How Old You Have To Be To Rent A Car

If you’re planning a trip, you might be wondering how old you have to be to rent a car. You must usually be at least 25 years old to rent a vehicle without facing additional fees. This standard age requirement is set by most major rental companies to manage risk, but the rules are not the same everywhere or for every renter.

This guide will explain the minimum age policies, the extra costs for younger drivers, and how to find and book a rental car even if you’re under 25. We’ll cover everything from required documentation to smart strategies for saving money.

The most common benchmark across the United States and in many countries worldwide is 25. This is the age at which you can typically rent a car from major companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis without any extra “young renter” fees. The policy is based on insurance and risk assessment models that show drivers under 25 are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.

However, it is a misconception that you cannot rent a car if you are younger than 25. Many companies do allow it, but they attach specific conditions and surcharges. The minimum age to even qualify for a rental is often 20 or 21, depending on the location and the company’s rules. Always verify the policy directly with the rental company for your specific pickup city, as state and country laws can vary widely.

Minimum Age Requirements By Major Rental Company

While the 25-year-old rule is standard, each company has its own detailed policy. These can differ for domestic rentals within the U.S. versus international rentals. Here is a general overview of policies for some of the largest car rental agencies. Remember, these can change and may have exceptions based on location.

Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, National, Alamo): The minimum age to rent is 21 in most states. Renters aged 21-24 will incur a Young Renter Fee. At some corporate-owned locations and for certain vehicle classes, the minimum age may be 25.
Hertz: Hertz generally sets a minimum age of 20 for rentals in the U.S., with a Young Renter Fee for drivers under 25. In some states like New York and Michigan, the minimum age is 18, but significant fees and restrictions still apply.
Avis/Budget: The standard minimum age is 21, with a fee for drivers under 25. Similar to Hertz, Avis permits 18-year-olds to rent in New York and Michigan, subject to their young renter terms.
Sixt: Sixt requires renters to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver fee applied to those under 25. They also restrict the vehicle categories available to younger drivers.

It is crucial to check the policy not just for the brand, but for the specific rental location. Airport locations often have stricter rules compared to neighborhood branches.

Rental Car Age Requirements By State

In the United States, state law can override a company’s corporate policy. Two states are notable for having lower legal minimum ages for renting a car.

New York: State law prohibits discrimination based on age for anyone 18 and older. This means rental companies must rent to 18-year-olds, though they can still apply substantial young renter fees and restrict vehicle types.
Michigan: Similar to New York, Michigan law mandates that companies rent to individuals who are at least 18 years of age.

For all other states, the rental companies’ policies of 20 or 21 as a minimum apply. Always confirm with the local rental office, especially if you are picking up the car in a different state than where you live.

International Age Requirements For Car Rentals

Traveling abroad adds another layer of complexity to age requirements. Rules vary dramatically from country to country, and the definition of a “young driver” can be different.

Canada: Similar to the U.S., the standard minimum age is 21, with fees for drivers under 25. In some provinces like Quebec, the minimum age can be as low as 18, but young driver fees are often higher.
United Kingdom: The minimum age is typically 23, with high fees for drivers under 25. Drivers under 23 often face very limited vehicle choices and may not be able to rent at all from standard companies.
Germany: Most companies require drivers to be at least 21, and many mandate a minimum age of 25 for certain car categories like luxury or SUVs. Young driver fees are common for those under 25.
Australia and New Zealand: The minimum age is usually 21, with strict fees and insurance conditions for drivers under 25. Some companies may require drivers under 25 to purchase additional insurance coverage.

When booking internationally, you must read the rental terms for the specific country. Do not assume the rules are the same as back home.

Costs And Fees For Drivers Under 25

For drivers who are 21 to 24 years old, renting a car is possible but more expensive. The primary added cost is the Young Renter Fee, sometimes called a Young Driver Surcharge or Underage Fee.

Understanding The Young Renter Fee

This is a daily fee added to the base rental rate. It is not optional and is automatically applied when the driver’s age qualifies. The fee compensates the rental company for the perceived higher insurance risk.

Typical Cost: Fees range from $15 to $35 per day. This can add $100 or more to the cost of a week-long rental.
How It’s Applied: The fee is charged for each day of the rental period. It is usually subject to taxes and fees just like the rental rate itself.
Who Pays It: Any primary driver under the age threshold (usually 25) will trigger the fee. If you have multiple drivers under 25, the fee is typically only for the primary renter, but each additional young driver may need to be added to the contract for an extra cost.

Vehicle Class Restrictions For Younger Drivers

Even if you can pay the fee, your choice of car will likely be limited. Rental companies often prohibit young drivers from renting certain vehicle categories to further mitigate risk.

Common restrictions for drivers under 25 include:

Luxury vehicles (e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz)
Premium SUVs and large passenger vans
Sports cars and high-performance vehicles
Full-size pickup trucks

You will usually be limited to economy, compact, intermediate, or standard sedan categories. Always check the “Vehicle Eligibility” section of the young renter policy before choosing a car.

Insurance Considerations For Young Renters

Insurance is a critical part of any rental. For younger drivers, understanding your coverage is even more important. Rental companies offer several types of insurance at the counter.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This is not insurance but a waiver that relieves you of financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen. It is highly recommended, especially for young drivers who may face higher out-of-pocket costs otherwise.
Liability Insurance Supplement: This provides additional liability coverage beyond the state minimums that come with the rental car. It can be a wise purchase for extra protection.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical costs for you and your passengers.
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): Covers theft of personal items from the rental car.

