If you’re asking “how old do I have to be rent a car,” you’re not alone. Your personal age is the determining factor for renting a car from most national agencies. This simple question has a surprisingly complex answer that varies by company, location, and even the type of vehicle you want to drive.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about age requirements for car rentals. We’ll cover the standard rules, major company policies, extra fees for young drivers, and tips to secure a rental even if you’re under 25.
How Old Do I Have To Be Rent A Car
The most common minimum age to rent a car in the United States is 20 years old. However, this is not a universal law. In most states, the legal minimum driving age is 16 or 17, but rental companies set their own higher age policies due to insurance risk and statistics showing younger drivers are involved in more accidents.
For most major rental agencies, the standard minimum age is 20 at non-airport locations and 21 at airport locations. The key exception is New York, where state law mandates a minimum rental age of 18. Even in New York, though, most companies will still enforce a minimum age of 20 or charge very high fees to drivers under 25.
If you are between 20 and 24 years old, you can usually rent a car, but you will almost always pay a “Young Renter Fee” or “Underage Surcharge.” This daily fee can significantly increase the total cost of your rental.
The Standard Age Requirements By State
While companies set thier own policies, state laws can influence them. Most states do not have a specific law governing the minimum age to rent a car, leaving it to the rental company’s discretion. The notable exception is New York, as mentioned.
Michigan also has a unique rule: renters under 18 are prohibited, but those 18 and older can rent if they meet the company’s criteria. In practice, finding a company that rents to 18-year-olds in Michigan is extremely difficult.
It’s crucial to understand that even if a state allows it, a company is not obligated to rent to you. Always check the specific policy of the rental company at your exact pickup location before making travel plans.
Major Rental Company Age Policies
Policies can change, so always verify on the company’s website, but here are the general guidelines for major national agencies as of this writing.
Enterprise, Alamo, and National
These sister companies share similar policies. The minimum age to rent is 20 at non-airport locations in most states. For airport rentals, the minimum age is 21. In New York, the minimum age is 18. All drivers under 25 will incur a Young Renter Fee, which varies by location and can be over $25 per day.
Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty
Hertz and its affiliates generally require renters to be at least 20 years old. At airport locations, the minimum is usually 21. In New York and Michigan, the minimum age is 18. Hertz charges an Underage Surcharge for drivers under 25. They also have a “Young Renter’s Program” in some countries, but U.S. policies are strict.
Avis and Budget
Avis and Budget set a minimum age of 21 for most rentals, including airport locations. In New York, the minimum age is 18. They charge an Underage Surcharge for drivers aged 21 to 24. It is very rare for these companies to rent to anyone under 21 outside of New York State.
Other Companies and Local Agencies
Smaller, local rental companies sometimes have more flexible age policies. Some may rent to drivers as young as 18, often at higher rates or with stricter insurance requirements. However, their fleets may be limited. Always call these companies directly to confirm their age policy, payment requirements, and available vehicle classes.
Peer-to-peer car sharing services like Turo have completely different age rules. On Turo, the minimum age is 18 in most states, but individual car owners can set thier own minimum age, often 21 or 25. A “young driver fee” usually applies to users under 25.
Understanding The Young Renter Fee
The Young Renter Fee, also called an Underage Surcharge, is a daily charge added to the rental cost for drivers typically between the ages of 20 and 24. This fee compensates the rental company for the perceived higher insurance risk.
- The fee is charged per day, not per rental.
- It is usually non-negotiable and applied automatically.
- Fees typically range from $15 to $35 per day, but can be higher in major cities or for premium vehicles.
- The fee is usually plus tax, so the final daily cost is even higher.
This fee is why renting a car under 25 can be so expensive. A $30 per day fee on a 5-day rental adds $150 to your total, before taxes and other charges.
How To Rent A Car If You Are Under 25
While challenging and more expensive, renting a car under 25 is possible. Here are steps you can take to improve your chances and manage costs.
1. Shop Around and Compare Policies
Don’t assume all companies are the same. Use rental comparison websites, but then go directly to each company’s site to read the official age policy for your pickup city and location type (airport vs. neighborhood).
2. Consider Local Rental Agencies
Local agencies near universities or in smaller towns may be more accustomed to younger renters. They might offer lower young driver fees or rent to 18-year-olds. Always get their policy in writing via email if possible.
