You can usually rent a car at 21 in most US states (18 in Michigan and New York), but drivers under 25 pay a ‘young driver fee’ of about $20–$37 per day and face vehicle limits. A few tricks — like AAA membership with Hertz — can waive that surcharge. Comparing suppliers on DiscoverCars helps you find the best rate; here’s what under-25 renters need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Minimum age is 21 in most states; 18 in Michigan and New York.
- Under-25 drivers pay a young driver fee of about $20–$37 per day.
- AAA members can sometimes waive the fee with Hertz.
- Young renters are usually limited to economy through full-size cars.
- Dollar and Hertz have the lowest company minimums (age 20 in most spots).
How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car?
In most US states the minimum rental age is 21, though it varies. Michigan and New York allow rentals from 18, Alabama and Nebraska from 19, and Mississippi holds at 21. Company minimums differ too: Dollar and Hertz start as low as 20 in most locations, while Enterprise, Avis and Budget stick to 21.
So both your state and the rental company set the floor. Always check the specific pickup location, since the same brand can differ by state.
How Much Is the Young Driver Fee?
Even once you can rent, being under 25 costs extra. The young driver surcharge runs about $20 to $37 per day at most locations, added on top of the rental rate. Enterprise and Alamo average around $25/day; Budget around $27/day.
Fees are steeper in Michigan and New York for the youngest drivers. In New York, for example, 18–20-year-olds can face surcharges around $84/day, dropping to about $35/day for ages 21–24. Michigan is similar. Budget for this daily fee — it adds up fast on a longer rental.
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What Cars Can Under-25 Drivers Rent?
Being able to rent doesn’t mean you can rent anything. Young drivers are typically limited to economy, compact, intermediate, standard, and full-size cars, plus some standard SUVs and minivans. Luxury cars, exotics, and large vans are usually off-limits until 25.
If you need more space, confirm which classes your age qualifies for before booking, so you’re not turned away at the counter.
How Can You Avoid the Young Driver Fee?
A few routes can waive or reduce the surcharge, potentially saving a lot on a multi-day trip:
- AAA + Hertz: Hertz waives the young driver fee for AAA members aged 20–24 who meet standard requirements.
- Government / military: US government employees can rent at 18 with official orders.
- Corporate rates: some company or insurance-replacement accounts are exempt — ask your account rep.
- Compare suppliers: fees vary by company and location, so shopping around helps.
Note that a co-renter in the same age bracket also pays the fee if listed as an additional driver.
Bottom line: most under-25 drivers can rent from age 21 (younger in a few states), but expect a $20–$37/day young driver fee and vehicle limits. AAA membership or a corporate rate can waive the fee, so it pays to compare suppliers on DiscoverCars before booking.
What Do Under-25 Drivers Need to Rent?
The basics are the same as any renter, plus a bit more scrutiny. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, a second form of ID such as a passport, and a credit card in your own name in most cases. The young driver surcharge is paid at booking, pickup, or return.
Because young drivers are considered higher risk, some locations are stricter about the payment card and ID. Confirm the exact requirements for your pickup branch so you’re not caught out at the counter.
Does the Young Driver Fee Apply to Every Driver?
Yes, per driver in the age bracket. If you add a co-renter — a friend or spouse — who is also under 25, they pay their own young driver fee as an additional driver. Two under-25 drivers on one rental means two surcharges.
So if only one of you needs to drive, listing a single under-25 driver keeps costs down. And if an older companion (25+) can be the main driver, adding the younger person as a secondary driver may still trigger the fee — check the policy before booking.
One final tip: because young driver fees and minimum ages vary so much by company and state, comparing suppliers is where under-25 drivers save the most. The same trip can cost noticeably less with a company that has a lower surcharge or minimum age at your specific pickup location, so it always pays to shop around before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to rent a car?
In most US states, 21 — but Michigan and New York allow 18, and Alabama and Nebraska allow 19. Company minimums vary too: Dollar and Hertz start as low as 20, while Enterprise, Avis and Budget require 21. Check your specific location.
How much is the under-25 rental fee?
The young driver surcharge is about $20 to $37 per day at most locations, on top of the rental rate. Enterprise and Alamo average around $25/day; Budget around $27/day. Fees are much higher in Michigan and New York for the youngest drivers.
Can you avoid the young driver fee?
Sometimes. Hertz waives it for AAA members aged 20–24, US government employees can rent at 18 with orders, and some corporate or insurance-replacement accounts are exempt. Comparing suppliers also helps, since fees vary by company and location.
What cars can under-25 drivers rent?
Usually economy through full-size cars, plus some standard SUVs and minivans. Luxury cars, exotics, and large vans are typically off-limits until 25. Confirm which vehicle classes your age qualifies for before booking.
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Disclosure: This is an independent guide. This article contains affiliate links to DiscoverCars; if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what you pay or what we recommend.