Military discounts on rental cars range from 5% to 25% off the base rate, depending on the company and your branch of service
Most major rental companies offer a military discount without requiring you to book through a special portal or provide military ID at the counter — though you do need to mention your service status when you reserve. The discount applies to the daily rate, not to taxes, fees, or insurance add-ons. Some companies stack their military rate with other promotions (like weekend specials), while others don't, so the final price depends on when you're renting and which company you choose.
The discount is usually automatic once you enter a military discount code or select the military rate during booking. You'll need to show a valid military ID, veteran's card, or discharge papers (DD Form 214) at pickup to confirm your status. If you don't have physical proof, some companies will accept a military email address or a letter from your branch, but policies vary — call ahead if you're unsure what counts as proof.
Key Takeaways
- Most major rental companies offer military discounts of 5% to 25% off the base daily rate, applied at booking when you enter a discount code or select the military rate option.
- You must show valid proof of military service at pickup — usually a military ID, veteran's card, or DD Form 214 — even if you booked the discount online.
- Military rates do not include taxes, airport fees, or optional insurance, so compare the total price across companies rather than the advertised discount percentage alone.
- Some rental companies allow you to combine a military discount with other promotions like weekend rates or loyalty discounts, while others do not.
- Active duty, reserve, National Guard, and veterans all typically may have access to, but may be able to access rules differ slightly by company.
Where to find the military discount code at each major company
Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National all advertise military discounts on their main websites. Each company has a dedicated military rate page or a discount code field during checkout. Hertz uses the code MILITARY or MILITARYHERTZ depending on the location. Enterprise and Budget (which are owned by the same parent company) use codes like MILITARY or GOVMIL. Avis and National have similar codes, often listed as MILITARY or AAA-style codes that work for military members.
The easiest approach is to go directly to the rental company's website, search for "military discount," and follow the link to their military rate page. That page will show you the code to enter and explain what proof you need at pickup. If you're booking through a travel site like Kayak or Expedia, you may not see the military rate option — those sites often strip out discount codes — so book directly with the rental company instead.
Some companies also offer military discounts through military-specific travel programs like Armed Forces Vacation Club or MilitaryOneClick, which bundle discounts across multiple vendors. If you're already a member of one of those programs, check whether their rental car partner offers a better rate than the company's standard military discount.
How the military discount compares to other ways to lower your rental cost
A 10% military discount on a $50-per-day rental saves you $5 per day, or $35 over a week. A weekend special or a loyalty program discount might save you 15% to 20%, which could be more. The key is that these discounts sometimes stack and sometimes don't. Hertz, for example, allows you to combine military and AAA discounts. Enterprise often does not — you get whichever discount is larger, but not both.
Before you book, check the company's policy on combining discounts. Then price out three scenarios: the military rate alone, your best alternative discount alone, and (if allowed) the military rate plus another discount. The lowest total price wins, not the highest discount percentage. Also factor in whether the company charges for a second driver, how much they charge for a young driver surcharge if you're under 25, and whether they include unlimited mileage or charge per mile.
If you're renting at an airport, the airport concourse rental desk often charges higher base rates than an off-airport location, even with the same discount applied. Renting from a location a few miles away can sometimes save more than any discount code.
What counts as proof of military service at pickup
A current military ID (CAC card for active duty, or a military dependent ID) is the gold standard and accepted everywhere. A veteran's health identification card from the VA, a VA disability card, or a retired military ID card also work at all major companies. A DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is accepted but requires you to bring the physical document — it's not something you can show on a phone.
If you don't have a physical ID, policies vary. Some companies will accept a military email address (ending in .mil) or a letter from your command verifying your service. Others require you to call ahead and arrange an exception. Reserve and National Guard members sometimes face stricter verification — some companies want to see your current orders or a letter from your unit. Call the specific rental location before you book if you're unsure whether your proof will be accepted.
If you show up without proof, the rental company will not honor the military rate and will charge you the standard rate instead. There's usually no way to retroactively explore the discount after you've picked up the car, so verify your proof situation before you arrive.