3. Look Into Membership Discounts
Some organizations have partnerships that waive the Young Renter Fee. These are rare but valuable.
- USAA: If you are a qualified USAA member, both Hertz and Avis waive the underage fee for drivers over 21 (sometimes 20). You must book through the specific USAA portal.
- Certain AAA clubs: Some regional AAA branches have agreements that reduce or waive the fee with specific codes.
- Corporate Contracts: If you are traveling for work, your company’s corporate rental agreement might waive the fee for employees over 21.
4. Avoid Airport Locations If Possible
Airport rental counters almost always enforce a minimum age of 21 and have the highest young renter fees due to concession fees and higher demand. If you can, rent from a non-airport “neighborhood” location, where the minimum age might be 20 and fees slightly lower.
5. Be Prepared With Documentation
When you’re a young renter, the counter agent will scrutinize your documents closely. You must have:
- A valid, unexpired driver’s license. An international driving permit alone is not sufficient; you need your home country license too.
- A major credit card in your name. Debit cards, prepaid cards, or cash are rarely accepted for young renters. The credit card must have enough available credit for the hold (which can be several hundred dollars).
- Proof of return travel (like a flight itinerary) if renting at an airport.
- Additional proof of insurance if you are declining the rental company’s coverage.
Age Requirements For Renting Specific Vehicle Types
Even if you meet the minimum age, you may be restricted from certain vehicle classes. Companies often impose higher age minimums for vehicles they consider higher-risk or luxury models.
- Standard Sedans and SUVs: Usually available to drivers 20+ (with fee) or 21+.
- Premium SUVs and Luxury Cars: Often restricted to drivers 25 and older. Some companies require a minimum age of 30 for their highest-end vehicles.
- Minivans and Passenger Vans: Frequently have a minimum age of 25 due to the increased liability of carrying more passengers.
- Trucks and Specialty Vehicles: Policies vary widely; a minimum age of 25 is common.
Always check the “Terms and Conditions” or “Rental Requirements” on your reservation to see if your age restricts the car class you’ve booked. An agent at the counter can deny an upgrade or even your reservation if you don’t meet the age requirement for that specific vehicle type.
International Age Requirements For Car Rentals
If you plan to rent a car outside the United States, research is even more critical. Age requirements are often higher.
- Canada: Similar to the U.S., with minimum ages typically ranging from 20 to 25. Young driver fees are standard for those under 25.
- United Kingdom and Europe: The minimum age is commonly 21 or 23, and it can be as high as 25 for certain car categories (like automatic transmissions or larger vehicles). Drivers under 25 or 30 almost always face a “Young Driver Surcharge,” which can be substantial.
- Australia and New Zealand: Minimum ages are typically 21, with surcharges for drivers under 24 or 25. Some companies require drivers to have held their license for at least one year.
- Many countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your native license. An IDP is a translation document and does not replace your valid home license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Rent A Car At 18?
In the vast majority of the U.S., no. The only state where it is commonly possible is New York, due to state law. Even there, you will face significant challenges, very high fees, and limited vehicle options. Some local agencies near military bases or in rural areas might consider it, but it is the exception, not the rule.
Can I Rent A Car At 21?
Yes, you can rent a car at 21 from most major companies at most locations. However, you will almost certainly have to pay a Young Renter Fee because you are under 25. This daily surcharge makes the rental more expensive. Be sure to factor this fee into your budget when comparing prices.
What Is The Cheapest Way For A 21 Year Old To Rent A Car?
The cheapest way is to use a membership discount that waives the Young Renter Fee, such as a USAA offer. If that’s not available, rent from a non-airport location, choose the most economical car class, and compare total costs (base rate + young driver fee + taxes) across multiple companies. Booking well in advance can also secure a lower base rate.
Do All Drivers Need To Be Over 25?
No, only the primary renter must meet the age requirement. You can usually add an additional driver who is also under 25, but this will often incur an extra “Young Additional Driver Fee” on top of the standard additional driver fee. It’s usually more cost-effective to have only one young driver on the contract.
Can I Use A Debit Card To Rent A Car If I’m Under 25?
This is very unlikely. Almost all major rental companies require a major credit card in the primary renter’s name for drivers under 25. Debit cards are sometimes accepted for older renters with stringent conditions, but for young renters, a credit card is almost always mandatory to cover the large security deposit hold.