Road trips are a great way to see new places, but how old you rent a car is dependent on rental company policies, location and vehicle type. Most major car rental companies require their drivers be at least 21 but some permit rentals for younger drivers at additional cost. The minimum age and low cost of rentals may help travelers bargain for their trip.

Age Limits for Renting a Car

Countries and rental agencies have different car rental age policies. In general:

• United States & Canada – Usually 21 years old, but some states allow rentals at 18 with fees.
• Europe – Many countries have minimum age requirements for renters, but younger drivers will be charged a surcharge.
• Australia & New Zealand – Most companies set the age at 21, though some allow 18-year-olds to rent with restrictions.
• Asia & South America – Age policies vary, but 21-25 years old is common.

Some luxury or special vehicle models require a higher age limit – often 25 or older.

Underage Driver Fees & Additional Costs

If under 25, most rental companies charge a young driver surcharge of $10 to $50 per day, depending on location and rental company. This fee covers extra risk from younger, less experienced drivers.

Young renters should:

• Compare rental companies to find ones with lower underage fees.
• Seek student or military discounts that may waive fees.
• Rent through membership programs that reduce age fees.

Top Car Rental Companies for Young Drivers

Some rental car firms are flexible with age and have affordable options:

• Enterprise – Minimum age is 21 (18 in some states) with a young driver surcharge.
• Hertz – Most locations allow rentals for drivers 20 and older.
• Avis & Budget – Minimum age 21, with some locations offering reduced underage fees.
• Turo – A peer-to-peer rental service allowing drivers as young as 18 to rent.

Checking rental policies early can help travelers avoid surprise charges.

A Young Driver Can Rent a Car Cheaply

Young drivers can keep costs low by:

• Booking Early – Reserving in advance leads to better deals.
• Choosing Economy Cars – Smaller, fuel-efficient cars have lower rental rates.
• Skipping Airport Rentals – Renting from city locations instead of airports reduces fees.
• Using Discounts & Memberships – AAA, AARP, and credit card benefits may include rental discounts.
• Comparing Prices – Shopping around different rental companies helps find the best rate.

Knowing how old to rent a car and what fees apply helps travelers plan ahead and save money. Most rentals require drivers be at least 21, but some companies allow younger drivers with added fees. With research on policies and picking the right rental company, road-trippers can find low rates and still have a fun trip.