Quick Summary:
- Most Texas car hire starts at 21, with limited options at 18–20.
- Under-25 surcharges are common, and vary by company, location, and vehicle.
- Younger drivers may need a credit card, higher deposit, or extra checks.
- Insurance terms can be stricter, so review waivers and exclusions carefully.
Age rules for car hire in Texas are mostly set by rental companies rather than the state itself. Texas law focuses on licensing and insurance requirements for driving, while each provider decides who they will rent to, what vehicles they will allow, and what extra costs apply to younger drivers. That means the minimum age, the under-25 surcharge, and even the payment rules can change between airports, brands, and car groups.
This guide breaks down what you can generally expect when hiring a car in Texas if you are under 25, including typical minimum ages, common fee structures, and the extra card and insurance requirements that often apply to younger drivers.
Minimum age for car hire in Texas
For most major rental brands in Texas, the standard minimum age is 21. Some locations may permit drivers aged 18–20, but the choice of vehicles is often restricted and the fees are usually higher. Even when 18–20 rentals exist, they can be limited to specific branches, and sometimes only to certain reasons for travel, such as government or corporate programmes.
At ages 21–24, car hire is widely available but usually comes with an additional “young renter” or “under-25” surcharge. At 25 and over, that surcharge normally disappears, although other costs like insurance, one-way fees, and optional extras can still apply.
If you are collecting from a big airport, you may see more availability and longer opening hours than at smaller city branches, which can matter for younger drivers who need extra verification at the counter. For airport-based comparisons, see options such as car rental at Dallas DFW or car rental at San Antonio SAT.
What under-age and under-25 fees typically look like
Under-age fees in Texas are usually structured as a per-day surcharge added to the base rental price for drivers under 25. The exact amount varies by provider, location, and season, and it can differ between airport concessions and off-airport branches. Some companies apply one flat fee for ages 21–24, while others price ages 18–20 differently, if they rent to that group at all.
What to watch for when comparing quotes:
Fee frequency: Most young driver surcharges are charged per day, up to a maximum number of days. If you are hiring for a week or longer, check whether there is a cap and what the cap is.
Included taxes: Airports often have extra concession and facility charges. A young driver fee may be taxed too, so the “all-in” impact can be higher than it first appears.
Vehicle group restrictions: Even if you can pay the surcharge, you may still be excluded from premium, luxury, speciality, or high-performance categories. Some providers also restrict large SUVs or people carriers for younger drivers.
Additional driver fees: If you want a second driver under 25, an extra driver fee may apply as well as the young driver surcharge for that additional driver.
Extra requirements younger drivers may face at the counter
Under-25 drivers in Texas are more likely to encounter stricter payment and verification rules. These vary by supplier, but the common patterns are consistent across many large brands.
Credit card expectations: Many rental desks prefer, or require, a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. Some locations accept debit cards, but may require additional documentation, may limit vehicle categories, or may run further checks.
Higher deposits: Younger drivers are sometimes asked for a higher security deposit authorisation, especially when using a debit card or when selecting higher-value vehicles. Plan your available credit accordingly to avoid a collection-day surprise.
Proof of identity: A valid driving licence is essential, and international visitors often need a passport and may need an International Driving Permit depending on the licence language and the supplier’s rules. Ensure the name on your booking matches your licence and payment card.
Driving experience: Some suppliers require the licence to have been held for at least one year. If you are a newly qualified driver, you may be refused even if you meet the age threshold.
Extra screening: Airport locations can be more procedural, and younger drivers may be asked more questions about address details and contact information. Allow extra time at the desk, especially during peak arrivals.
If you are flying into Houston, you can compare airport collection options such as Hertz car rental in Houston IAH or Hertz car hire Texas IAH to see how terms and availability can differ by channel and date.
Insurance and protection products, what changes for younger drivers
Insurance is where younger drivers need to slow down and read carefully. Car hire comes with a rental agreement that can include or exclude certain protections, and optional coverage may be offered at the counter. The key point is that being under 25 can affect eligibility for some vehicle groups, and it can also affect how confident you should be about relying on third-party cover.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): These waivers, when included or added, typically reduce what you pay if the car is damaged or stolen, subject to the contract. They are not always insurance in a legal sense, but they can meaningfully limit your exposure. Always check the excess amount, what counts as damage, and whether tyres, glass, and underbody are excluded.
