Car Rental Age Requirements by State – Under 25 Rules

In most U.S. states, the minimum age to rent a car is 21, though a handful of states and some rental locations allow drivers as young as 18. Renters between 21 and 24 can rent at most companies but will pay a young driver surcharge (an extra daily fee charged to drivers under 25) of $25 to $35 per day. Drivers 25 and older pay no age-related fees at any major rental company.

The Minimum Age to Rent a Car Across the U.S.

The standard minimum rental age in the United States is 21 at most major rental companies and most states. A small number of states, including Michigan and New York, permit rentals starting at 18, though individual company policies still apply and may set a higher floor.

Renters aged 18 to 20 face the most restrictions. Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and most other major brands do not rent to drivers under 21 at the majority of their U.S. locations. Where underage rentals are allowed, the daily fees add up quickly on any trip longer than a few days.

What Is a Young Driver Surcharge?

A young driver surcharge (also called an underage fee, meaning an extra charge added to the daily rental rate solely because of the renter’s age) applies to most drivers between 21 and 24 years old. This fee is separate from the base rental rate, taxes, and insurance.

The surcharge typically ranges from $25 to $35 per day. On a 7-day rental, that adds $175 to $245 to the total cost before taxes. On longer trips, the underage fee can easily exceed the base cost of the car itself.

Some rental companies cap the total surcharge amount, but most charge it every single day of the rental period with no ceiling.

Minimum Car Rental Age Requirements by State

The minimum rental age is 21 in 48 states and Washington D.C. and 18 in Michigan and New York, where state law sets the floor. Individual company policies, airport vs. off-airport locations, and local franchise rules may raise this floor above the state minimum.

Major Rental Company Age Policies at a Glance

Major rental companies set a minimum age of 21 at most U.S. locations, with Hertz offering the widest exception at 20 at select airport counters. The table below shows how the nine largest U.S. rental companies handle drivers under 25.

Hertz is notable for renting to drivers as young as 20 at certain airport locations, though the fee structure still applies to all renters under 25.

How Much Does the Young Driver Surcharge Actually Cost?

The young driver surcharge costs $25 to $35 per day, and on a 10-day rental at the midpoint rate of $30 per day, that adds $300 to the bill before taxes, completely separate from fuel, insurance, and tolls.

The table below shows total surcharge costs at common daily rates across different rental lengths.

Surcharges are subject to taxes in most states, which can add another 8 to 12 percent on top of the base surcharge amount.

States Where 18-Year-Olds Can Legally Rent a Car

Only two states have laws that explicitly enable 18-year-olds to rent from major companies: Michigan and New York. In all other states, the minimum effective age is 21 at the vast majority of commercial rental locations.

Michigan state law prohibits rental companies from setting a minimum age higher than 18, making it one of the most accessible states for young renters in the country.

New York similarly allows 18-year-old renters, and most major New York City airport and city locations accommodate this. However, renters aged 18 to 20 in New York will still pay a substantial daily surcharge, often $30 to $35 per day.

Outside of Michigan and New York, an 18 or 19 year old will find it extremely difficult to rent from a major national brand anywhere in the United States.

Exceptions That Can Reduce or Waive the Surcharge

Four specific categories of renters can reduce or eliminate the young driver surcharge: active military, corporate account holders, AAA or AARP members, and holders of certain premium travel credit cards.

Active duty U.S. military personnel are exempt from young driver surcharges at Enterprise, National, and Alamo when presenting valid military ID. Hertz and Avis offer partial or full waivers for active military on a case-by-case basis.

Corporate and business accounts negotiated through an employer can sometimes include a waiver of the young driver surcharge. Employees renting under a corporate code should check whether their company’s agreement covers underage fee waivers.

AAA and AARP memberships occasionally include discounts on young driver surcharges, though full waivers are rare and depend on the specific discount agreement in effect at the time of rental.

Credit card travel benefits from premium cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and similar travel cards sometimes include young driver surcharge reimbursements or waivers, though this perk varies widely and requires careful reading of card benefit terms.

