U-Haul's minimum age is 18, but you'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your own name

U-Haul requires you to be at least 18 years old to rent a truck, van, or trailer. You must present a valid driver's license at the rental location — a state ID or passport alone won't work. The license has to match the name on the credit card you use to pay, and that card must be in your own name. U-Haul does not accept debit cards, prepaid cards, or cards held by someone else, even if they're present at pickup.

If you're under 25, U-Haul charges a young renter fee on top of the standard rental rate. This fee varies by location and truck size but typically ranges from $15 to $20 per day. You'll pay this fee every day of the rental, so a week-long move can add $105 to $140 to your total cost. There's no way to waive this fee — it applies to anyone under 25 regardless of driving record or insurance status.

Some U-Haul locations may ask for additional documentation if you're between 18 and 21, such as proof of insurance or a second form of ID. Call your specific rental location before you go to confirm what they'll need, since policies can vary by franchise.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 with a valid driver's license to rent from U-Haul, and the license name must match your credit card.
  • Renters under 25 pay an additional daily fee (typically $15–$20 per day) that applies to every day of your rental.
  • U-Haul requires a credit card in your own name — debit cards and cards belonging to others are not accepted.
  • Some locations impose extra requirements for renters aged 18–21, so contact your local U-Haul before your rental date.

What happens if you're under 18

U-Haul will not rent to anyone under 18 under any circumstances. If you're 16 or 17 and need to move, you have two options: wait until you turn 18, or have someone 18 or older rent the truck in their name and drive it themselves.

If an adult rents the truck in their name, they are the only person legally permitted to drive it. You cannot drive the rental even if you have a valid license and the adult is present. The rental agreement is a contract between U-Haul and the person whose name is on it, and that person is liable for any damage, traffic violations, or accidents. Insurance coverage also follows the renter's name, not the driver's.

The credit card requirement and what it means

U-Haul places a hold on your credit card at pickup — typically $200 to $500 depending on the truck size — to cover potential damage or late fees. This is a hold, not a charge; it releases when you return the truck on time and in good condition. The hold can take three to five business days to clear after you return the vehicle.

Because the card must be in your name, you cannot use a parent's, spouse's, or friend's card even if they're paying for the rental. If you don't have a credit card in your own name, you'll need to open one before renting. Some banks offer credit cards to people as young as 16 with a parent as a co-signer, but U-Haul's system requires the cardholder to be at least 18.

Debit cards don't work because U-Haul's hold system is designed for credit cards. Even if your debit card has a high balance, U-Haul's payment processing won't accept it at the rental counter.

Young renter fees and how they stack up

The under-25 fee is separate from your base rental rate. If you rent a 10-foot truck for $40 per day and you're 22 years old, you'll pay $40 plus the young renter fee (let's say $18) for a total of $58 per day. Over a week, that's $406 instead of $280 — a difference of $126.

This fee applies whether you rent for one day or thirty days. There's no discount for longer rentals that would reduce the per-day cost. Some competitors like Penske and Home Depot's truck rental service also charge young renter fees, though the amounts and age thresholds vary. If cost is a major factor, it's worth calling a few rental companies to compare their total prices for your specific dates and truck size.

Insurance and liability when you're a young renter

U-Haul's damage waiver (their version of insurance) is optional but strongly recommended, especially for renters under 25. Without it, you're personally liable for any damage to the truck — dents, scratches, mechanical problems, or accidents. Damage claims can easily reach $1,000 to $5,000 depending on what happens.

The damage waiver typically costs $15 to $25 per day and covers most accidental damage. It does not cover damage from negligence (like overloading the truck beyond its weight limit) or from violations of the rental agreement (like driving off-road or towing beyond the truck's capacity). Read the waiver details at pickup so you know what is and isn't covered.

Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover rental trucks. Call your insurance company before you rent to ask whether a U-Haul truck is covered under your policy. If it is, you might not need U-Haul's damage waiver. If it isn't, buying the waiver is usually cheaper than paying out of pocket for damage.

Renting at different U-Haul locations

U-Haul operates through company-owned locations and franchises. Franchise locations sometimes have stricter age policies than the corporate minimum. A franchise owner might require you to be 21 instead of 18, or might charge a higher young renter fee. These variations are legal because franchises set their own policies within U-Haul's guidelines.

When you search for a truck on U-Haul's website, you'll see the rental rate but not always the young renter fee or location-specific policies. Call the specific location where you plan to pick up the truck and confirm their age requirements, fees, and what ID they'll need. This takes five minutes and prevents a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a U-Haul if I'm 18 but don't have a credit card?

No. U-Haul requires a credit card in your own name at the time of rental. If you don't have one, you'll need to open a credit card account before your move. Some banks allow 16-year-olds to open cards with a parent as co-signer, but you must be 18 to rent from U-Haul regardless.

What if my parent co-signs my credit card — can I use it to rent?

No. The card must be in your name only. Even if your parent is a co-signer, U-Haul's system requires the primary cardholder to be at least 18, and the name on the card must match your driver's license exactly.

Do I have to pay the under-25 fee if I'm 24?

Yes. U-Haul charges the young renter fee to anyone under 25, regardless of driving experience or insurance status. The fee applies every day of your rental and cannot be waived.

Can someone else drive the truck if I rent it?

Only if they're listed as an additional driver on the rental agreement at pickup, and U-Haul charges an extra fee for each additional driver. That person must also have a valid driver's license. You remain liable for the truck and any damage, even if someone else is driving.

Is the young renter fee the same at every U-Haul location?

No. Franchise locations set their own fees within U-Haul's guidelines. Call your specific pickup location to confirm the exact fee before you reserve the truck online, since the website may not display location-specific charges.