Liability cover: US rentals commonly separate damage to the rental car from liability to others. If you are visiting from abroad, do not assume your personal policy applies in Texas. Ask what liability coverage is included in the rate you are viewing and what options exist to increase limits if needed.
Credit card coverage: Some credit cards include rental cover, but eligibility can depend on age, country of issue, and whether you decline the rental company’s waiver. If you plan to rely on a card benefit, confirm it covers rentals in the US, the vehicle type you will drive, and that it remains valid for under-25 drivers.
Young driver exclusions: The biggest issue is not usually that younger drivers cannot buy cover, but that their permitted vehicle set is narrower. If you have a specific trip plan that needs a larger vehicle, check early that your age group is allowed to hire it.
Vehicle categories often restricted for under-25s
Restrictions vary, but it is common for under-25 drivers in Texas to be limited to economy, compact, intermediate, and standard categories, plus some small SUVs. Vehicles that are more likely to be restricted include premium saloons, convertibles, luxury SUVs, large people carriers, and speciality models.
If you are travelling with a group and think you need extra space, it can be worth comparing availability in advance rather than assuming you can upgrade at the counter. For larger vehicle needs, browse options like van hire in Fort Worth DFW, noting that age rules for vans can be stricter than for cars.
Airport vs city locations, why it matters for younger renters
Texas airports such as DFW, IAH, AUS, SAT, and ELP host multiple suppliers and typically have consistent processes for ID checks, deposits, and after-hours returns. City branches may sometimes be more flexible on debit cards, but they can also have reduced stock and shorter hours, which can make it harder to switch vehicles if a category is not permitted for your age group.
Airport pricing can be higher due to facility charges, but the trade-off is usually better availability. For example, you can compare provider-specific options such as Enterprise car hire in Austin AUS if you are arriving into Austin and want to understand what is offered at the terminal locations.
Practical tips to avoid surprises when you are under 25
Confirm the minimum age for your exact pick-up point: Do not rely on a general statewide rule. The same brand can have different policies at different branches.
Budget for the surcharge: Treat the under-25 fee as a normal part of the price. When comparing car hire deals, make sure the quote clearly shows whether the young driver fee is included or payable at the counter.
Bring the right payment method: If you have a credit card, bring it. If you plan to use a debit card, check the supplier’s debit requirements and expect a higher deposit or extra documentation.
Choose a realistic vehicle group: If you are 21–24, focus on mainstream categories first. If you need a bigger car for luggage or long drives, check for young driver eligibility before you commit.
Read the insurance wording: Clarify whether CDW or LDW is included, what the excess is, and what is excluded. If you are relying on third-party cover, confirm the rules for younger drivers and for US rentals specifically.
Allow extra time at collection: Under-25 renters can take longer at the counter due to deposit, ID, and policy explanations. This matters if you land late or have a tight schedule.
Does Texas have a legal minimum driving age for rentals?
Texas issues driver licences from age 16 for eligible residents under graduated licensing rules, but that does not mean rental companies must rent to 16 or 18 year olds. In practice, the rental market sets its own thresholds, and most mainstream suppliers treat 21 as the standard starting point for car hire, with a surcharge for under-25s.
The important takeaway is that you should treat the rental age as a company policy question rather than a simple legal answer. The easiest way to stay aligned with the rules is to check the specific terms for your chosen pick-up location and dates, then bring the required documentation and payment method so the desk can release the vehicle smoothly.
FAQ
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Texas? Most rental companies in Texas set the minimum age at 21. Some may rent to 18–20 year olds, but availability is limited and extra conditions often apply.
What is the under-25 fee for car hire in Texas? It is typically a daily young driver surcharge added for drivers aged 21–24, and sometimes higher for 18–20 where permitted. The exact cost depends on the supplier and pick-up location.
Can I hire a car in Texas with a debit card if I am under 25? Sometimes, but many locations prefer a credit card in the main driver’s name. Debit card rentals may require extra ID checks, a higher deposit, or restrict vehicle categories.
Do under-25 drivers have to buy extra insurance in Texas? Not always, but younger drivers should double-check what is included in the rate and what the contract excludes. If relying on card or third-party cover, confirm it applies to US rentals and your age group.
Are certain cars restricted if I am under 25 in Texas? Yes. Premium, luxury, speciality models, and some larger vehicles are commonly restricted. Sticking to standard categories usually gives the smoothest experience.
