The minimum age to rent a car in the U.S. is 21 in most states, with Michigan and New York allowing rentals starting at age 18. Drivers under 25 should expect to pay an additional daily surcharge. Keep in mind that age minimums and policies can vary by rental company. Here’s what you need to know to make your rental experience as smooth as possible.
In this article
Can you rent a car under 25?
Car rental age requirements by age.
Young driver fee: what it is and how much it costs.
Car rental company policies for under-25 drivers.
Age requirements and young driver fees in the US.
Vehicle restrictions for drivers under 25.
What are the age requirements for car rentals in different countries?
Frequently asked questions.
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.
- 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).
Car rental age requirements by age.
Can you rent a car at 18?
Yes, but only in Michigan and New York, where state law mandates that rental companies allow 18-year-old drivers. In all other U.S. states, you must be at least 20 or 21 to rent.
- Higher young driver fees typically apply for ages 18–20
- Vehicle class restrictions are common. Luxury and high-performance cars are usually excluded
- A valid driver’s license and credit card are required
Can you rent a car at 20?
Yes, some rental companies allow 20-year-old drivers. Dollar, for example, has a minimum age of 20 in most locations. However, most major companies require drivers to be at least 21.
- Young driver fees apply at this age
- Availability varies by company and location
- Vehicle restrictions typically apply
Can you rent a car at 21 to 24?
Yes, drivers ages 21–24 can rent from most major car rental companies in the U.S. This is the standard minimum age at companies like Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Alamo, and Sixt.
- Young driver fees of $20–$37 per day typically apply
- Some vehicle classes may be restricted
- Fees may be waived with certain memberships (such as AAA)
What changes once you turn 25?
Once you turn 25, the young driver fee no longer applies. You also gain access to all vehicle classes, including luxury, premium, and high-performance cars that are typically restricted for younger renters.
Young driver fee: what it is and how much it costs.
A young driver fee (also called an underage surcharge) is a daily charge that rental companies add for drivers under 25. This is a company policy, not a legal penalty; it reflects the higher insurance costs associated with younger drivers.
How much is the under-25 car rental fee?
Young driver fees typically range from $20 to $37 per day, depending on the rental company and location. The fee usually applies to all drivers ages 21–24, with higher fees for drivers ages 18–20 in states where younger rentals are allowed.
When is the fee charged?
The fee is charged either at booking, pickup, or when the rental car is returned—this varies by company. Budget, for example, collects the fee when the car is returned.
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
Car rental company policies for under-25 drivers.
Enterprise
- Minimum rental age: 21 (18 in Michigan and New York)
- Age 20 or under-21 rentals: Only in Michigan and New York
- Under-25 fee: Approximately $25 per day
- Vehicle restrictions: Luxury and high-performance vehicles typically excluded for under-25 renters
- State exceptions: 18-year-olds can rent in Michigan and New York with higher fees
- Source: Enterprise.com
Hertz
- Minimum rental age: 20 in most locations
- Age 20 or under-21 rentals: Yes, 20-year-olds can rent at most locations
- Under-25 fee: Varies by location; may be waived for AAA members
- Vehicle restrictions: Specialty and premium vehicles typically restricted
- State exceptions: 18-year-olds can rent in Michigan and New York
- Source: Hertz.com (check current policies before booking)
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. |
| Enterprise | 21 | $25 per day (on average) |
| Sixt | 21 | $25-$37 per day |
*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.
Vehicle restrictions for drivers under 25.
Most rental companies restrict the types of vehicles available to drivers under 25. These restrictions are based on insurance risk and company policy, not legal requirements.
What can under-25 renters usually rent?
- Economy and compact cars
- Standard sedans
- Mid-size SUVs
- Minivans (at most companies)
What is typically restricted for under-25 renters?
- Luxury vehicles (Mercedes, BMW, etc.)
- High-performance and sports cars
- Convertibles
- Premium SUVs
- Specialty vehicles (exotic cars, large passenger vans)
Policies vary by brand and location, so check with your rental company before booking if you have a specific vehicle in mind.
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. In some countries, the minimum age is 21 years for renting a car. Others allow drivers as young as 18 years to rent cars. A few countries also have a higher minimumage for rentals.
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 many rental companies do not rent luxury or high performance vehicles to drivers under 25.
Travel expert Blane Bachelor
Frequently asked questions.
Yes, drivers under 25 can rent and drive a car in the U.S. The minimum age is 21 at most companies, or 18 in Michigan and New York. A young driver fee typically applies for ages 21–24.
Most major rental companies rent to drivers under 25, including Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Avis, Budget, Alamo, and Sixt. Minimum age requirements and fees vary by company.
Drivers under 25 pay the standard rental rate plus a young driver fee of $20–$37 per day. The exact fee depends on the rental company, location, and vehicle class.
