How Old Do You Need to Be to Rent a Car?

In most of the U.S., the minimum age to rent a car is 21. However, many rental car companies charge an extra young driver fee for anyone under 25. These fees are designed to offset higher accident risk for less experienced drivers.

Some companies, especially premium rental providers or those offering luxury cars, may require drivers to be 25 or older. On the other hand, a few states allow renters as young as 18 if the car is booked through certain programs (such as government or corporate rentals).

Car rental companies set higher age limits because younger drivers statistically have more accidents. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers under 25 are involved in a higher percentage of collisions compared to older drivers.

Because of this risk, many rental car companies require renters to be at least 25 to avoid the young driver surcharge.

While there’s typically no upper age limit to rent a car in the U.S., some rental companies may ask senior drivers to confirm they meet certain health or insurance requirements. Travelers aged 70 and older should check with their rental provider ahead of time to confirm there are no additional conditions or documentation needed.

Age limits vary widely outside the United States:

• Europe: Minimum age is usually 21, but drivers under 25 may pay extra fees. Some countries (like France or Italy) set a higher minimum age for luxury cars.
• Australia and New Zealand: Minimum rental age is typically 21, with some agencies requiring medical clearance for drivers over 75.
• Canada: Most provinces allow drivers 21 and up, though surcharges apply for younger drivers.

Always check the laws and rental company policies for your destination before booking.

Before you rent, review your rental agreement carefully. Here are a few important details to keep in mind:

• Age restrictions: Drivers under 25 or over 75 may face added fees or limitations.
• Insurance coverage: Review available options, including your personal auto policy and travel insurance. A Travel Guard travel insurance plan with Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage may help cover repair costs for a covered event.
• Driver’s license requirements: Make sure your license is valid in the rental location and check whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Additional drivers: Each additional driver must meet age requirements and be listed on the rental agreement.

Deposit and payment: Be prepared for a credit card deposit and confirm if payment is due at pickup or return.

Booking a rental car is simple if you meet the age and license requirements. Follow these steps:

1. Enter your rental details including pickup location, dates and vehicle type.
2. Filter results based on your age and preferred vehicle features such as GPS, safety features or size.
3. Check age-related fees and confirm whether the company offers primary or secondary insurance coverage.
4. Verify documentation at pickup, including your driver’s license and the credit card used for the reservation.

Whether you’re a young driver under 25 or a senior renter, knowing the requirements ahead of time can save time and prevent surprises at the counter.