What Enterprise Requires Before You Can Rent

Enterprise requires a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can take a car off the lot. You must be at least 21 years old to rent most vehicles; drivers under 25 may pay an additional daily fee. The credit card is used to hold a security deposit, which is released when you return the car undamaged.

Your driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. Enterprise will run it through their system to check your driving record. If you have recent serious violations — DUI, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents — the location may decline to rent to you, though policies vary by state and individual branch.

The credit card must be in your own name. Enterprise will not accept a card belonging to someone else, even if they are present and willing to pay. Debit cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold, though some locations may make exceptions if you bring additional documentation like a utility bill or bank statement.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — all three are required at every Enterprise location.
  • Drivers under 25 pay an additional daily surcharge, typically $15 to $25 per day depending on the location and vehicle type.
  • Enterprise holds a security deposit on your credit card (usually $200 to $500) that is released when you return the car in the same condition.
  • Your driving record is checked during the rental process, and serious violations within the past three to five years may result in a declined rental.
  • International visitors can rent with a valid passport and an International Driving Permit, though a US credit card is still required for the deposit.

Insurance Requirements and Your Options

Enterprise requires proof that you have active auto insurance before you complete the rental. You can show this with a current insurance card, a digital copy on your phone, or a letter from your insurance company. If your personal policy covers rental cars, you can use that coverage and decline Enterprise's insurance product.

If you do not have personal auto insurance or your policy does not cover rentals, Enterprise offers Damage Waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) and Supplemental Liability Insurance. Damage Waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day and removes your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen. Supplemental Liability covers injuries or property damage you cause to others and usually runs $10 to $15 per day.

Check your personal insurance policy or call your agent before you rent. Some policies cover rental cars automatically; others require you to add a rider. Credit card companies sometimes offer rental coverage as a cardholder benefit, though it usually covers only collision damage, not liability. Knowing what you already have prevents you from paying for duplicate coverage.

Age Restrictions and Young Driver Fees

Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 21, but the cost increases significantly for anyone under 25. The underage driver surcharge ranges from $15 to $25 per day depending on your exact age and the rental location. A 21-year-old renting for a week could pay an extra $105 to $175 just for being under 25.

Some vehicle types have higher age minimums. Luxury or premium vehicles may require you to be 25 or older, and some locations will not rent sports cars or large SUVs to drivers under 25 at any price. Check the specific vehicle class when you reserve to avoid showing up and finding out the car you wanted is not available to you.

If you are under 21, you cannot rent from Enterprise at all. Some smaller rental companies have lower age minimums, but Enterprise's policy is firm across all US locations.

Documents to Bring to the Rental Counter

Bring your original driver's license — a photocopy or digital image is not acceptable. Bring the credit card you will use for the deposit in your own name. Bring proof of insurance, which can be a physical card, a screenshot from your insurance company's app, or a printed email confirmation from your agent.

If you are renting under a business account or with a corporate discount code, bring that documentation as well. If you are an international visitor, bring your passport and International Driving Permit along with your license. Some locations ask for a second form of ID, so a passport or state ID card is helpful even for domestic renters.

Enterprise will also ask for your contact information and the address where you will be returning the car. Have your phone number and email ready. If you are returning the car to a different location than where you picked it up, confirm that location is open during your return time — some branches have limited hours.

The Security Deposit Hold and What Happens to It

Enterprise places a hold on your credit card for a security deposit, typically between $200 and $500 depending on the vehicle type and your location. This is not a charge — it is a hold that freezes that amount on your card but does not actually withdraw it from your account. The hold is released within one to three business days after you return the car.

If you return the car with damage beyond normal wear, Enterprise will charge you for repairs before releasing the hold. Minor damage like small dents or scratches may not result in charges, depending on the location's damage policy. Major damage — collision, theft, or mechanical failure caused by misuse — will be deducted from the hold before it is released.

If the damage exceeds the hold amount, Enterprise will charge your card for the overage. This is why documenting the car's condition when you pick it up is important. Most Enterprise locations now use photos or video walk-arounds at pickup and return, which protects both you and the company.

Special Situations: International Drivers and Non-Standard Rentals

International visitors can rent from Enterprise with a valid passport, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and their home country driver's license. The IDP is not a replacement for your license — you must carry both. You will still need a credit card in your name and proof of insurance, though international visitors often purchase Enterprise's insurance because their home country policies do not cover US rentals.

If you do not have a credit card, some Enterprise locations will work with you if you bring a debit card plus additional documentation like a utility bill, bank statement, and a second form of ID. This is not may provide and varies by location, so call ahead. You may also be required to pay a larger cash deposit upfront, which is refunded when you return the car.

If you are renting for business purposes and want to use a corporate account, you will still need your personal driver's license and a credit card. The corporate account covers the rental cost, but Enterprise still requires a personal card on file for the security deposit.

What Disqualifies You From Renting

A suspended or revoked driver's license is an automatic disqualification. Enterprise cannot legally rent to you if your license is not valid. A DUI or DWI conviction within the past three to five years will likely result in a declined rental, though some locations may make exceptions depending on how recent the conviction is and your overall driving record.

Multiple at-fault accidents or traffic violations within a short period can also result in a decline. Enterprise uses a third-party driving record service to check your history, and the threshold for decline varies by state and location. If you have concerns about your record, call the specific Enterprise location where you plan to rent and ask whether they will rent to you.

Fraud or misrepresentation on your rental agreement — lying about your age, insurance status, or the intended use of the vehicle — can result in when ready termination of the rental and potential legal action. Be honest on all paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I am 20 years old?

No. Enterprise's minimum age is 21. Some independent rental companies have lower minimums, but Enterprise does not rent to anyone under 21 at any US location.

What if my insurance does not cover rental cars?

You can purchase Enterprise's Damage Waiver and Supplemental Liability Insurance at the counter. This covers damage to the rental car and liability for injuries or property damage you cause. Without either your own coverage or Enterprise's product, you are personally responsible for any damage.

Do I have to use a credit card, or can I pay with cash?

You must have a credit card in your name for the security deposit hold. You can pay the rental cost itself with cash, debit card, or credit card, but the deposit hold requires a credit card. Some locations may accept a debit card if you bring additional ID and documentation, but this is not standard.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late fees explore, typically $40 to $75 per day depending on your location and rental agreement. The charge is added to your final bill. If you know you will be late, call the rental location as soon as possible — some locations may waive or reduce the fee if you notify them in advance.

Can someone else pick up the car if I cannot make it to the counter?

No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement and whose credit card is on file must be present at pickup. Enterprise requires the renter to sign the agreement and verify the vehicle condition in person.