What you need to rent a U-Haul and how the process works

To rent a U-Haul, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of residency (usually a utility bill or lease). You can reserve online at uhaul.com, by phone at 1-800-468-4285, or in person at any U-Haul location. The rental period starts when you pick up the truck or trailer and ends when you return it to the same location or a different one if you choose a one-way rental. U-Haul charges by the day for local moves and by the mile for one-way rentals, plus fuel costs and any equipment you add.

The actual rental agreement is a contract you sign at pickup that lists the truck's condition, mileage, fuel level, and your liability. U-Haul requires you to return the vehicle with the same fuel level you took it with—if you don't, they charge a refueling fee that is typically higher than local gas prices. Damage to the truck, even minor dents, can result in charges that come out of your credit card after you return the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of residency to rent, and the person whose name is on the credit card must be the one driving the truck.
  • Reservations can be made online, by phone, or in person, and prices vary based on truck size, distance, and how far in advance you book.
  • U-Haul charges by the day for local moves and by the mile for one-way rentals, and you pay for fuel separately or return the truck with the same fuel level you took it with.
  • Damage claims can be filed after you return the truck, so photograph the vehicle's condition before you leave the lot and keep your rental agreement.
  • Peak moving season (May through September) has higher prices and fewer available trucks, so booking early gives you better rates and more size options.

Choosing the right truck or trailer size for your move

U-Haul offers several vehicle sizes, each designed for different amounts of cargo. A cargo van holds roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment. A 10-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment. A 15-foot truck handles a three-bedroom house, and a 20-foot truck or larger is for a four-bedroom or bigger. If you are moving just a few items or a single room, a trailer (4x8, 5x8, or 6x12) is cheaper than a truck and easier to park.

The size you choose affects both the rental cost and whether you can legally drive it with a standard driver's license. In most states, trucks under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) require only a regular license. Larger trucks may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) depending on your state and the truck's GVWR. U-Haul's website shows the GVWR for each vehicle—check your state's DMV rules before you book if you are renting a larger truck.

If you are unsure what size you need, U-Haul's online calculator lets you estimate based on the number of rooms you are moving. You can also call their customer service line or visit a location in person to discuss your move with staff who can recommend a size. Renting a truck that is too small means multiple trips or leaving items behind; renting one that is too large wastes money and is harder to maneuver in tight spaces.

How to reserve online or by phone

To reserve online, go to uhaul.com and enter your pickup location, dropoff location (or select "local" if you are returning to the same place), and your move date. The website shows available trucks and trailers with prices for each size. Prices change based on demand—booking further in advance usually costs less, and weekend rates are higher than weekday rates. Once you select a vehicle, you enter your name, phone number, email, driver's license number, and credit card information to complete the reservation.

When you book online, U-Haul sends a confirmation email with your reservation number, pickup time, location address, and the estimated cost. You can modify or cancel the reservation online up until 24 hours before your pickup time. If you cancel within 24 hours or do not show up, U-Haul may charge a cancellation fee—check your confirmation email for the specific policy for your rental.

To reserve by phone, call 1-800-468-4285 and provide the same information: pickup location, dropoff location, move date, and your personal details. A representative can answer questions about truck sizes, pricing, and whether you need any equipment like dollies or furniture pads. Phone reservations are useful if you have questions about your move or want to discuss options before committing.

What to do at pickup and what to inspect

Arrive at your pickup location at the time shown on your confirmation. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of residency. The U-Haul staff will ask you to sign the rental agreement, which lists the truck's current mileage, fuel level, and any existing damage. Before you sign, walk around the truck with the staff member and point out any dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues you see. Take photos or video of the truck's exterior and interior condition with your phone—this protects you if U-Haul later claims you caused damage you did not.

Ask the staff to explain how to operate the truck: where the fuel door is, how to adjust mirrors, how the backup camera works (if equipped), and where the spare tire and jack are located. If anything does not work or feels unsafe, tell them before you leave the lot. Do not accept the truck if you are not comfortable driving it.

The staff will also show you where to return the truck and explain the fuel policy. If you are returning to a different location (one-way rental), confirm the address and hours. Ask whether the return location is staffed 24/7 or has limited hours—some U-Haul locations close at night, and returning after hours may affect when your rental officially ends.

