can additional driver pick up rental car hertz

[StTaylor]

Yes, an additional driver can pick up a rental car from Hertz, but only if they are properly added to the rental agreement before the pickup occurs. The primary renter must be present with the additional driver at the rental counter to complete this process. Simply listing someone as an additional driver on a reservation is not enough; both parties must provide their driver's licenses, and the additional driver must meet all of Hertz's requirements.

The main requirements for an additional driver are being at least 25 years old (though this can vary by state and location), possessing a valid, non-provisional driver's license that has been held for at least one year, and presenting a valid credit card in their name for a security hold. Crucially, spouses or domestic partners of the primary renter may be added at no extra charge at many corporate-owned Hertz locations in the U.S., provided they meet the criteria. For all other additional drivers, a daily fee applies, which can significantly increase the total cost of the rental.

Common Hertz Additional Driver Scenarios	Fee Typically Applicable?	Primary Renter Presence Required at Pickup?
Spouse/Domestic Partner	Often No Fee	Yes
Business Colleague (same company)	Yes, Daily Fee	Yes
Friend or Family Member	Yes, Daily Fee	Yes
Any driver not pre-added to contract	Not Permitted	N/A

Attempting to have an unauthorized driver pick up the vehicle is a violation of the rental agreement. If the primary renter cannot be present, the only solution is to have the other person make their own reservation. The safest approach is to always call the specific Hertz location where you are picking up the car to confirm their local policy on additional drivers and any associated fees.

[LaLeo]

From my experience, it’s a hard no if you’re not on the paperwork. I tried to do this for my brother once when his flight was delayed. I had all his info, but the Hertz agent wouldn’t even look at me. The rule is simple: the person who signed the contract has to be there to hand over the keys to the added driver. You can’t just send a friend to grab it. Save yourself the trip and the frustration—if the main renter can’t make it, the backup plan needs to be a whole new reservation in your name.

[DiKiara]

Plan on it costing you extra, unless it's your husband or wife. Hertz usually lets you add a spouse for free, but anyone else—like a friend or business partner—will trigger a daily additional driver fee. These fees add up fast over a week-long rental. You both have to go to the counter together with your licenses. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s the only way to make sure everyone driving is legally covered by the insurance.

[AylaAnn]

The key is to handle this at the counter, not beforehand online. When you both arrive, the primary renter needs to tell the agent they want to add an authorized driver. The agent will then check the additional driver's license and run a credit card for a hold. This step is non-negotiable for liability and insurance reasons. An unauthorized driver caught behind the wheel could void the entire rental agreement and any protection you've purchased, leaving you fully responsible for any damages.

[McMelanie]

I look at this from a risk management angle. The rental contract is a legally binding agreement with the primary renter. Allowing an unverified person to take possession of a $30,000 asset without the contract holder present is a massive liability for Hertz. Their policy is strict for that reason. It protects them, and it also protects you. If an unauthorized driver has an accident, your personal insurance and any Hertz protection could be nullified. The procedure ensures everyone is accountable. Always plan for the primary renter to be at pickup.