can someone else drop off a rental car

[AdrianMarie]

Yes, in most cases, someone else can drop off a rental car for you. This is commonly referred to as a third-party return. However, it is not an automatic right and is entirely at the discretion of the rental company. To ensure a smooth process, you must take specific steps beforehand. The primary requirement is that the person dropping off the car must be listed as an additional authorized driver on your rental agreement. Simply handing the keys to a friend who isn't on the contract will almost certainly lead to complications and could be a violation of your rental terms.

The process typically involves contacting the rental company in advance, either at the time of booking or before the return date, to add the other driver. This person will need to present their own valid driver's license, a credit card in their name for the final bill (though some companies may only charge the original renter's card), and sometimes additional identification. Be aware that adding an extra driver often incurs a daily fee, which can add up over a long rental period. It's crucial to check the specific policy of the company you're using, as rules can vary significantly.

Here’s a quick comparison of policies from major rental agencies regarding third-party returns:

Rental Company	Third-Party Return Allowed?	Key Requirements	Potential Fee for Additional Driver
Enterprise	Yes, with prior authorization.	Additional driver must be pre-registered and meet age/license requirements.	Varies by location, typically $5-$15 per day.
Hertz	Yes, but policies vary by location.	The return agent must be listed on the agreement. Must present their own license and credit card.	Approximately $13.50 per day (subject to change).
Avis	Generally yes, upon approval.	Advance notice is required. The driver must be added to the contract beforehand.	Around $15 per day in the U.S.
Budget	Similar to Avis, subject to approval.	The returning driver must be an authorized additional driver.	Similar to Avis, often $15 per day.
National	Typically allowed for Emerald Club members.	The driver must be an authorized user on the account.	Often waived for certain membership tiers.

The safest approach is to always call the specific rental location where you plan to return the car. Explain your situation and confirm their exact procedure. This simple call can prevent any unexpected issues, delays, or extra charges at the counter.

[Cardoso]

Absolutely, but you gotta plan ahead. Don't just send your buddy to drop it off. Call the rental place first and add them as a driver to your contract. They'll need to bring their own license and a credit card when they return it. Expect a small daily fee for the extra driver. It’s a common request, so as long as you do the paperwork, it’s usually no problem at all.

[OSamantha]

I’ve done this for my son when his flight got changed. The key is authorization. The rental company needs to know who is bringing the car back before they show up. I had to be added to the agreement over the phone. At return, I showed my license, signed a form, and it was done in five minutes. It’s very straightforward if you follow their rules. Skipping the call beforehand is what causes headaches.