Debit Cards and Under-25 Renters

Drivers under 25 renting with a debit card face additional barriers that drivers paying by credit card do not. Most major rental companies require a credit card for renters under 25, with debit card rentals either prohibited entirely or requiring a credit check and a higher security deposit.

Enterprise allows debit card rentals for drivers 21 and older but may require proof of return travel, proof of insurance, and a cash deposit ranging from $200 to $400. Hertz and Avis generally require a major credit card for all renters under 25 regardless of their age.

Our age calculator can find your age in years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds! Enter your date of birth and the date to compare it to, and the calculator will find your age on that date.

Young renters booking with a debit card should call the rental location directly before booking to confirm whether the reservation will actually be honored at pickup.

Airport vs. Off-Airport Locations for Young Renters

Airport rental counters generally enforce the standard 21 minimum and are more likely to accommodate young renters than off-airport or neighborhood locations. Off-airport locations in smaller cities and suburban areas more frequently require renters to be at least 25, even in states where the legal minimum is lower.

If you are under 25 and renting outside of a major airport, it is worth calling ahead to confirm the location will serve drivers your age before making a non-refundable reservation.

Renting a Car Under 25 in Las Vegas

Drivers 21 and older can rent a car in Las Vegas without restriction at all major Strip and airport counters. Nevada does not have a state law setting a minimum below 21, so the standard company floor of 21 applies at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and all off-strip locations.

The young driver surcharge in Las Vegas follows national rates, typically $25 to $35 per day. Las Vegas is a high-volume rental market, and competition keeps base rates relatively low, but the daily surcharge still applies in full on every day of the rental regardless of how competitive the base price appears.

Drivers under 21 cannot rent from any major brand in Nevada. Las Vegas is one of the most commonly searched rental destinations for young travelers, and the 21 minimum is consistently enforced at all major counters including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, and National.

Renting a Car Under 25 in Florida

The minimum age to rent a car in Florida is 21 across all major brands at Orlando International (MCO), Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Tampa (TPA). Florida has no state law lowering the minimum below 21, and drivers under 21 cannot rent from any major brand at any Florida airport.

The young driver surcharge applies in full at Florida locations, typically $25 to $35 per day depending on the company. Florida rentals are heavily taxed, and the state adds various tourism and airport fees to rental transactions, so the surcharge is layered on top of an already higher total bill compared to many other states.

Spring break and holiday travel periods in Florida see significantly higher base rental rates. Because the surcharge is a flat daily amount rather than a percentage of the base rate, the surcharge adds proportionally less to total cost during peak season, though total costs are still substantially higher than renting at age 25 or older.

Renting a Car Under 25 in California

California’s minimum rental age is 21 at all major airports including LAX, SFO, SAN, OAK, SJC, and BUR. California does not have a state law overriding the standard 21 minimum, so all major brands enforce their national policy uniformly across the state.

The young driver surcharge at California locations is typically $27 to $35 per day, with Los Angeles and San Francisco locations often at the higher end of that range due to the competitive premium market. On a 10-day California road trip, the surcharge alone can reach $270 to $350 before state taxes.

Drivers under 21 cannot rent in California from any major national brand. Off-airport locations in smaller California cities and suburban areas sometimes enforce a 25 minimum regardless of the standard policy, so young renters renting away from major airports should call ahead before booking.

Turo and Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing for Drivers Under 25

Turo (a peer-to-peer car sharing platform where individual car owners rent their personal vehicles directly to other drivers) allows renters as young as 18 in most U.S. states, which makes it one of the only options available to drivers who cannot meet the 21 minimum at traditional rental companies.

Turo’s minimum age policy by driver age tier is as follows:

Turo charges a flat fee per trip rather than a daily surcharge, which means the age fee on a 7-day trip is the same as on a 1-day trip. For rentals longer than 2 days, Turo’s flat fee structure typically results in a lower total age-related cost than a traditional rental company’s daily surcharge.

