What you need to rent a car in Los Angeles

To rent a car in Los Angeles, you must present a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old, though some charge an extra daily fee for drivers under 25. Your driver's license can be from any U.S. state or a valid international license if you're visiting from abroad.

The credit card must be in the same name as the person signing the rental agreement. Rental companies place a hold on your card — typically $200 to $500 depending on the car type — which is released when you return the vehicle. This is separate from the actual rental cost. Debit cards are rarely accepted for the hold, even if you have enough funds.

Insurance is the third requirement. You can bring your own auto insurance policy (check that it covers rental cars), purchase coverage from the rental company, or use coverage through your credit card if it includes rental protection. Before you arrive, call your insurance company or credit card issuer to confirm what's covered — gaps here can leave you liable for damage.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before any rental company will hand you keys.
  • Los Angeles has rental desks at LAX, Long Beach Airport, and Burbank Airport, plus dozens of off-airport locations that are often cheaper.
  • Rental rates vary widely by location, season, and how far in advance you book — checking multiple companies and dates can save $20 to $50 per day.
  • Return the car on time and with a full tank of gas, because late fees and fuel charges add up quickly and are separate from your base rental cost.
  • Read the damage inspection report before you drive away and photograph the car's condition, so you're not charged for dents or scratches that were already there.

Where to rent in Los Angeles

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has rental desks for all major companies — Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National — in the lower level of each terminal. Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Burbank Airport (BUR) also have rental counters. Airport locations are convenient but charge facility fees that can add 10 to 15 percent to your total bill.

Off-airport locations throughout Los Angeles are usually cheaper. Downtown LA, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and the San Fernando Valley all have rental offices. You can take a shuttle, rideshare, or public transit to reach an off-airport location, which may save you more than the transportation cost if you're renting for several days. Use the rental company's website to compare prices at different locations — the same car can cost $15 to $30 more per day at the airport.

Some smaller companies like Turo and Zipcar operate in Los Angeles but work differently: Turo connects you with private car owners, and Zipcar charges by the hour for short-term use. These are worth checking if you need a car for just a few hours or want a specific vehicle type, but traditional rental companies are usually cheaper for multi-day rentals.

Understanding rental rates and what affects them

Rental rates in Los Angeles fluctuate based on demand, season, and how far ahead you book. Summer (June through August) and holiday periods are peak season, when economy cars can cost $50 to $80 per day. Winter and weekdays are slower, and the same car might rent for $30 to $50 per day. Booking two to three weeks in advance typically locks in better rates than booking the day before.

The base rental price does not include taxes, facility fees, or optional add-ons. California sales tax is 9.5 percent statewide, but Los Angeles County adds an additional 2.25 percent rental car tax on top of that. A $50 daily rate becomes roughly $61 after taxes. Airport locations add a facility recovery fee (usually $5 to $8 per day) and a concession recovery fee (usually $3 to $5 per day).

Optional charges that appear at checkout include GPS rental (usually $15 per day, though most phones have free navigation), additional driver fees ($10 to $15 per person per day), and fuel options. The fuel option lets you prepay for a full tank at the company's price, which is usually higher than gas station prices — it's normally cheaper to fill the tank yourself before returning the car.

Insurance and damage coverage explained

Rental companies offer three types of damage coverage: collision damage waiver (CDW), which covers damage from accidents; loss damage waiver (LDW), which covers theft or total loss; and supplemental liability, which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. You are not required to purchase any of these from the rental company if your own insurance or credit card covers rentals.

Before you book, contact your auto insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rental cars and what the deductible is. Many policies do cover rentals, but some exclude them or charge extra. If your policy does not cover rentals, ask your credit card issuer — many premium cards include rental car coverage at no extra cost. If neither covers you, the rental company's CDW and LDW typically cost $15 to $25 per day combined.

When you pick up the car, the rental agent will ask if you want to decline their coverage. If you have coverage from your insurance or credit card, decline the rental company's offer. If you don't have coverage, purchase it from the company. Either way, inspect the car for existing damage — dents, scratches, and interior stains — and point them out to the agent before you leave the lot. Ask for a written damage report or take photos yourself. This protects you from being charged for damage that was already there.

Fuel, mileage, and return requirements

Most rental companies in Los Angeles offer unlimited mileage, meaning you pay the same rate whether you drive 50 miles or 500 miles. Some budget companies or special promotions may limit mileage to 100 or 150 miles per day, with overage charges of 25 cents per mile. Always check the rental agreement to see whether mileage is unlimited.

You must return the car with a full tank of gas. If you return it empty or partially empty, the company will charge you to refill it — typically $6 to $8 per gallon, which is 50 to 100 percent more than what you'd pay at a gas station. Fill the tank yourself at a station near the rental location before you return the car. Keep your receipt in case the company disputes the fuel level when you drop off the vehicle.

Return the car on time. Late fees start when ready after your rental period ends and typically run $50 to $75 for the first hour, then $15 to $25 per additional hour. If you're running late, call the rental company as soon as you know — some will extend your reservation for the daily rate rather than charging hourly late fees. Return the car clean inside and out; excessive dirt or damage beyond normal wear can result in cleaning or damage charges of $50 to $200.

What to do if you have an accident or damage

If you're in an accident, stop safely, call 911 if anyone is injured, and contact the police for a report. Take photos of all vehicle damage, the other vehicle (if involved), the scene, and the other driver's license and insurance information. Call the rental company when ready — do not wait until you return the car. The company will direct you to file a claim and may provide a replacement vehicle.

If you discover damage to the rental car that you did not cause — a flat tire, broken window, or mechanical problem — report it to the rental company right away. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. The company is responsible for maintaining the vehicle, and you should not be charged for pre-existing mechanical issues.

When you return the car, the agent will inspect it and note any new damage on the return form. Review this form carefully before you sign. If you disagree with what they've documented, say so in writing on the form itself. The company may charge your credit card days or weeks later if they discover damage during their detailed inspection, so keep your rental agreement and any photos you took for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Los Angeles with an out-of-state driver's license?

Yes. Any valid U.S. driver's license is accepted, regardless of which state issued it. If you have an international license, bring it along with your passport. Some companies may ask for an International Driving Permit as well, though it's not always required.

What's the difference between renting at the airport versus downtown?

Airport locations are more convenient but charge facility and concession recovery fees that add $8 to $13 per day. Downtown and neighborhood locations don't charge these fees and are often $15 to $30 cheaper per day. The trade-off is that you'll need to get to the off-airport location yourself.

Do I have to buy the rental company's insurance?

No, if your auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars. Call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you book to confirm coverage and the deductible. If neither covers you, purchase the company's collision and loss damage waiver to protect yourself from liability.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late fees typically start when ready after your rental period ends and run $50 to $75 for the first hour, then $15 to $25 per additional hour. If you're going to be late, call the company to see if they'll extend your reservation at the daily rate instead of charging hourly fees.

Can I pick up a rental car at one location and return it at another?

Yes, most major rental companies offer one-way rentals. Returning a car at a different location than where you rented it may cost extra — sometimes $50 to $200 depending on the distance. Check the rental agreement for one-way fees before you book.