Yes, you can rent a car in California at 18, but it is extremely challenging and comes with significant restrictions and costs. State law allows it, but nearly all major national rental companies set their minimum age at 21, and many even at 25 for certain vehicle classes. Your options will be limited to smaller, independent rental agencies, and you will face mandatory Young Renter Fees, which can add $25-$50 per day to the rental cost. Furthermore, you will be subject to stricter insurance requirements and a very limited selection of vehicle types, typically excluding premium, luxury, or SUVs.
The primary hurdle isn't the law but corporate policy. Major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis uniformly enforce a minimum age of 21 due to higher risk profiles associated with younger drivers. To find a company that rents to 18-year-olds, you'll need to search for local agencies in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Be prepared to provide proof of insurance and a major credit card in your name; debit cards are often not accepted for young renters.
A practical alternative is exploring peer-to-peer car-sharing services like Turo. On Turo, individual car owners set their own rental rules. Some owners may be willing to rent to 18-year-olds, though you must carefully filter search results for age eligibility and will still pay a young driver fee. Always call the rental location directly to confirm their policy before making any travel plans.
| Rental Company / Service | Standard Minimum Age | Minimum Age Policy in California | Estimated Young Renter Fee (if under 25) |
|---|
| Enterprise | 21 | 21 (25 for premium vehicles) | $20-$30 per day |
| Hertz | 20 | 20 (25 for premium vehicles) | $19-$27 per day |
| Avis | 21 | 21 (25 for premium vehicles) | $27 per day |
| Local/Independent Agency | Varies | 18 (Must confirm by phone) | $25-$50 per day |
| Turo (Peer-to-Peer) | Set by car owner | 18 (Varies by owner) | Varies by owner |
