How Old Do You Need to Be to Rent a Car?

Renting a car offers the convenience of travel without the need to own a personal vehicle. While it seems straightforward, the process of renting a car often includes a few stipulations, particularly around the renter’s age. As age regulations can vary greatly across countries and rental companies, it’s essential to review these guidelines before proceeding with a rental agreement.

The terms and conditions of car rentals can also vary based on the specific location and company. Therefore, it’s important to review these terms for each rental, as some might have additional age-related restrictions or surcharges.

Given the various factors at play, including age, driving experience, and rental company policies, understanding the requirements to rent a car is essential before commencing the process. It not only ensures a smoother transaction but can also prevent unexpected complications during the rental period.

The General Age Requirement for Car Rentals

In most locations around the world, the general age requirement for renting a car usually falls around 21 to 25 years old. This standard range, however, can vary depending on the location and the rental car supplier’s policies. It’s also important to note that international rentals often have their own specific requirements and restrictions, which can further modify these age limits.

When planning to rent a car, it’s crucial to be aware that rental car age requirements and restrictions can significantly affect the cost of your vehicle reservation. For instance, many rental suppliers set strict age limits or impose an additional daily fee known as a “young driver surcharge” on drivers under the age of 25. These restrictions and fees can greatly influence the final price of the rental and may require additional documentation or insurance coverage.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the age requirement is not merely a question of being old enough. In many cases, rental car companies also consider the length of time the renter has held their driver’s license. This consideration is especially relevant for young adults, where despite being of legal age to drive, they may face additional rental fees and restrictions if their license is relatively new.

On the other end of the spectrum, senior drivers, often classified as those 70 years or older, can also be subject to specific restrictions or surcharges. Again, these policies are highly dependent on the rental car supplier and the location of the rental.

Lastly, keep in mind that age requirements and associated fees may change depending on the location. In particular, international rentals often require a closer look at the rental terms as they may carry country-specific stipulations that can influence the renter’s eligibility and the total cost of the rental.

To avoid unexpected surprises, it’s recommended to thoroughly research and understand the specific rental terms set by the car rental supplier in your target location. This knowledge will help ensure a smoother rental process and a more enjoyable travel experience.

Car rental under 25

Alamo

The minimum age to rent a vehicle with Alamo is 21 years of age.

A ‘Youthful Surcharge’ may be applied to your rental, if you are between the ages of 21 and 24. The average cost is approximately $25.00 per day but can be higher or lower based on the rental location.

Renters 21 through 24 years of age may be restricted to specific car classes.

Avis

You can rent a car from the Avis fleet if you’re age 21-24, but you will be subject to an additional surcharge at an average cost of $27 per day.

Renters younger than 25 are permitted to rent Economy through Full-Size cars, Premium cars, Convertibles, Intermediate SUVs and Standard SUVs.

Renters younger than 25 may not rent vehicles in the following car classes:

• Full-Size SUVs
• Luxury
• Minivans
• Passenger Vans
• Premium SUVs
• Specialty Cars

Budget

You can rent a car from Budget at age 21 in most states (at age 18 in New York and Michigan states) if you pay an underage renter surcharge. At time of rental, an additional $27-per-day underage surcharge for these renters will be applied. Because Budget don’t verify your age when you make a reservation, this fee is in addition to your quoted online rate.

Exceptions are Michigan and New York, where a driver must be at least 18 to rent where a “Younger renter fee” will apply $41 (in Michigan) / $52 (in New York).

Dollar

Dollar rents to drivers age 20-24. Make sure you meet these criteria to rent from Dollar as an under 25-year-old:

• You must be at least 20 years old (18 years old in NY and MI).
• You need a valid driver’s license, in good standing for over a year (any recent suspensions could mean you’re ineligible to rent).
• You need a valid debit or credit card under the same name as your license.
• You will be subject to a Young Renter Fee, in addition to the standard car rental rate. Dollar Underage Driver’s Fee varies by location, it is typically around $25.00 – $35.00 plus local tax and surcharges.

Enterprise

The minimum age to rent a vehicle with Enterprise is 21 throughout the U.S., except in Michigan and New York where the minimum age to rent is 18.

All other renters under 25 will be required to pay a “young renter fee.” The average cost is approximately $25.00 per day but can be higher or lower based on the rental location.

• In Michigan, any driver 18-20 years of age will be charged an additional ‘Young Renter Fee’ of $36.50 per day, while any driver 21-24 years of age will be charged an additional ‘Young Renter Fee’ of $15.75 per day.
• In New York, any driver 18-20 years of age will be charged an additional ‘Young Renter Fee’ of $64.75 per day, while any driver 21-24 years of age will be charged an additional ‘Young Renter Fee’ of $30.75 per day.

Fox

Fox Rent a Car is welcoming drivers from 18 and up!

An additional surcharge for all underage drivers of between ($20-$25) per day is applied to your card at the time of reservation. For drivers from 21-24 years of age, they will be charged an under-age fee of $20 per day while those drivers aged between 18-20 years of age will be charged $25 per day. This fee varies depending on your location.

