Yes, you can rent a car if you're under 21 in California, but it is challenging and comes with significant restrictions and extra costs. State law allows it, but most major rental companies set their minimum age at 21. You will need to find a company that specifically rents to 18-20 year olds, and you should expect to pay a substantial young renter fee—often $25-$50 per day—on top of the rental cost. Furthermore, the selection of vehicle classes available to you will be limited, typically to economy or compact cars, and you will face stricter requirements for insurance and payment methods.
The primary hurdle is corporate policy, not state law. While the California DMV issues driver's licenses to individuals as young as 16, rental car companies mitigate their risk by imposing age restrictions. To find a rental, you will need to search for providers that cater to younger drivers. These are often smaller, independent agencies or specific franchises of larger brands located near airports or college towns. When you find one, be prepared for a rigorous check. They will require a valid, non-provisional driver's license (from any U.S. state or foreign country) that you've held for at least a year. They will also mandate full liability and collision insurance, which you may need to purchase through them if you are not already covered under a parent's policy. Payment is another critical factor; most companies require a credit card in the renter's name for the security deposit, which can be several hundred dollars.
The financial implications are the most significant factor. The daily young renter fee can sometimes double the base cost of the rental. It's essential to get a full quote that includes all fees before booking. The table below outlines typical policies and costs from companies that may rent to under-21 drivers, though policies can vary by location.
| Rental Company / Type | Typical Minimum Age | Daily Young Renter Fee (Under 25) | Common Vehicle Restrictions |
|---|
| Major National Brands (e.g., Hertz, Enterprise) | 21 (at most locations) | $25 - $50 (if age 21-24) | Usually no rentals to under-21 |
| Independent/Local Agencies | 18 | $30 - $50+ | Economy/Compact cars only |
| Turo (Peer-to-Peer) | 18 (in CA) | Varies by car owner ("Young Driver Fee") | Dependent on each car owner's settings |
| Fox Rent A Car | 18 (at select locations) | Approx. $27 per day | Limited vehicle classes |
| ZIPCAR / Car-Sharing | 18 (for university plans) | Monthly fee, plus hourly rates | Only cars within the specific network |
Your best alternatives are peer-to-peer services like Turo, where individual car owners set their own age requirements and fees, or car-sharing services like Zipcar if you are affiliated with a university. Always call the specific rental location directly to confirm their policy, as corporate websites can be misleading, and franchisee rules may differ.
