Renting a car offers freedom and flexibility, especially when traveling. However, age restrictions can be a significant factor, particularly for younger drivers. If you’re under 25 and looking to rent a car in the US or Canada, you might be wondering about the rules and potential extra costs. The good news is, it’s often possible, but there are important details you need to know.
Generally, the minimum age to rent a vehicle with Enterprise throughout the U.S. is 21. However, there are exceptions. In Michigan and New York, the minimum age is lower, at 18. Furthermore, U.S. government employees can rent a car at 18 years of age in most locations when on official government business, provided they show official orders at the rental location.
Understanding Young Driver Fees
Even if you meet the minimum age requirement, rental companies often apply a “young renter fee” for drivers under 25. This fee is an additional daily charge. The exact amount varies depending on the rental location and your age.
Here’s a breakdown of young renter fees in Michigan and New York as examples:
- Michigan: Renters aged 18-20 face a ‘Young Renter Fee’ of approximately $36.50 per day, while those aged 21-24 are charged around $15.75 per day.
- New York: The ‘Young Renter Fee’ in New York is approximately $64.75 per day for 18-20 year olds and about $30.75 per day for those aged 21-24.
Across other states and locations, the average young renter fee is around $25.00 per day, but it’s important to check the specific fee when making your reservation as it can fluctuate. To get precise fee information for your rental, it’s best to start a reservation process and review the details.
What’s Required to Rent a Car if You’re Under 25?
When you’re under 25, renting a car typically involves a few key requirements in addition to meeting the minimum age:
- Age: You must be at least 21 years old in most US states (18 in Michigan and New York, and for qualifying government employees). Always confirm the specific age policy for the state where you plan to rent.
- Valid Driver’s License: You’ll need to present a valid driver’s license with your photo.
- Debit or Credit Card: A valid debit or credit card is necessary for the rental transaction. Note that some Enterprise locations may specifically require a credit card.
It’s also worth noting that renters aged 21 through 24 might have restrictions on the types of vehicles they can rent. Typically, younger renters are eligible to rent vehicle classes like:
- Economy cars
- Compact cars
- Intermediate cars
- Standard cars
- Full Size cars
- Cargo vans and Minivans
- Pickup Trucks
- Compact SUVs, Small SUVs, and Standard SUVs (with seating up to 5 passengers)
Vehicle availability can vary by location, so confirming directly with the rental agency is always a good idea.
For more detailed information on the rental process, you can often find helpful FAQs and guides provided by rental companies.