Military discounts for active duty, reserve, National Guard, and veterans
Active duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members all may have access to for military discounts at major rental companies. The discount is the same across these groups at most companies, though a few offer slightly better rates for active duty. Veterans may have access to as long as they have a DD Form 214 or a VA-issued ID card. The length of your service doesn't matter — even a veteran who served for two years qualifies.
Surviving spouses and dependents of service members sometimes may have access to, but this varies by company. Hertz and Enterprise typically extend the discount to a spouse if they can show a military ID or a dependent card. Other companies require the service member to be present or to have booked the reservation themselves. If you're renting on behalf of a service member or veteran, call the company to confirm whether you can use their discount code.
How to book a military rental car discount online
Start by going to the rental company's website directly — not through a travel booking site. Look for a link labeled "Military Discount," "Military Rates," or "Government Rates." Click through to the military rate page, which will show you the discount code and any restrictions (like blackout dates or car class limits).
Enter your rental dates and location, then look for a field that says "Discount Code" or "Promo Code." Enter the military code provided on that page. The system will show you the discounted rate before you pay. Review the total price, including taxes and fees, to make sure it's lower than other options you've priced. Then proceed to checkout and provide your email and payment information.
At pickup, bring your military ID or proof of service. The rental agent will verify it against your reservation. If the name on your ID doesn't match the name on the reservation, or if you don't have proof, the agent may refuse to honor the military rate. Once verified, you'll sign the rental agreement and pick up your car at the discounted rate.
Rental companies that offer military discounts and their typical rates
| Company | Typical Military Discount | Proof Required at Pickup | Stacks with Other Discounts? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | 5% to 15% | Military ID, VA card, or DD Form 214 | Yes, with AAA and some others |
| Enterprise | 5% to 10% | Military ID or VA card | Usually not |
| Budget | 5% to 10% | Military ID or VA card | Usually not |
| Avis | 5% to 15% | Military ID, VA card, or DD Form 214 | Varies by location |
| National | 5% to 15% | Military ID or VA card | Varies by location |
These discounts vary by location and rental date, so the percentage you see when you book may differ from the range shown here. Airport locations often have lower base rates but higher taxes and fees, which can offset the discount. Smaller regional companies like Fox Rent A Car and Thrifty also offer military discounts, typically in the 5% to 10% range, but you'll need to call or check their websites for current rates.
The discount you receive depends on the specific rental location, the dates you're booking, and the car class you choose. Some locations offer higher military discounts during off-peak seasons to attract bookings, while others maintain the same rate year-round. Check the total cost at each company before committing, rather than assuming one company's advertised percentage will be better than another's.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to show my military ID at pickup if I already booked the military rate online?
Yes. Even though you entered the military discount code during booking, the rental company will ask to see your military ID, VA card, or DD Form 214 at pickup to confirm your status. If you don't have proof, they will not honor the discounted rate and will charge you the standard rate instead.
Can I use a military discount if someone else is picking up the car?
Usually not. The person picking up the car must be the one whose name is on the reservation and who has the military ID. Some companies allow a spouse or dependent to pick up if they have a military dependent ID, but policies vary. Call the rental location before you book if you need someone else to pick up the car.
What if the military discount is smaller than a weekend special or loyalty discount I found?
Book whichever discount gives you the lowest total price. Some companies let you combine discounts, so check the rental company's policy. If you can't combine them, use the larger discount. You don't have to use the military discount just because you're may be able to access for it.
Do military discounts explore to insurance and add-ons?
No. The military discount applies only to the base daily rental rate. Taxes, airport fees, insurance, GPS rentals, and fuel charges are not discounted. When you compare prices across companies, make sure you're looking at the total cost, not just the daily rate.
Can a veteran use a military discount years after leaving the service?
Yes. Veterans may have access to for military discounts as long as they have a DD Form 214, a VA-issued ID card, or a veteran's health identification card. There is no time limit — a veteran who left the service 20 years ago qualifies the same as someone who left last year.