How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a U-Haul?

U-Haul is one of the most widely used moving truck rental companies in the United States and Canada, but the age requirements aren't as simple as a single number. Whether you're renting a cargo van, a 10-foot truck, or a large 26-foot moving vehicle, the rules that apply to you depend on a few specific factors — including what you're renting and where.

The Baseline Age Requirement

U-Haul requires renters to be at least 18 years old. This applies across most of their rental inventory, including moving trucks, cargo vans, and pickup trucks. That's a lower minimum than many traditional car rental companies, which typically require renters to be 25 — or charge significant surcharges for drivers under that age.

This makes U-Haul a practical option for younger renters, college students, and first-time movers who would otherwise face steep young-driver fees elsewhere.

What You'll Need Regardless of Age

Meeting the age minimum is just the first requirement. To complete a U-Haul rental, you'll also need:

• A valid driver's license — issued by a U.S. state, Canadian province, or other accepted jurisdiction
• A credit or debit card in your name for the deposit and payment
• Proof of a valid address in some cases, depending on the rental location and method of booking

U-Haul does not require you to carry your own auto insurance before renting, but they do offer optional Safemove and Safemove Plus coverage at the time of rental. Whether your personal auto policy or credit card covers a moving truck rental is something to confirm with your own insurer before you pick up the keys.

Age and Equipment Type: Does It Matter? 🚛

U-Haul's fleet includes a range of equipment — from small cargo vans to large box trucks to tow dollies and auto transport trailers. The 18-and-older rule applies broadly, but there are a few practical distinctions worth knowing:

For towing equipment specifically, you can't rent a trailer or dolly on its own without also renting a U-Haul truck — meaning the same driver age requirement applies to the whole package.

One-Way vs. In-Town Rentals

U-Haul offers two main rental types: in-town (you return to the same location) and one-way (you drop off at a different location). Age requirements are the same for both, but availability, pricing, and deposit amounts can vary. One-way rentals tend to have higher base costs and larger holds on your payment method — something younger renters on tight budgets should factor in.

Authorized Drivers

Only drivers listed on the rental contract are authorized to operate the vehicle. If someone else needs to drive — a friend, a parent, a roommate — they need to be added at the time of rental and must also meet the minimum age requirement of 18 with a valid license.

U-Haul does allow multiple authorized drivers on a single contract, but everyone listed needs to be present at pickup or otherwise verified, depending on the location's process.

Why U-Haul's Age Policy Differs from Car Rentals

Traditional car rental companies — Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and others — typically have a minimum age of 25, or charge a daily "young driver surcharge" for renters between 21 and 24. Some allow 18-to-20-year-olds in certain states, but it's inconsistent and often expensive.

U-Haul operates differently because it's a specialty rental service focused on moving, not general transportation. Their business model assumes the renter is using the vehicle for a defined, short-term purpose — not daily driving — which likely factors into how they structure their age policy.

That said, younger drivers may still face additional scrutiny at the counter. Some locations run driver history checks or ask for additional verification. U-Haul reserves the right to decline a rental if a driver's record raises concerns, regardless of age.

International Licenses and Non-U.S. Renters 🌍

If you hold a foreign driver's license, U-Haul's policies on acceptance vary. Generally, a valid foreign license combined with an International Driving Permit (IDP) is more likely to be accepted, but individual location policies differ. Non-U.S. residents should contact the specific rental location ahead of time rather than assume their license will be accepted at pickup.

What Changes Based on Your Situation

Even if you meet the 18-year age requirement, the full picture of your rental experience depends on:

• Your driving record — U-Haul may check this, and a history of serious violations can result in a declined rental
• Your payment method — debit cards may require a larger deposit or a credit check at some locations
• The specific location — franchised U-Haul dealers may have slightly different policies than corporate locations
• The state or province — licensing laws, deposit requirements, and insurance regulations vary
• The size of the truck — larger vehicles require more driving confidence, and some locations may ask questions about your experience with large vehicles

The minimum age to rent a U-Haul is 18, and that's a firm, published policy. But the factors that shape how your specific rental goes — what you'll pay upfront, whether your license will be accepted, what coverage options make sense for your move — depend entirely on your own circumstances and location.