Understanding fuel charges and damage liability

U-Haul charges you for fuel in one of two ways: you can prepay for a full tank at pickup (usually at a rate higher than local gas prices), or you can return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up. If you return it with less fuel, U-Haul charges you for the missing amount at their rate, which is typically $3 to $5 per gallon more than what you would pay at a gas station. If you return it with more fuel, you do not get a refund.

Damage liability depends on whether you purchased U-Haul's damage waiver. Without it, you are responsible for all damage to the truck, including dents, scratches, broken windows, and mechanical problems caused by misuse. With the damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day), U-Haul covers most damage except for items you caused through negligence, like hitting a low bridge or overloading the truck. Read the waiver terms carefully—some damage is excluded even with coverage.

U-Haul inspects the truck when you return it and photographs any new damage. If they find damage, they send you an invoice weeks or even months later, charged to the credit card you used for the rental. This is why photographing the truck's condition at pickup is critical—it gives you proof of what the vehicle looked like before you rented it.

One-way rentals and cross-country moves

A one-way rental means you pick up the truck in one city and return it in another. U-Haul charges by the mile for one-way rentals, plus a base fee that varies by route. Long-distance moves are more expensive than local rentals because U-Haul has to reposition the truck back to where it is needed. Prices also depend on the direction you are traveling—moving from a low-demand area to a high-demand area (like moving to a major city during summer) costs more than the reverse.

When you book a one-way rental, U-Haul estimates the mileage based on the most direct route. You pay for actual mileage when you return the truck, so if you take a longer route, you pay more. The truck has a mileage counter, and U-Haul records the starting and ending mileage on your rental agreement.

For cross-country moves, book as far in advance as possible—trucks for long-distance moves fill up quickly during peak season. Confirm the return location's address and hours before you leave, especially if you are returning to a smaller city where U-Haul locations may have limited hours or may not be staffed overnight.

Equipment rentals and additional services

U-Haul rents equipment to make your move easier: dollies (hand trucks and furniture dollies), furniture pads, blankets, rope, and boxes. A furniture dolly costs around $5 to $10 per day, and hand trucks are similar. Furniture pads protect your furniture and the truck's interior from scratches and are worth renting if you have nice pieces. Boxes and tape are sold by the box or in bundles.

You can add equipment to your reservation online or request it at pickup. Equipment is charged separately from the truck rental and is returned with the truck. If you lose or damage equipment, U-Haul charges you for replacement.

U-Haul also offers moving labor through partner companies in some areas—you can hire movers to load and unload the truck for you. This service is booked separately and is not available in all locations. Ask at pickup whether moving labor is available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else drive the truck if I am the one who rented it?

No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement and credit card must be the primary driver. Some U-Haul locations allow an additional driver to be added for a fee (usually $10 to $15), but you have to arrange this at pickup or when you make the reservation. The additional driver must have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges by the day, so returning the truck even a few hours late may result in an additional full-day charge. If you think you will be late, call the location as soon as possible—some staff may work with you if you are only a little over, but there is no may provide. Check your confirmation email for the exact return time and plan to return the truck at least 30 minutes early to avoid surprises.

Do I need insurance to rent a U-Haul?

U-Haul does not require you to have personal auto insurance to rent a truck, but your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks—check your policy or call your insurance company before you rent. If your insurance does not cover rentals, U-Haul's damage waiver is your only protection against liability for damage. Without either, you pay out of pocket for any damage.

Can I rent a U-Haul if I do not have a credit card?

U-Haul requires a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and to charge for fuel, damage, and late fees. Debit cards are not accepted. If you do not have a credit card, you cannot rent from U-Haul. Some independent truck rental companies may accept debit cards, but U-Haul does not.

What if the truck breaks down during my rental?

Call U-Haul's roadside information number (listed on your rental agreement) when ready. U-Haul will send a mechanic or tow truck to help you. If the truck cannot be repaired quickly, U-Haul will provide a replacement truck at no extra charge. You are not responsible for mechanical failures—U-Haul maintains its fleet and covers repairs. Keep the roadside information number in your phone before you leave the lot.