Young drivers: everything you need to know about age restrictions when renting a car
Renting a car can offer a sense of freedom and flexibility, allowing you to explore new places and embark on exciting adventures. However, especially if you’re under 25, you might be wondering how old you need to be to rent a car and what the requirements and considerations are for young drivers looking to book a vehicle. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered — in this article, we’ll dive into the age requirements for renting a car and the information you need when it comes to age restrictions.
How old do I need to be to rent a car?
Most car rental companies require a minimum age of 25. This minimum is based on statistical data suggesting that younger drivers are more likely to get involved in accidents. However, many rental companies offer options for drivers between the ages of 21 and 24, although you’ll need to meet some additional conditions and/or pay extra fees.
What do you need to rent a car if you’re under 25?
If you’re between 21 and 24 years old and wish to rent a car, be prepared for the possibility of a young driver surcharge. This fee is an additional cost added to your rental due to the perceived higher risk associated with younger drivers. It’s important to factor this into your budget when planning your rental.
Car rental insurance is also something to consider if you’re under 25, as insurance rates may be slightly higher due to the risk factors mentioned above.
To rent a car under the age of 25, you’ll typically need to provide the same list of documents as anyone else — a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a credit card under your name. In addition to that, some rental companies may have extra requirements, so it’s always a good idea to contact them in advance and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
What’s the Young Driver’s Fee?
The Young Driver Fee, also known as the Underage Driver Fee, is an additional charge imposed by many car rental companies when renting to drivers under a certain age, typically 25. This fee is intended to cover higher risk associated with younger, less experienced drivers.
This fee can vary widely depending on the rental company, location, and local regulations. It’s important to note that not all rental companies have the same fee, and some may even waive the fee for certain types of rentals or promotions.
Is there a way to avoid young driver fees?
While it may not always be possible to completely avoid young driver fees, there are several strategies you can consider to potentially minimize or mitigate these charges when renting a car as a young driver, such as checking for special offers when renting a car, considering different car categories, renting outside of airport locations, or negotiating a fee waiver.
What are the age requirements to rent a car by state?
Although the restrictions mentioned above work for any drivers under the age of 25, it is also important to note that each US state has its own legislation for the minimum age required to rent a car.
In Alabama, for example, the minimum age to rent a car is 19, as long as a parent or guardian is present. Similarly, in New York, the minimum rental age is 18, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Meanwhile, in California, the minimum age is 21.
Certain rental companies extend the option for individuals 18 years and older to rent if they possess a valid driver’s license with at least one year of experience.
Check out the list below outlining the minimum rental age for US states:
| State | Age requirements |
| Alaska | 18 |
| Arizona | 21 |
| Arkansas | 18 |
| Colorado | 21 |
| Connecticut | 21 |
| Delaware | 18 |
| Florida | 21 |
| Georgia | 21 |
| Hawaii | 18 |
| Idaho | 21 |
| Illinois | 21 |
| Indiana | 21 |
| Iowa | 18 |
| Kansas | 21 |
| Kentucky | 21 |
| Louisiana | 18 |
| Maine | 21 |
| Maryland | 21 |
| Massachusetts | 21 |
| Michigan | 18 |
| Minnesota | 21 |
| Mississippi | 21 |
| Missouri | 21 |
| Montana | 18 |
| Nebraska | 21 |
| Nevada | 21 |
| New Hampshire | 18 |
| New Jersey | 21 |
| New Mexico | 18 |
| North Carolina | 21 |
| North Dakota | 18 |
| Ohio | 21 |
| Oklahoma | 18 |
| Oregon | 18 |
| Pennsylvania | 21 |
| Rhode Island | 21 |
| South Carolina | 21 |
| South Dakota | 18 |
| Tennessee | 21 |
| Texas | 21 |
| Utah | 21 |
| Vermont | 18 |
| Virginia | 21 |
| Washington | 21 |
| West Virginia | 21 |
| Wisconsin | 21 |
| Wyoming | 18 |
Remember: these are general age requirements, and some rental companies may have different policies. Therefore, it’s always best to verify this information before renting a car!
Car rental rates can change frequently, so it’s important to compare prices and policies directly from several companies for your specific location and rental dates. You can use the Rentcars website to search, compare, and rent the car that best suits your needs.
