
Yes, several major rental car companies will rent to drivers under 25, but you should expect to pay a daily Young Renter Fee, typically ranging from $20 to $35. The core challenge isn't availability but cost and specific location policies. Enterprise Holdings—which includes Enterprise, National, and Alamo—is generally the most consistent across the U.S. in accommodating drivers as young as 21. Hertz and Avis also offer rentals to under-25 drivers, but their policies can vary more significantly by franchise location.
The key is understanding that while corporate policies exist, individual franchisees at airports or in cities may have different rules or vehicle restrictions. It's not a matter of if you can rent, but how much it will cost and what car classes are available to you.
| Rental Company | Minimum Age (in most states) | Typical Young Renter Fee (per day) | Common Restrictions for Under-25 Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | 21 | $20 - $30 | May exclude premium, luxury, or specific SUV models |
| National | 21 | $20 - $30 | Similar to Enterprise; premium car classes often restricted |
| Alamo | 21 | $20 - $30 | Policies closely align with other Enterprise Holdings brands |
| Hertz | 20 (at most airport locations) | $25 - $35 | Fee and vehicle availability can vary greatly by location |
| Avis | 21 (18 in NY & MI) | $25 - $35 | Sports cars and larger passenger vans are typically unavailable |
| Budget | 21 (18 in NY & MI) | $25 - $35 | Often mirrors Avis policies as part of the same parent company |
To successfully rent, always call the specific rental location directly to confirm their policies, fees, and available vehicle classes. Be prepared to show proof of and a major credit card in your name for the security hold. Renting from an airport location often has more standardized rules compared to a neighborhood branch. Finally, consider being added as an authorized driver on a rental booked by someone over 25, though the primary renter must usually be present and meet all requirements.

It's a pain, but you can do it. I just rented a car at 23 from an Enterprise near the airport. The fee was an extra $25 a day, which stung, but it was straightforward. They just needed my license and a card. Don't bother with the fancy car options online—stick to economy or compact. Definitely call the exact place you want to pick up from to double-check before you book anything.

Focus on the major brands under the Enterprise Holdings umbrella: Enterprise, National, and Alamo. Their corporate is the most uniform for renters aged 21-24. The process is standardized, but the young driver fee is unavoidable. Your best strategy is to book directly through their official websites, which will automatically add the required fee during the reservation process, preventing surprises at the counter. This transparency is crucial for budgeting.

Hey, just went through this for a road trip. Yeah, Enterprise is your best bet. The trick is to book online but then actually call the branch. The guy at my local spot told me they sometimes block out certain cars for under-25 rentals that aren't shown online. The fee is a bummer, but it's better than not having wheels. Also, make sure you have your own info handy—they ask for it.

The landscape has improved. While young renter fees are standard across the industry, competition means companies are more willing to serve this demographic. Beyond the majors like Hertz and Enterprise, explore platforms like Turo, which often have individual car owners with lower age requirements. Alternatively, some non-airport locations of U-Haul rent trucks to 18-year-olds, which, while not ideal for a vacation, can be a practical solution for local moving needs. Always compare the total cost, including all mandatory fees.


