Where to Rent a Car Under 25: 19 Options Listed (+ Their Underage Fees)

William Lipovsky headshot William Lipovsky
Verified & Updated Oct 3, 2018

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You’re probably reading this article because someone told you that renting a car under 25 is nearly impossible. But if you want to rent a car under 25, there are plenty of rental car companies that will rent to you, including Alamo Rent A Car, Avis, Budget Rent a Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Payless Car Rental, Thrifty, and Turo.

Not to mention that within the past decade, most rental car companies have changed their minimum age requirement from 25 to 21. (However, keep in mind that in most cases, renting a car between 21 and 24 will likely come with additional charges in the form of underage renter fees and you may be unable to rent luxury cars and/or SUVs.) But whether you’re on a business trip, relocating to a new city, or planning a vacation, knowing how to rent a car at any age is vital information. Continue on to find out what you need to know about renting a car as a driver under 25.

Rent a Car Under 25 Anywhere Using One of These Tips

  • If you’re renting in Michigan or New York, you can rent a car from any rental company at age 18.
  • If you’re an on-duty member of the military or have government-issued travel orders, many car rental companies will rent to you at 18.
  • Many corporations have special agreements with rental companies. Try booking with a corporate credit card, if you have one.
  • If you are listed as an additional driver under someone who’s older than 25, you can drive that rental car. If you want to rent a car for your son or daughter, for instance, you can list them as an additional driver.

The List of Rental Car Companies That Will Rent to You If You’re Under 25

If you want to rent a car under age 25, come prepared with a current driver’s license and a valid credit/debit card, and, in most cases, expect to pay an underage renter surcharge on top of the normal rental fees. Some drivers may be exempt from paying the surcharge, including AAA members who rent through Hertz, those renting under corporate and government accounts, or active/retired members of the U.S. armed forces.

Note: You can save 35% over any other rental company by renting with Turo. Turo is the Airbnb of cars. You can rent with them as long as you’re at least 21. There is an underage driver fee, but because Turo is generally 35% cheaper (and simpler) than renting a car via traditional rental car companies, you still come out ahead. In case you’re traveling, feel free to use our referral link for $35 off your first Airbnb trip (credit amount subject to change).

ACE Rent A Car

  • Minimum age requirement: Some locations will rent to younger drivers. (This information was verified through calls to customer service representatives.)
  • Underage fee: Varies by location
  • Find out more or rent a car with ACE

Advantage Rent A Car

Alamo Rent A Car

Avis

Budget Rent a Car

  • Minimum age requirement: 21
  • Underage fee: $12.50 to $35 per day for drivers ages 21 to 24, depending on the state and city. New York drivers ages 18 to 20 pay fees ranging from $52 to $115 per day.
  • Find out more or rent a car with Budget

Dollar Rent A Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

E-Z Rent-A-Car

Fox Rent A Car

Getaround

Note: Getaround is a “shared vehicle” rental service where car owners can rent out their personal vehicles to other drives. The service is currently available in Berkely, CA.; Boston; Chicago; New Jersey; Oakland, CA.; Portland, OR.; San Francisco; and Washington, D.C.

Hertz

  • Minimum age requirement: 20
  • Underage fee: Varies by location; AAA members between the ages of 20 and 24 can get the underage fee waived with proof of membership.
  • Find out more or rent a car with Hertz

Payless Car Rental

Rent-A-Wreck

Silvercar

Sixt Rent a Car

Thrifty

Turo

  • Minimum age requirement: 21
  • Underage fee: If you’re under 25, you’ll be charged a “Young Driver Fee” that is 20% of the trip price. Keep in mind that Turo is about 35% cheaper than traditional rental companies, so you still come out 15% ahead.
  • Find out more or rent a car with Turo

U-Save

Zipcar

To compare the other policies and features of these companies, see our car rental selection tool.

In Summary

We’ve busted the myth that you can’t rent a car until age 25. Renting a car under 25 is definitely doable. But there are some slight annoyances for the under-25 crowd. First, you’ll likely be assessed a surcharge to the tune of $15 to $35 per day. Also, you probably won’t be able to take out a luxury car.

Traveling on the cheap? Here’s the List of Places Where You Can Park and Sleep for Free.

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One thought on “Where to Rent a Car Under 25: 19 Options Listed (+ Their Underage Fees)”

  • Name* (displayed publicly)
    | 8 years ago

    Thank you so much. This is the most information for under 25 I can find anywhere. I am trying to find a mini van and I believe Payless may be the answer.