The tradeoff with Turo is that vehicle availability varies by location and date, insurance coverage is structured differently from traditional rentals, and there is no counter support or replacement vehicle guarantee if the car has a mechanical problem mid-trip.

Luxury and Sports Car Rentals for Drivers Under 25

Most luxury and exotic car rental companies set their minimum age at 25, which is higher than the standard 21 floor at economy and mid-range rental companies. Brands like Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise, Hertz Dream Cars, and independent luxury rental operators typically require renters to be at least 25 for premium and sports vehicles.

Minimum age requirements by vehicle category:

Drivers aged 21 to 24 who want access to premium vehicles should contact rental companies directly, as some locations make case-by-case exceptions for drivers with strong license history and are willing to accept a larger security deposit.

Van, Truck, and Specialty Vehicle Rental Age Requirements

Cargo van and passenger van rentals typically require renters to be at least 21, matching the standard car rental floor. However, certain companies set the minimum at 25 for larger vehicles due to the higher liability exposure involved in operating a large van or truck.

U-Haul, the largest moving truck rental company in the United States, requires renters to be at least 18 for most trucks and cargo vans. This is one of the most accessible commercial vehicle rental policies for young drivers in the country and applies regardless of state.

Penske and Budget Truck generally require renters to be at least 18 as well, though individual location policies vary. These minimum ages apply specifically to one-way moving truck rentals and are separate from the passenger car rental policies offered by Budget’s car division.

Enterprise and National require drivers to be 21 for cargo van and passenger van rentals, and both companies apply the standard young driver surcharge structure to drivers under 25 renting these vehicles.

One-Way Car Rentals for Drivers Under 25

Young drivers can book one-way rentals (a rental where the car is picked up at one location and returned to a different location) at most major rental companies, provided they meet the age minimum for the pickup state. The standard 21 minimum and young driver surcharge apply to one-way rentals exactly as they do to round-trip rentals.

One-way rentals carry a one-way drop fee (also called a relocation surcharge, meaning a charge added because the rental company must reposition the vehicle from the drop-off city back to the pickup market) that is separate from and stacks on top of the young driver surcharge. For young drivers, this means two separate surcharges apply simultaneously.

One-way fees vary enormously by market and direction. Dropping a car from Los Angeles to San Francisco may cost $50 to $100 in one-way fees, while dropping from a small city to a large airport market may cost $200 or more. Young renters should always calculate the full total including one-way fee, young driver surcharge, and taxes before confirming a one-way booking.

International Travelers Under 25 Renting a Car in the U.S.

International drivers under 25 renting in the United States are subject to the same age minimums and young driver surcharges as U.S. citizens. The 21 minimum and $25 to $35 per day surcharge apply based on the driver’s age at the time of rental, not their country of origin.

International renters are required to present a valid foreign driver’s license and may be asked to provide an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is an official translation document issued by the driver’s home country that accompanies the foreign license. Most major U.S. rental companies accept foreign licenses from European, Canadian, Australian, and other major nations without requiring an IDP, but requirements vary by company.

Insurance is a critical consideration for international drivers. Most foreign auto insurance policies and credit cards do not provide coverage for U.S. rental cars. International drivers under 25 should purchase the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) (a product sold by rental companies that waives their right to charge the renter for vehicle damage) unless their credit card explicitly confirms U.S. rental coverage in writing.

What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car Under 25?

Renters under 25 need a valid driver’s license, a major credit card in their own name, and their reservation confirmation at minimum. Debit card renters face additional requirements that vary by company and location.

Required documents at all major rental companies:

1. Valid driver’s license issued at least 1 year prior to the rental date at some companies; check individual policies as this requirement varies.
2. A major credit card in the renter’s name. Debit cards are restricted or prohibited for renters under 25 at most companies.
3. Confirmation of the reservation either printed or on a mobile device.
4. Proof of insurance is required when renting with a debit card at companies that permit it, and is recommended regardless of payment method.

