who can drive a rental car

[VanessaDella]

Generally, anyone who meets the rental company's core requirements can drive a rental car: they must be of the minimum age (often 21, but 25 for standard rates), hold a valid driver's license that has been issued for a minimum period (usually one year), and present a major credit card in their name. The primary driver is solely responsible for the vehicle and must be the one to sign the rental agreement. Adding additional drivers is possible but requires following the company's specific procedure, which often involves presenting their license at the counter and paying a daily fee.

The most critical factor is the minimum age requirement. While some companies rent to drivers as young as 18, they typically impose a substantial "young renter fee." The standard age to avoid these surcharges is 25. Drivers under 25 may also be restricted from renting certain vehicle classes like luxury cars, SUVs, or premium models.

Your driver's license must be valid and, for non-US licenses, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is frequently required alongside your original license, especially if it is not in English. Rental companies will also check your driving record; major violations or a suspended license can lead to a denied rental.

Adding Additional Drivers: If someone else needs to drive, you must add them to the contract at the rental counter. Each additional driver must meet the same age and license requirements. Spouses/domestic partners are sometimes added for free, but this varies by company and location. Allowing an unauthorized person to drive voids the rental agreement and any insurance coverage, making the primary driver financially liable for all damages.

Rental Company	Minimum Age (with surcharge)	Standard Age (no surcharge)	Additional Driver Fee (Approx.)	International License Policy
Enterprise	18	25	$10-15 per day	IDP often required
Hertz	20	25	$13.50 per day	IDP recommended
Avis	18 (varies)	25	$15 per day	IDP required for non-English licenses
Budget	18 (varies)	25	$15 per day	IDP required for non-English licenses
National	20	25	Free for spouses (terms apply)	IDP often required

Always check the specific policies of your chosen rental company and the state/country you're renting in, as they can differ significantly.

[VonAiden]

It’s basically you, the person who signed the contract. That’s it. If your buddy wants to take a turn driving on a long road trip, you can’t just hand them the keys. You have to go back to the rental counter, have them come in with their license, and get added to the agreement. It’s a hassle, and it usually costs extra per day. But if you don’t and they get into an accident, you’re on the hook for everything. Some companies let a spouse drive for free, but you still have to list them officially.

[DelValeria]

Focus on three things: age, license, and credit card. Most places want you to be at least 25 to get the regular rate. If you're younger, expect a hefty daily fee. Your license needs to be valid and not brand new—they usually want you to have had it for a year. And they need a credit card, not a debit card, for the security hold. If you're visiting from another country, bring your passport and an International Driving Permit along with your home license.

[GemmaFitz]

I learned this the hard way on a family vacation. I rented the minivan, but when my wife tried to drive, we found out she wasn't authorized. We had to make a detour to the airport rental office to add her. It cost us about $60 for the week. The agent said if she'd been in an accident without being on the contract, our personal insurance and the rental coverage might have been void. Now I always ask about adding a second driver when I book. It’s cheaper than the risk.

[DiPaige]

As a recent grad under 25, renting a car is expensive. The base rate is one thing, but the "young renter fee" can almost double the cost. I'm also limited to economy or compact cars, which is fine for getting around town but not ideal for a ski trip with friends. We always have to make sure I'm the only one driving because adding another under-25 driver would be even more costly. It's a big reason we often look at peer-to-peer car sharing apps instead for weekend trips.