Yes, you can rent a car if you're under 25, but it almost always involves paying a Young Renter Fee (often called an "underage surcharge"). This daily fee, typically ranging from $20 to $35, is charged on top of the rental cost because rental companies view younger drivers as a higher risk. The key is knowing which companies are more lenient and understanding the specific rules.
The most critical factor is your age. Most major companies set the minimum rental age at 21, but renters aged 21-24 face restrictions and fees. A few companies, like Hertz and Enterprise, may rent to 20-year-olds in certain states like New York and Michigan, but this is rare and comes with even stricter conditions.
| Rental Company | Minimum Age (Standard) | Young Renter Fee (Ages 21-24) | Key Restrictions & Notes |
|---|
| Hertz | 20 (in NY & MI), 21 elsewhere | ~$27 per day | May offer fee waivers for certain government or corporate accounts. |
| Enterprise | 21 (18 in MI & NY with fees) | ~$25 per day | Often has the most consistent policies across locations. |
| Avis | 21 | ~$27 per day | Fee may be waived for some association memberships. |
| Budget | 21 | ~$27 per day | Similar to Avis, as they are sister companies. |
| Sixt | 21 | ~$30 per day | May offer a wider selection of vehicle classes to young renters. |
To improve your chances and reduce costs, consider these steps. Join a membership program like USAA or AAA; some have partnerships that waive the young renter fee at specific companies. Avoid premium and luxury car categories; you'll typically be restricted to economy, compact, or midsize vehicles. Be prepared to show multiple forms of ID, including your driver's license, a major credit card in your name (debit cards are often not accepted for under-25 rentals), and sometimes proof of insurance. Finally, shop around online and use the "Age" filter on rental websites to see real-time pricing and availability for your specific situation.