Some Enterprise locations renting to drivers under 25 with a debit card additionally require two recent utility bills or other proof of local address, as well as a return travel itinerary such as a flight or bus ticket confirming the renter’s departure from the rental city.

Car Rental Insurance for Drivers Under 25

Young drivers under 25 can purchase the same rental company insurance products as any other renter, but the daily cost stacks directly on top of the young driver surcharge, often pushing non-base costs to $55 to $85 per day before the actual car rate.

The rental company’s own products include the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) (coverage that protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims beyond the state minimum). Full coverage from rental company products typically ranges from $30 to $50 per day at major brands.

Drivers who hold a personal auto insurance policy should check whether that policy extends coverage to rental vehicles before purchasing the rental company’s products. Most U.S. personal auto policies cover rental cars domestically for the same coverage types the driver has on their personal vehicle. Drivers without personal auto insurance, or those renting for business purposes, generally need to purchase coverage at the counter.

What Happens to the Surcharge When You Turn 25 During a Rental?

When a renter turns 25 during an active rental period, the young driver surcharge does not automatically stop mid-rental at most companies. Major rental companies including Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis charge the surcharge based on the driver’s age at the time of pickup, not their age throughout the rental.

If you turn 25 during a rental, the most effective approach is to contact the rental company directly and ask whether the surcharge can be recalculated for the remaining days. Some companies will adjust, but this is not a guaranteed policy and requires a proactive call.

The cleanest solution for a renter approaching their 25th birthday is to time the rental start date to on or after the birthday itself. A rental beginning the day after your 25th birthday carries no surcharge at all, while a rental beginning even one day before may carry the surcharge for the entire rental period.

Can a Parent Add Their Child Under 21 as an Additional Driver?

A parent can add their child under 21 as an authorized additional driver on their rental only in New York and Michigan, which are the same states where under-21 renters can be the primary renter. In all other states, authorized additional drivers must also meet the minimum age requirement of 21.

Adding a driver under 25 as an additional driver triggers the young driver surcharge on most rental agreements, even when the primary renter is 25 or older. The surcharge applies to the additional driver’s age, not the primary renter’s age. This is an important detail often missed during booking, particularly for families traveling with a young adult driver.

Some rental companies allow spouses or domestic partners to be added as free additional drivers under a program called a spousal waiver, but this benefit does not apply to parent-child additions and does not waive the age surcharge.

College Student Car Rental Options

College students renting under 25 can access student discount programs at Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget that reduce the base rental rate by 5 to 15 percent, though none of these programs waive the young driver surcharge entirely.

Enterprise’s student discount program is accessible through many university travel portals and club partnerships. Students renting through these portals typically receive 5 to 15 percent off the base rate, which partially offsets the daily surcharge.

Zipcar (a membership-based car sharing service that charges by the hour or day and includes gas and insurance in the rate) has an active campus program at hundreds of U.S. universities and allows members as young as 18 on college campuses. Zipcar’s age minimum for its standard consumer membership outside campus programs is 21. For short trips around a college city, Zipcar’s all-in hourly rate often works out cheaper than a traditional rental with surcharges and insurance added.

Maximum Age Limits for Renting a Car in the U.S.

There is no maximum age for renting a car in the United States. Unlike many European countries, which impose upper age limits ranging from 70 to 80 years old at some companies, U.S. rental companies are prohibited from age discrimination against older drivers under federal law.

Drivers 75 and older renting in the U.S. should be aware that if they plan to take the rental vehicle into Canada or Mexico, some cross-border rental agreements include additional documentation requirements or insurance provisions that may require a call to the rental company before departure.

How to Find the Cheapest Rental as a Driver Under 25

Drivers under 25 can reduce their total rental cost by comparing surcharge rates across brands rather than just comparing base rates. A company advertising a cheaper base price may apply a higher daily surcharge that more than cancels out the savings.

