can you drive a rental car under 25

[McIsabela]

Yes, you can rent a car if you're under 25, but it's not always straightforward. Most major rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis will rent to drivers between the ages of 21 and 24, however, they almost universally charge a Young Renter Fee—also known as an underage surcharge. This daily fee can significantly increase the total cost of your rental. Drivers under 21 face much greater restrictions and are often limited to renting from specific, smaller companies, if at all.

The primary hurdle is the additional cost. The young driver fee is a daily surcharge applied for the entire rental period. The exact amount varies by company and location but typically ranges from $20 to $35 per day. This is on top of the base rental rate and any other fees. It's also crucial to check the company's specific age policy, as some have higher minimum ages for certain vehicle classes like luxury cars, SUVs, or sports cars.

Rental Company	Minimum Age to Rent	Young Renter Fee (Ages 21-24)	Key Restrictions
Enterprise	21 (in most states)	~$20 - $30 per day	May restrict premium, luxury, or larger vehicles.
Hertz	20 (at select locations)	~$25 - $35 per day	Standard underage policies apply at age 20-24; specific car classes excluded.
Avis	21 (in most states)	~$27 per day	Young renter fee and vehicle class restrictions apply.
Budget	21 (in most states)	~$27 per day	Similar to Avis; premiums and luxury models often not permitted.
Dollar Rent A Car	20 (at select locations)	~$25 per day	Fee applies to renters aged 20-24; specific vehicle exclusions.
Sixt	21 (at most locations)	~$30 per day	Young driver fee and possible insurance requirements for under-25 renters.

To navigate these challenges, always disclose your age when getting a quote online. The initial low price you see may not include the mandatory young renter fee. Consider smaller, local rental agencies, as some may have more lenient policies. Finally, if you're a member of certain organizations like USAA or AAA, check for partnerships that can waive the underage fee—this is one of the most effective ways to save money.

[OliviaLynn]

It's a pain, but yeah, you can. I just went through this renting a car for a road trip. The big-name companies will let you do it, but they tack on an extra fee every single day because of your age. It feels like a penalty. My best advice is to not just book the first deal you see online. Go all the way through the booking process until you see the final total—that’s when they slap on the "young driver" charge. It can almost double the cost.

[LaFernando]

Think of it less as a "can you" and more of a "how much will it cost you." The answer is always more than someone over 25. The system is built that way. Your mission is to find loopholes. Check your credit card benefits—some premium cards offer primary rental insurance that might make you a less risky customer. Look into non-airport locations, which can sometimes be more flexible. And always, always read the fine print on vehicle exclusions to avoid surprises at the counter.

[VonJulian]

From a planning perspective, the key is to factor in the young renter fee as a non-negotiable part of your budget. This daily surcharge is not optional. When comparing rental options, use the company's official website and enter your correct birthdate to get an accurate final price that includes all fees. Be prepared with multiple forms of ID, and understand that your choice of vehicles will likely be limited to economy or compact cars to keep costs manageable.

[SanAngela]

It’s totally possible, just pricier. I’m 23 and I rent a few times a year. The trick is to shop around beyond the huge brands. Sometimes a regional rental company has a better deal or a lower fee. Also, if you have a Costco membership, use their travel site—they sometimes have codes that knock down the young driver fee. Bottom line: it’s an extra hassle and an extra cost, but with some research, you can definitely get wheels for your trip.