Before your trip, check with your personal auto insurance policy and your credit card’s rental car benefits. Some may provide primary or secondary coverage for rentals, which can save you from buying expensive coverage at the counter. However, verify that this coverage explicitly applies to drivers under 25, as some policies have age exclusions.

How To Rent A Car If You Are Under 25

With careful planning, renting a car under 25 can be straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process and avoid surprises at the counter.

Essential Documentation You Will Need

Regardless of age, you must present specific documents to rent a car. Having these ready is non-negotiable.

A Valid Driver’s License: Your license must be valid for the entire rental period. If you are renting outside your home country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required along with your domestic license.
Major Credit Card: Debit cards, prepaid cards, or cash are rarely accepted for the initial hold, especially for young renters. The card must be in the primary renter’s name and have sufficient available credit for the rental charges plus a security deposit (which can be several hundred dollars).
Proof of Identity and Return Travel: Some locations, particularly airports, may ask for a return airline ticket or other proof that you plan to leave the country if renting internationally.

Step-By-Step Booking Strategy

Disclose Your Age Upfront: Always enter your correct date of birth on the rental company’s website or booking platform. This ensures the young renter fee is quoted in the total price from the beginning. Hiding your age can lead to your reservation being canceled when you arrive.
Compare Total Costs, Not Just Base Rates: A cheap daily rate can become expensive once the daily young renter fee is added. Use comparison tools that allow you to input your age to see the true total cost.
Look for Discounts: Check if you qualify for any memberships that waive or reduce the young renter fee. Some organizations, like USAA or certain auto clubs, have partnerships with rental companies for this purpose. Also, some corporate or university codes might offer a discount on the fee.
Book Early: Vehicle options for young drivers are limited. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing an eligible car at a reasonable rate.
Consider Rental Locations: Renting from a neighborhood location instead of an airport can sometimes result in lower fees and more flexible agents, though this is not always the case.

Memberships And Programs That Waive Fees

One of the best ways to avoid the young renter fee is through a membership or loyalty program. While not universally available, these can provide significant savings.

USAA: Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis offer young renter fee waivers for USAA members who are active duty, veterans, or their family members. You must book through the specific USAA rental portal.
AAA or Other Auto Clubs: AAA has agreements with Hertz that can waive the young renter fee for members aged 20-24. Other regional auto clubs may have similar partnerships.
Corporate Agreements: If you are traveling for business, your company’s corporate account with a rental agency may include a waiver for employees under 25. Check with your travel department.
Frequent Flyer or Loyalty Programs: While less common, some elite status levels in rental car loyalty programs can offer benefits like fee waivers. It’s worth checking the terms of your program.

Special Scenarios And Exceptions

Certain situations can alter the standard age rules. It’s important to know about these potential exceptions.

Renting For Business Or Government Travel

If you are renting a car for official government business or under a corporate account, different rules may apply. Many rental companies waive the young renter fee for government employees and military personnel on official orders, even if they are under 25. The same can be true for corporate travelers using a company’s negotiated contract. Always present your official orders or use the corporate booking code to see if the fee is waived.

Additional Driver Policies And Age

If you are over 25 but want to add a driver who is under 25, the policies vary. Some companies will allow it but will charge an additional daily fee for the young additional driver. Others may not permit an underage driver to be added to the contract at all. The primary renter is always responsible for any fees or restrictions related to additional drivers. Never let an unauthorized driver, regardless of age, operate the rental car, as this will void any insurance coverage.

One-Way Rentals And Cross-Border Rentals

One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) often have stricter age requirements. Some companies may not allow drivers under 25 to book a one-way rental, or they may impose an even higher fee. Similarly, crossing an international border in a rental car (e.g., driving from the U.S. to Canada) is frequently prohibited for drivers under 25. You must get explicit permission from the rental company in writing before attempting a cross-border trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Rent A Car At 18?

In most U.S. states, no. The major exception is New York and Michigan, where state law requires companies to rent to 18-year-olds. Outside these states, the minimum age is almost always 20 or 21. Even where it is legal, expect very high young renter fees and severe vehicle restrictions.

What Is The Cheapest Rental Company For Under 25?

There is no single cheapest company. The total cost depends on the location, time of booking, and any fee waivers you qualify for. To find the best deal, you must use comparison websites that include your age in the quote and calculate the total with all fees. Budget and Thrifty are sometimes competitive for younger drivers, but this is not a guarantee.

Do Any Companies Rent To 19 Year Olds?

In the continental United States, it is extremely rare for a major national brand to rent to a 19-year-old, except in the states of New York and Michigan. In Hawaii, some local rental agencies may rent to 19-year-olds, but they will require full insurance coverage and a major credit card.

How Can I Avoid The Young Driver Fee?

The most reliable way is to use a membership that offers a waiver, such as USAA or AAA (with Hertz). Otherwise, you must wait until you turn 25. There is no legal loophole or trick to avoid this fee if the company’s policy requires it. Being added as an additional driver to a contract where the primary renter is over 25 does not typically allow you to avoid the fee if you drive the car.

Does The Young Renter Fee Apply To All Car Types?

No, but it applies in a different way. The fee is typically charged regardless of the car type you are eligible to rent. However, as a young driver, you are not eligible to rent all car types. So while the fee applies to your rental, you are also restricted from renting the most expensive vehicle categories where the fee might be even higher.