Minimum Age -- What is the Age to Rent a Car?

There is often much confusion about the minimum age requirements for car rentals. Some people think it's 25, some 21. Some people think that you can drive a rental car at any age as long as the renter is over 25. On this page I want to try and clear up some of the fuzzy areas about underage car rental and age restrictions.

Minimum age is that age at which you must be (or older, of course!) to rent a vehicle. For any car rental company, you must meet the age requirement on the day of pick up. (turning the correct age a week later, sadly, will not be good enough!)

The general rule of thumb when it comes to underage car rental is that most car rental companies require the renter to be 25 years of age to rent a car. Many companies will rent to customers under 25 also, but with restrictions (and fees!), such as .

Many companies will restrict an renter under 25 to certain size categories and restrict certain types of vehicles (example minivans). Check with the rental company on these car rental age and vehicle restrictions.

For more information on Car Types and Sizes, click here.

Credit I.D.

You must show an acceptable form of Credit Identification. While a lot of companies now accept Debit Credit Cards, an underage renter must usually show a major charge card in their own name. Renters between 21 and 24 may not be allowed to use a debit card. For more information on Credit Identification click here.

Rental car companies charge underage fees to renters under 25 years of age, to rent a car. (There are some exceptions, listed below)

Since underage car rental fees, restrictions and permissible vehicle types vary by location and sometimes by company, it's best to research the underage requirement in the city where you are renting prior to picking up your rental car. Click here, for Underage Car Rental Fees

Note: Rules at licensee-owned locations are often different with regards to car rental age. It’s always best to check the terms and conditions of your selected rental location.

Note: Minimum age requirements may be different for additional drivers. Check with the car rental company. Most require all additional drivers (anyone other than the primary renter, to be 25 or older).

For more information on Additional Drivers click here.

Other Age Exceptions

For car rental companies that provide it, you may be able to rent at a lower age while on an insurance replacement rental. Some car rental companies only deal with certain insurance companies. Check with your insurance provider to find out which car rental company they partner with.

Click here for more information on Insurance Replacement Rentals.

Corporate Accounts

Many companies have corporate accounts with various car rental agencies that lower the minimum age requirement and often, waive the underage fee that normally would apply. Check with your company’s Human Resources Manager.

Click here for more information on Business Car Rental Programs

Government Renters

Many car rental companies allow Federal Government (military and civilian) Personnel to rent at a lower age and without an extra fee. Sometimes the age requirement and the underage fee waiver may depend on whether your rental is for government business or a leisure rental. Check with the individual rental company on their policy.

Click here for more information on various government rental car programs.

Note: I deal mostly on this website with the 8 major national car rental companies for North America, but in doing some research, I've found that Rent a Wreck offers a minimum age of 18 or over at many locations; they would be another option to check.

There are maximum age restrictions that are enforced by some car rental companies in some countries. Click Here, for more information on maximum age restrictions for car rental.

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