport tax and facility fees. A $50-per-day rental at the airport costs roughly $55 after tax; the same car downtown costs $50. For a week-long rental, the savings can be $35 to $50, which may cover your transportation to an off-airport location.