How Old You Need to Be to Rent a Car
Rental car companies set their own age rules, and they vary widely
Most rental car companies will rent to drivers as young as 18, but nearly all charge an extra daily fee — called a young driver surcharge — for anyone under 25. The amount ranges from $15 to $30 per day depending on the company and location. Some companies require you to be 21 or older. A few luxury or specialty rental agencies won't rent to anyone under 25 at all, with no exceptions.
The surcharge exists because insurance data shows drivers under 25 file more claims. You pay it on top of the base rental rate, and it can add $200 to $400 to a week-long rental. Some credit cards and rental insurance policies cover this fee, but most don't — you need to check your specific policy before you book.
There is no federal age rule for car rentals. Each company sets its own minimum, and the rules can differ between locations. A Hertz in one city might rent to 18-year-olds while a Hertz in another requires 21. Always check the specific rental location's policy before you reserve.
Key Takeaways
- Most major rental companies rent to drivers 18 and older, but charge a daily surcharge of $15 to $30 for anyone under 25.
- Some companies require you to be 21 or 25 as a minimum age with no surcharge option, so confirm the policy at your specific rental location.
- The young driver surcharge can add $200 to $400 to a week-long rental and is separate from your base rental rate.
- Some credit cards and rental insurance policies cover the young driver surcharge, but you must verify this before you book.
- Age rules vary by rental company and by location, so the policy in one city may not apply at another branch of the same company.
What the major rental companies require
Enterprise, Budget, and Avis rent to drivers 18 and older at most locations, with the young driver surcharge kicking in for anyone under 25. Hertz has the same policy at most locations. National and Alamo also rent to 18-year-olds with a surcharge. Thrifty's minimum is 18 in most places, though some franchises set their own higher limit.
Luxury and specialty companies are stricter. Hertz Dream Collection (premium vehicles) requires you to be 25. Some exotic car rental agencies won't rent to anyone under 30. If you are renting a high-end vehicle, call the specific location and ask — don't assume the standard age policy applies.
Regional and independent rental agencies vary widely. Some rent to 18-year-olds with no surcharge. Others require 25 as a hard minimum. Always contact the rental location directly rather than relying on the company website, because franchise locations set their own rules.
How the young driver surcharge works
The surcharge is a per-day fee added to your rental rate if you are under a certain age — usually 25. It is not a percentage of the rental cost; it is a flat daily amount. If the surcharge is $20 per day and you rent for 7 days, you pay an extra $140 on top of your base rate.
The surcharge appears as a separate line item on your rental agreement. You cannot negotiate it away or opt out of it. Some rental companies advertise their base rate without mentioning the surcharge, so the final price at checkout is higher than what you saw online. Always check the full price breakdown before you confirm a reservation.
The surcharge applies even if you have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. It is based solely on age. Some companies waive it if you are a member of their loyalty program, but this is rare — check your membership benefits or call ahead to confirm.
Credit cards and insurance that may cover the surcharge
Some premium credit cards cover rental car surcharges as part of their rental car protection benefit. American Express Platinum and some business cards sometimes include this. Chase Sapphire Reserve and a few other premium cards may cover it as well. The coverage varies by card issuer and changes over time, so you need to check your specific card's benefits guide or call the issuer before you rent.
Rental car insurance policies sold by the rental company itself do not cover the young driver surcharge — that fee is separate from damage coverage. However, some third-party rental insurance companies include surcharge coverage in their policies. If you purchase rental insurance from an outside provider, ask whether it covers age-based surcharges.
Your personal auto insurance policy almost never covers rental car surcharges. Call your insurance agent if you want to confirm, but expect the answer to be no. The surcharge is a rental company fee, not a damage or liability cost.
What you need to bring when you rent
You must bring a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, territory, or the federal government. An expired license will not work. If your license is suspended or revoked, no rental company will rent to you, regardless of age.
You also need a credit card in your own name to hold as a deposit. Debit cards are not accepted at most major rental companies, though a few locations accept them with additional requirements. The credit card does not need to have available credit equal to the full rental cost, but the rental company will place a hold on it — typically $200 to $500 — that lasts until you return the car.
If you are under 25, some rental companies ask for proof of insurance. This is not required by law, but the rental company may require it as a condition of renting to you. Bring a copy of your auto insurance card or policy. If you don't have insurance, you can purchase it from the rental company, though it will add to your cost.
Age rules for drivers from other countries
International visitors can rent a car in the United States with a valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a driver's license from their home country. The age rules are the same as for U.S. drivers — most companies rent to 18-year-olds with a young driver surcharge for anyone under 25.
Some rental companies charge a higher surcharge for international drivers or require a minimum age of 21 or 25. Call the specific rental location before you book. You will also need a credit card in your name and proof of insurance, which may be harder to provide if you are visiting from abroad.
If your home country's driver's license is not in English, bring the IDP as well. The IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized by U.S. rental companies. You can obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association before you travel.
What happens if you are under the company's minimum age
If you are under the rental company's minimum age at that location, you cannot rent a car from that company, period. There are no exceptions, no workarounds, and no way to override it. You would need to find a different rental company with a lower minimum age, or wait until you reach the required age.
Some independent or regional rental agencies have lower minimums than the major chains. Check local rental companies in your area. You may also find that a different location of the same national company has a different policy — call multiple locations if the first one turns you down.
Renting a car under someone else's name is not a legal option. The person whose name is on the rental agreement is the only person allowed to drive the car. If you are caught driving a rental car you did not rent, you could face liability issues and the rental company could pursue you for damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 18 without paying the young driver surcharge?
Most major companies charge the surcharge for anyone under 25, and you cannot opt out of it. Some independent rental agencies may not charge it, so call local companies in your area. A few credit cards cover the surcharge, so check your card's benefits before you book.
Do I need to be 21 to rent a car?
No. Most major rental companies rent to 18-year-olds, though they charge a daily surcharge for anyone under 25. Some companies do require 21 as a minimum, and a few luxury agencies require 25. Check the specific rental location's policy before you reserve.
What if my driver's license is expired?
Rental companies will not accept an expired license. Your license must be valid on the day you rent. If your license expired recently, renew it before you attempt to rent a car.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Most major rental companies require a credit card. A few accept debit cards, but they may require additional documentation or place a larger hold on your account. Call the rental location ahead of time if you only have a debit card.
Does the young driver surcharge apply to luxury car rentals?
Luxury rental agencies often have higher age minimums — sometimes 25 or 30 — and may not offer a surcharge option at all. Call the specific luxury rental company before you book. The surcharge rules for standard vehicles do not automatically apply to premium fleets.