How old do you have to be to rent a car?

Young drivers: everything you need to know about age restrictions when renting a car

Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore a new destination. It gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, visit hidden gems that public transport can’t reach, and travel at your own pace. But before you can drive off the lot, there’s one important question many travelers ask: how old do you have to be to rent a car?

The answer isn’t as simple as a single number. Car rental age requirements vary not only by country, but also by state (in the U.S.) and even by individual rental companies.

To help you avoid surprises at the counter — or unexpected fees — let’s break down the current rules and provide practical tips for renting a car, especially if you’re under 25 or planning to drive abroad.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in the U.S.?

In most U.S. states, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old. However, if you’re between 21 and 24, you can rent a car, though almost always facing a “young driver surcharge” or “young driver fee” that can add $20–$40 per day to your rental cost.

Two states — Michigan and New York — allow drivers as young as 18 to rent a car, but the fees there are higher. For example, Enterprise lists a $36.50/day surcharge for drivers 18–20 in Michigan and about $64.75/day in New York. For drivers 21–24, the fees are a bit lower, typically around $28–35/day depending on the company and location.

What are the age requirements to rent a car by state?

While the general rule is that you must be 21 years old or older to rent a car, there are exceptions. Some states in the USA allow younger drivers to rent under specific conditions. For example, in Alabama the minimum age is 19, and in New York it can be as low as 18. In California, drivers from 21 years old are usually eligible.

It’s also worth noting that car rental companies set their own commercial policies for drivers under 25. Many will allow younger renters — sometimes starting at 18 — as long as they meet requirements such as holding a valid driver’s license for at least one year. However, in these cases an underage surcharge (often called a young driver fee) usually applies.

Because both state laws and company policies vary, the best practice is always to confirm the specific requirements and fees directly with the rental company before booking.

How old do I need to be to rent a car overseas?

On the other hand, there are regions where the rules are stricter and you may need to be 23 or 25 regardless of vehicle class. Because of these variations, the best approach is always to confirm both the local legislation of your destination and the policy of the rental company before making your reservation.

If you’re planning to drive outside the U.S., age requirements differ:

• Brazil: While the standard minimum age to rent a car abroad is often listed as 25 years old, in practice, many rental companies in Brazil and other countries accept younger drivers starting at 18 or 21, as long as they pay an additional fee known as the Young driver’s fee. This surcharge applies to drivers who do not meet the “standard” minimum age and is meant to cover the higher risk profile of younger renters. Because the rules vary by provider, it’s always important to confirm the exact policy before booking.
• Europe: Most countries set the minimum rental age at 21, though some destinations, such as Ireland or parts of Scandinavia, may require drivers to be 23 or even 25. Younger drivers may also face higher fees or restrictions on premium vehicles.
• Australia & New Zealand: The general minimum is 21 years old, but drivers under 25 may have to pay surcharges and could be limited in their choice of vehicles.
• Other regions: Policies differ widely. In certain destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, rental companies may not allow drivers under 25 at all, while in others it’s possible from 18 or 21, depending on local laws.

Understanding car rental age requirements

Car rental companies impose minimum age limits because younger drivers statistically have higher accident rates and are considered riskier to insure. These limits are not set by one global rule. Instead, they are influenced by:

• Local laws: Some states or countries legally prohibit rentals under a certain age.
• Insurance policies: Agencies often face higher insurance costs for younger drivers and pass those costs along through surcharges.
• Vehicle categories: Premium, luxury, and specialty cars may have higher age thresholds, regardless of the renter’s location.

Remember: when renting under the age of 25, many companies apply a Young Renter Fee. This additional fee is designed to cover the higher risk perceived by insurers for younger drivers. It’s something you should anticipate when setting your budget.

What’s the Young driver’s fee?

The Young Driver Fee (or Underage Driver Fee) is an extra daily charge applied when a driver does not meet the company’s standard minimum age — often set at 25. This fee exists in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Europe, and the U.S.

The amount and conditions vary widely depending on the rental company, the country, and sometimes the city where you are renting. Some companies apply a fixed surcharge, while others adjust the fee depending on the type of car or the rental duration.

It’s important to note that this isn’t a universal rule: certain rental companies may waive the fee in special promotions, for loyalty program members, or for travelers renting through specific channels like corporate accounts.

Is there a way to avoid young driver fees?

Completely avoiding the young driver fee isn’t always possible, but there are ways to reduce or even waive it in some situations:

• Book through trusted platforms like Rentcars: Some promotions available on Rentcars already include reduced or waived young driver fees, especially when you book in advance.
• Choose your rental location carefully: Renting outside of major airports can sometimes mean lower surcharges.
• Look for special programs or memberships: Partnerships with student associations, travel clubs, or loyalty programs may include benefits that reduce or eliminate the surcharge.
• Select specific categories: Sticking to economy or compact cars may give you more flexibility compared to trying to rent premium or specialty vehicles.

By comparing options and checking the fine print, you may find significant savings—particularly when using aggregators like Rentcars, which show policies from multiple providers side by side so you can clearly see which companies offer the best deal for young drivers.

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. 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:

• A valid driver’s license issued in your country of residence.
• A passport if you are renting outside your country of origin.
• A credit card in your own name, which is usually required for the security deposit.
• In some destinations, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be necessary. While not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended, especially in countries that do not use the Roman alphabet (such as Greece, the Czech Republic, or regions in Asia and the Middle East).

Conclusion

Age restrictions shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the freedom of driving during your trip. While most companies set a standard age of 21 or 25 to avoid extra fees, younger travelers can still rent cars by paying the Young Driver Fee and meeting all documentation requirements. Because rules vary by country, state, and provider, the safest option is to compare offers before booking.

With Rentcars, you can search and filter rental options globally, check which companies apply young driver fees, and secure the best rates, all in your own language and currency.

That way, you don’t just find a car, you find the confidence of knowing you’re covered for your entire journey.