1. Compare total prices, not just base rental rates, by entering your exact age on booking platforms like Kayak, Expedia, or directly on company websites.
2. Book directly with rental companies that offer loyalty program discounts for young renters, such as Enterprise’s loyalty tier pricing.
3. Check military, corporate, and credit card exemptions before booking to determine if a surcharge waiver applies to your situation.
4. Consider National or Alamo if you hold an Emerald Club or Alamo Insiders membership, as loyalty pricing sometimes reduces effective surcharge rates.
5. Rent off-peak since base rental rates are lower, which offsets more of the fixed surcharge cost proportionally.
6. Look at rental periods carefully: some companies charge the surcharge for the number of rental days, while others charge by calendar day, which can differ for overnight rentals.
7. Consider Turo for longer trips where the flat per-trip age fee results in a lower total age-related cost than a daily surcharge over many days.
8. Use a Zipcar membership for short urban trips where the hourly all-in rate beats traditional rentals once you factor in surcharges and insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 20-year-old rent a car in the United States?

A 20-year-old can rent a car only in New York and Michigan, where state law permits rentals starting at 18. In all other states, the practical minimum age at major national rental companies is 21. Even in New York and Michigan, a 20-year-old will pay a substantial young driver surcharge of approximately $30 to $35 per day on top of the base rental rate.

What is the minimum age to rent a car without paying extra fees?

Renters must be at least 25 years old to avoid the young driver surcharge at virtually all major U.S. rental companies. Drivers who are 21 to 24 can rent in most states but will pay an additional $25 to $35 per day. Certain exemptions for active military, corporate accounts, and premium credit card holders may eliminate this fee for eligible renters under 25.

How much extra does it cost to rent a car under 25?

The young driver surcharge (the extra daily fee for renters under 25) is typically $25 to $35 per day at major rental companies. On a 7-day rental, that adds $175 to $245 before taxes to the total bill. The surcharge is charged every rental day and is separate from the base rate, insurance, and other fees.

Can an 18-year-old rent a car in any U.S. state?

An 18-year-old can rent a car in Michigan and New York at most major rental company locations, as both states have laws permitting rentals starting at age 18. In all other U.S. states, no major national brand rents to drivers under 21. Even in Michigan and New York, an 18-year-old will pay a daily underage fee on top of the normal rental rate.

Do all rental companies charge a young driver fee for drivers under 25?

Yes, all major U.S. rental companies including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, and Alamo charge a young driver surcharge for renters between 21 and 24. The exact daily amount varies by company and location, typically falling between $25 and $35 per day. The fee is waived automatically once the renter turns 25 and may be reduced or eliminated for active military personnel or under specific corporate booking agreements.

Does adding an additional driver under 25 trigger the surcharge?

Yes. If a driver under 25 is added to a rental as an authorized additional driver (a person other than the primary renter who is permitted by the rental agreement to operate the vehicle), the young driver surcharge typically applies to their age as well. Some rental companies charge the surcharge per young driver, which can significantly increase costs when two drivers under 25 share a rental. Always confirm the additional driver fee policy when booking.

Can a 19-year-old rent a car in the U.S.?

A 19-year-old can rent a car at major U.S. rental companies only in New York and Michigan, where state law sets the minimum age at 18. In every other state, the standard minimum is 21, and no major national brand will rent to a 19-year-old outside those two states. In New York and Michigan, the daily young driver surcharge of approximately $30 to $35 per day still applies to all renters under 25.

Does Turo rent to drivers under 21?

Yes, Turo rents to drivers as young as 18 in most U.S. states, making it one of the only widely available options for drivers who cannot meet the 21 minimum at traditional rental companies. Turo charges a flat per-trip age fee of $50 for drivers 18 to 20 and $30 for drivers 21 to 24, rather than a daily surcharge. Availability depends on individual car owners, so not every listing will be accessible to under-21 renters.

What is the rental car age requirement in Las Vegas?

The minimum age to rent a car in Las Vegas is 21 at all major rental company locations, including those at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and off-strip locations. Nevada has no state law lowering this below 21, so no major brand rents to drivers under 21 in the state. Drivers 21 to 24 can rent but will pay the standard young driver surcharge of $25 to $35 per day.

