There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how old you have to be to rent a car. The minimum age varies from country to country (and state to state), according to local laws. Additionally, different car rental companies within the same country can have varying age minimums for driving. Let’s navigate the rules to make the experience as smooth as possible.
Can you rent a car under 25?
The minimum age for renting a car in the U.S. is 21, except in Michigan and New York, where the states mandated this age to be lowered to 18. In other words, young drivers under the age of 25 can rent a car, under the following conditions:
- Drivers must have a valid driver’s license for at least a year.
- Valid proof of ID (such as a valid passport).
- A credit card to pay for the car rental.
- Overseas, an international driving permit might also be required, depending on the country.
- The daily young driver surcharge has to be paid either at the time of booking, pickup or return.
- Choose a car within specific classes of vehicles (excluding high-performance vehicles).
Why are there restrictions on drivers under 25?
If you’re wondering why there is a minimum age to rent a car, the reason is simple: the statistical risks of accidents, which lead to higher insurance rates, is higher with younger drivers.
Generally, age restrictions exist because young drivers are less experienced, take more unnecessary risks behind the wheel and are involved in more avoidable accidents. This drives insurance rates up and makes it financially prudent for the rental company to set a lower age limit on rentals.
Narendra Khatri, principal of travel insurance company Insubuy, in an article from The Washington Post.
Age requirements and young driver fees in the US
| Car rental companies | Minimum age required* | Young driver fees (under 25) |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo | 21 | $25 per day (on average) |
| Avis | 21 | $27 per day (based on recent estimates) |
| Budget | 21 | $27 per day Paid when the rental car is returned |
| Dollar | 20 | Charge varies based on car class and rental location. Fees are not visible when booking online. |
| Enterprise | 21 | $25 per day (on average) |
| Sixt | 21 | $27 per day (based on recent estimates) |
*with the exceptions of New York and Michigan, where the mandated minimum age to rent a car is 18 years. Higher fees apply for renters between 18-20 years in these states.
Just how much does it cost to rent a car if you’re under 25? Below, see 2 recent quotes for a 7-day rental car at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in April 2025.
Some rental companies, such as Hertz, allow drivers under the minimum age who have membership with certain organizations such as AAA (the American Automobile Association) to avoid paying the young driver fee.
Travel expert Blane Bachelor
What are the age requirements for car rentals in different countries?
The minimum age for renting a car abroad varies depending on the regulations of the country. Many countries have a minimum age of 21 years for renting a car, including Ireland, Greece, the Netherlands and Australia. Others allow drivers as young as 18 years to rent cars: Italy, Sweden, Germany and Morocco, just to name a few. A few countries, such as Malaysia, also have a higher minimum, which only allows customers aged 23 years and over to rent cars.
Please note that the figures stated above are for reference only and may vary. The required age may differ depending on the company you’re renting from. In some EU countries, the minimum age may be 18 years; however, it is often additionally required that the driver(s) in question must have held their driver’s license for longer than one year. In the U.S. and Canada, there may also be different provincial or state restrictions depending on where you are. Therefore, it’s highly recommend to check well in advance with the rental company to avoid any additional costs or refusal to rent based on age restrictions.
A sports car or a convertible may be a top choice for a spring or summer getaway — especially for early 20-somethings! But most rental companies do not rent luxury or high performance vehicles to drivers under 25.
Travel expert Blane Bachelor
Car rental age requirements in Europe
The minimum age for renting a car in Europe varies between 18 and 21 years, depending on the country and the rental company. In the UK, for example, the minimum age is 21 years, while some companies, such as Enterprise UK, require renters to be at least 25 years old.
Most European countries do not have a maximum age for car rental. That limit can be as low as 70 years, such as in Bulgaria, or as high as 97 years, as it is in Finland.
