Kait ScirriShort Answer: Texas does not have set age requirements for renting a car; individual companies each set their own requirements. Most companies require you to be at least 21 to rent. We’ve compiled a list of the car rental companies that operate in Texas and their age requirements, along with information on young renter fees and restrictions, so there are no surprises when you rent a car in Texas.
Table of Contents
Texas Car Rental Age Requirements
In the U.S., rental car agencies set their own age requirements. Most rental car agencies require you to be 21 years old to rent a car in Texas, and no companies impose a maximum age restriction in the U.S.
There are a few exceptions to the minimum age requirements. For example, if you are a U.S. Government employee, you may rent a car as early as age 18 by showing the agent at your rental location your government employee ID and evidence of your official orders.
Although many agencies in Texas allow car rentals as early as age 21, they will usually charge daily fees to drivers under 25; these fees can significantly increase the total cost of the rental.
If you’re traveling to Texas need lodging as well, get $35 toward your first Airbnb stay by using our referral link (credit amount subject to change). You can book as young as 18.
Comparison Table
See the table below for a comparison of the minimum renter ages and underage driver fees at the major car rental companies in Texas then click any company or scroll for more details.
| Rental Company | Minimum Age | Young Driver Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ACE Rent a Car | Typically 25 (varies) | Varies by location |
| Alamo Rent a Car | 21 | Varies by location |
| Avis Rent a Car | Typically 25 (varies) | $27 per day |
| Budget Rent a Car | 21 | $27 per day |
| Dollar Rent a Car | 20 | Varies by location |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | 21 | Typically $20 per day (varies) |
| Fox Rent A Car | 19 | $20 to $30 per day |
| Hertz | 18 | Varies |
| National Car Rental | 21 | Typically $20 per day (varies) |
| Payless Car Rental | 21 | $25 per day |
| Rent-A-Wreck | 18 | Varies by location |
| Silvercar | 22 | Varies by location |
| Sixt | 21 | $15 to $35 per day |
| Thrifty Car Rental | 20 | Varies by location |
| Turo | 21 | Varies by owner |
| Zipcar | 18 | None |
Car Rental Companies in Texas (With Age Requirements)
Note: To compare the other rental policies at these companies or find the best price, you can use our car rental selection tool.
ACE Rent a Car
- Minimum age: Typically 25, but varies by location. The Houston Intercontinental Airport requires renters to be at least 21.[1]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, an underage fee of $25 a day will be assessed.[1]
- Book online
Alamo Rent a Car
- Minimum age: 21[2]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a young driver surcharge may be applied to your rental cost, depending on the location. Young drivers (under 25) also may not be able to rent certain specialty vehicles.[2]
- Book online
Avis Rent a Car
- Minimum age: Typically 25, but Avis may rent to qualified renters age 18 and up.[3]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 18 and 24, an underage surcharge will be assessed. The surcharge amount depends on the specific rental location, but it is typically around $27. You must have a credit card and valid driver’s license. Renters under 25 cannot rent luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, full-size SUVs, and premium SUVs.[3]
- Book online
Budget Rent a Car
- Minimum age: 21[4]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a daily surcharge will be applied to your rental cost.[4] The amount of the charge depends on the specific rental location in Texas, but it is typically around $27.
- Book online
Dollar Rent A Car
- Minimum age: 20[5]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a daily surcharge will be applied to your rental cost.[5] The amount of the charge depends on the specific rental location in Texas.
- Book online
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Minimum age: 21 in most locations[6]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a “Young Renter Fee” may be assessed. The fee varies based on rental location but is usually around $20 a day. Young renters are only permitted to rent from a limited selection of vehicles.[6]
- Book online
See our article for details on Enterprise’s student discount policy.
Fox Rent a Car
- Minimum age: 19[7]
- Underage fees and restrictions: Renters under 21 can expect surcharges of around $20 to $30 per day and may be restricted to certain vehicle classes.[7]
- Book online
Hertz
- Minimum age: 18[8]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 18 and 24, there will be an added fee based on the type of car and location of car rental (typically around $25); drivers under 25 cannot rent from the Prestige or Adrenaline Collections[8]
- Book online
See our article for details on the Hertz credit check policy.
National Car Rental
- Minimum age: 21[9]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a young renter fee may be added to your total cost.[9] The fee varies by location, but it is typically around $20.
- Book online
Payless Car Rental
- Minimum age: 21[10]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a $25 per day surcharge will be added to your rental cost.[10]
- Book online
Rent-A-Wreck
- Minimum age: 18[11]
- Underage fees and restrictions: Most locations will rent to drivers age 18 and up for an additional fee.[11] Fees vary by location — contact your intended location for exact fee information.
- Book online
Silvercar
- Minimum age: 22[12]
- Underage fees and restrictions: Fees are not specified on Silvercar’s website, so it is best to speak with your local Silvercar location to confirm if there is an additional charge for drivers under age 25.
- Book online
Sixt
- Minimum age: 21[13]
- Underage fees and restrictions: $15 to $35 per day; maximum $279.98 per rental for renters under 25; renters age 21 to 24 must have held a driver’s license for at least one year. Rental car choices for young drivers are restricted to certain vehicle categories.[13][14]
- Book online
Thrifty Car Rental
- Minimum age: 20[15]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are under the age of 25, a daily surcharge will be assessed. The amount is not specified, so it is best to call your local rental office to confirm additional fees and charges if you are under 25.[15]
- Book online
Turo
- Minimum age: 21. If you are under 25, you may be required to demonstrate at least two years of current driving history.[16]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If the car owner brought their own private rental insurance, there may be underage fees. There won’t be underage fees if the car owner is using the insurance provided through Turo. Renters under 30 may not rent high-value cars (defined as cars valued at over $55,000).[16]
- Book online
Zipcar
- Minimum age: 18 for college students; 21 otherwise[17]
- Underage fees and restrictions: There are no specific fees for young drivers. Membership costs around $7 per month, with discounts available for students and teachers.[17]
- Book online
Our article has more details about renting a car with Zipcar.
For more on age requirements for renting cars in the U.S., check out our articles on the rental car age requirements in Florida and California.
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