Can I use a debit card to rent a car at 21?

Most major rental companies restrict or prohibit debit card use for renters under 25. Enterprise permits debit card rentals for drivers 21 and older at most locations, but typically requires a credit check, proof of insurance, and a cash security deposit of $200 to $400. Hertz, Avis, and Budget generally require a major credit card for all renters under 25, regardless of age or booking circumstances.

What documents do I need to rent a car at 21?

To rent a car at 21, you need a valid driver’s license, a major credit card in your name, and your reservation confirmation. Some locations require the license to have been held for at least 1 year. If renting with a debit card where permitted, additional documentation such as proof of insurance, a return travel itinerary, and utility bills may be required depending on the company and location.

Is there a maximum age to rent a car in the U.S.?

There is no maximum age to rent a car in the United States. U.S. federal law prohibits rental companies from refusing service based on age for older drivers. This is different from the policies of many European rental companies, which can set upper age limits of 70 to 80 years old. American renters of any age above the minimum are eligible to rent as long as they hold a valid driver’s license.

Does the young driver surcharge apply to military members?

Active duty U.S. military personnel are exempt from the young driver surcharge at Enterprise, National, and Alamo when they present a valid military ID at pickup. Hertz and Avis offer partial or full waivers on a case-by-case basis. Reservists and veterans may not qualify for the same automatic waiver, and the exemption applies only when booking under a military rate code or presenting credentials at the counter.

Can I rent a luxury car at 21?

Most luxury car rental programs require renters to be at least 25, not just 21. Hertz Dream Cars and Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise both enforce a 25 minimum for premium and sports vehicles. Standard and full-size cars are available at 21 with the young driver surcharge applied, but sports cars, convertibles, and exotic vehicles are generally unavailable to drivers under 25 regardless of the daily surcharge.

What is the car rental age requirement in New York?

New York state law sets the minimum rental age at 18, which is the lowest minimum of any U.S. state. Most major rental company locations in New York City, including JFK, LGA, and EWR counters, rent to drivers 18 and older. Drivers 18 to 24 pay a young driver surcharge at all companies, typically $30 to $35 per day for those under 21 and $25 to $30 per day for those 21 to 24.

What is the car rental age requirement in Michigan?

Michigan state law sets the minimum rental age at 18, making it one of only two U.S. states where drivers under 21 can rent from major national brands. Most Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget locations in Michigan honor the 18 minimum. Renters aged 18 to 24 still pay the young driver surcharge, and renters aged 18 to 20 typically pay the highest daily surcharge tier of $30 to $35 per day.

What happens to the young driver surcharge when I turn 25 mid-rental?

The young driver surcharge generally does not stop automatically when a renter turns 25 during an active rental, as most companies calculate it based on age at the time of pickup. Renters who turn 25 mid-trip should call the rental company directly to request a recalculation, though this adjustment is not guaranteed by policy. The most reliable way to avoid the surcharge entirely is to start the rental on or after your 25th birthday.

Does Zipcar have an age minimum?

Zipcar’s standard consumer membership requires renters to be at least 21 years old. On college campuses with a Zipcar campus program, the minimum age is 18 for enrolled students. Zipcar charges a flat annual membership fee plus an hourly or daily usage rate that includes gas and insurance, which often makes it cheaper than a traditional rental for trips under 2 to 3 days when young driver surcharges and insurance costs are factored in.

Can I rent a car under 25 with an international license?

Yes, international drivers under 25 can rent a car in the United States using a valid foreign driver’s license, subject to the same 21 minimum age and $25 to $35 per day young driver surcharge that applies to U.S. citizens. Most major rental companies accept foreign licenses from Europe, Canada, Australia, and other major nations without requiring an International Driving Permit (IDP), though policies vary by company and state. International renters should also purchase the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) at the counter unless their credit card explicitly confirms U.S. rental car coverage.