Hertz

The minimum age to rent is 18 in the U.S., except in Alabama and Nebraska, where the minimum age to rent is 19. Renters must have had a valid driver’s license for at least one year. Drivers under age 25 will be charged a young renter fee unless they are AAA members.

Due to the alliance between AAA and Hertz, Hertz has some of the most expensive underage driving penalties, but they are also some of the easiest to avoid. For members between the ages of 18 and 24 who also satisfy basic rental requirements, AAA offers incentives when renting through Hertz, including a price waiver for young renters.

National

The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years of age.

A ‘Youthful Surcharge’ may be applied to your rental, if you are between the ages of 21 and 24. The average cost is approximately $25.00 per day. For drivers between the ages of 21 and 24, a young renter fee will apply at an average cost of $20 per day. This fee can be higher or lower, depending on the rental location. For drivers between the ages of 18 and 20, a younger renter fee will apply in Michigan ($40) and New York ($57).

Renters 21 through 24 years of age may be restricted to specific car classes. In Michigan and New York, the minimum age to rent is 18 as mandated by these states.

Sixt

Certain regulations apply related to the minimum age and possession of a driver’s license which can be found during the booking process depending on the booked vehicle. The minimum age to rent a vehicle in most locations is 21 (in the state of New York 18) and the driver must have a valid driver’s license. For certain specialty and larger-sized vehicles the minimum age of 25 years of age applies.

An Underage Driver Fee will apply for drivers under 25 years. If you’re age is 20 to 24 then there is an additional charge of $25.00- $35.00 depending on the location.

Thrifty

Thrifty offers rentals to those ages 20 years and up. Exceptions are Michigan and New York, where a driver must be at least 18 to rent.

Drivers under age 25 will be charged a younger renter fee. If you’re age is 20 to 24 then there is an additional charge of $25.00- $35.00 depending on the location.

Comparing Under 25 Fees of Major Car Rental Companies

Can You Lie About Your Age On Fox Rent a Car?

You are not allowed to mislead your age when you rent a car. You must present a current driver’s licence during the verification process that follows signup. Your birthdate is displayed on your licence. Therefore, not unless you present a false licence.

Notably, most car rental companies has access to the DMV database. Therefore, if you submit the incorrect paperwork, you won’t be accepted and won’t be able to rent a car.

How to Avoid Avis Under 25 Fee

Book with Non-traditional Rental Companies

You might be wondering if there’s a way to get around the young driver cost if you’re a young driver looking to rent a car. Consider Booking with Alternative Rental Companies firms like Turo, Getaround, Silvercar, and Zipcar are examples of non-traditional car rental firms. With them, you might get a decreased or no youthful surcharge in contrast to most typical businesses.

Get an AAA Membership and Rent Through Hertz

A car rental through Hertz and a AAA membership can help you avoid paying the annoying under-25 cost. Hertz and AAA have had a long-tenured partnership in the automobile industry.

One of the perks offered to AAA members is the waiver of the young renter’s fee for those aged 20 to 24. The cost of a AAA membership varies according to the type, location, and degree of coverage. The price each year ranges from $59.99 to $119.99. But all Memberships come with DMV services, trip planning, hotel, restaurant, and movie theatre discounts, along with emergency roadside assistance.

Final Word

Understanding age requirements when renting a car is vital as it helps avoid unexpected additional fees or outright refusal of service. Most car rental companies require a minimum age of 21-25 years at the time of rental and set a maximum age limit ranging from 70 to 75 years. These restrictions are in place as younger drivers typically have less experience and thus pose a greater risk of accidents, while older drivers may face health-related issues impacting their driving. Moreover, some companies also factor in the length of driving license possession. Reading the rental conditions carefully is paramount to avoid age-related issues when renting a car.

When you rent a car, the car rental companies will take a depost that serves as a financial security measure, ensuring that there are available funds to cover the cost of the rental and any additional charges that may occur, such as potential damages during the rental period. While these companies offer various insurance and protection products to their customers, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP). The CDW is not insurance per se but waives the renter’s responsibility for all or part of the cost of damage to, loss or theft of, the vehicle, provided no actions that invalidate the waiver are taken. This means that if the CDW is purchased and the vehicle is damaged, the renter might not be held financially responsible, and therefore the deposit may not be used to cover these damages. However, should something happen to your rental car, you are financially responsible for this excess. If you purchase CarInsuRent car hire excess insurance, the excess amount can be eliminated and reduced to zero for as low as $6.49 per day* to $94.90 for an annual policy.

FAQs

What is the typical minimum age to rent a car?

The typical minimum age to rent a car usually falls between 21-25 years old, but this can vary based on the state and rental company.

Can I rent a car in Florida if I’m under 25?

Yes, you can rent a car in Florida if you are at least 21 years old, though this might be associated with additional fees.

Do all car rental companies have the same age requirements?

No, age requirements can vary from company to company, and they may also differ based on the state or country where you plan to rent the car.