Quick Summary:
- Most Los Angeles car hire starts at 21, but some accept 18–20.
- Expect a daily young driver surcharge, plus stricter deposit requirements.
- Vehicle choice is limited, premium, large SUVs, and luxury are often blocked.
- Bring a full licence, matching card, and passport or ID for verification.
If you are 18–20 and trying to arrange car hire in Los Angeles, the key point is that “minimum age” is not one universal rule. It depends on the rental brand, the pick-up location, and sometimes the type of car. Many companies in California set the standard minimum age at 21, but there are also options that can accept younger drivers, usually with extra restrictions and a young driver fee.
This guide explains what you can realistically expect before you commit to a reservation: typical minimum ages, under-21 limitations, the kinds of vehicles you may be prevented from hiring, and the fees and documentation that commonly apply. It is designed to help you avoid surprises at the counter and to plan your budget properly.
Minimum age for car hire in Los Angeles: what it usually means
In Los Angeles, the most common minimum age for car hire is 21. That is the baseline used by many major rental brands, especially for standard airport and city locations. If you are 18, 19, or 20, you will often find that availability narrows quickly, and the rental rules become more specific.
When a company does accept 18–20-year-old drivers, it is typically under a “young driver” policy. This policy may still allow you to reserve, but you should expect extra charges and conditions such as a higher deposit, tighter vehicle-category limits, and sometimes mileage or geographical restrictions.
If you are comparing airport pick-ups, you can review options around Los Angeles LAX where policies can differ by supplier. Some travellers also consider nearby airports if they are already planning a wider California trip, for example Santa Ana SNA, but the age rules still depend on the specific rental company you select.
Can you hire a car at 18 in Los Angeles?
It can be possible, but it is not guaranteed across the board. For many mainstream rental desks, 18-year-old drivers are outside the standard rules. Where 18-year-olds are accepted, it is usually through a specific young-driver programme and can involve stricter limitations than those applied to 19–20-year-old drivers.
Because acceptance at 18 varies, focus on these checks before you rely on any quote:
1) Confirm the minimum age for the exact supplier and location. “Los Angeles” is not specific enough. LAX, downtown, and neighbourhood branches can have different operating policies.
2) Confirm the permitted vehicle classes for under-21 drivers. Even if you can hire, the car types may be limited to economy and compact models.
3) Confirm the young driver surcharge amount and how it is charged. It is often per day, so it can become a major part of the final cost.
Under-21 fees in Los Angeles: what to budget for
The most common extra cost for 18–20-year-old drivers is a young driver surcharge. This is usually charged per day of the rental, and it typically applies to every day, not just the first day. In practice, this means a week-long trip can be significantly more expensive for a young driver than for someone aged 25+.
Beyond the surcharge, you should also plan for these potential cost differences:
Higher deposit or security hold. Many companies place a larger authorisation hold on the payment card for under-21 drivers. This is not a fee, but it reduces your available balance until the hold is released.
Stricter fuel and return rules. While the stated policy may be the same, younger drivers may be asked to follow the rules more precisely, especially around returning on time and with the correct fuel level.
Insurance and waiver eligibility. In the US, insurance arrangements can be confusing. Some suppliers allow young drivers to purchase optional cover at the counter, but acceptance can vary depending on age, payment method, and whether you are using a third-party policy. The important point is to read the rental terms and ensure you meet any eligibility conditions for the protection you plan to use.
If you are researching specific brands for LAX, you can compare supplier pages such as Alamo at Los Angeles LAX and Payless at California LAX, then review each supplier’s age and surcharge rules in the terms shown for your dates.
Vehicle restrictions young drivers should expect
Even when car hire is available for drivers aged 18–20, the vehicle list is usually not the same as for older drivers. Rental companies manage risk partly by restricting which categories younger drivers can take.
Common under-21 vehicle limits include:
Premium and luxury models excluded. Higher-value vehicles are often blocked for under-21 drivers.
Large SUVs and people carriers restricted. Some suppliers limit you to smaller cars, and may restrict larger SUVs and vans. If you are travelling with friends or lots of luggage, plan carefully, because you might not be allowed to upgrade at the counter even if you offer to pay more.
Performance models restricted. Sports cars and higher-performance trims are frequently excluded for young drivers.
Speciality vehicles restricted. Convertibles and certain speciality models are sometimes unavailable to under-21s.
If your trip genuinely needs extra space, it is worth understanding what “SUV” means in the supplier’s categories, because compact SUVs may be allowed while full-size SUVs are not. For general context on SUV options around LAX, see SUV rental at California LAX, then confirm age eligibility for the exact class on your chosen dates.
What documents you will need at the counter
Documentation checks can feel stricter when you are 18–20, because rental teams have less flexibility when the driver is outside the standard age bracket. To reduce the chance of a refusal at pick-up, plan to bring the following:
A valid driving licence. It must be current and acceptable in the US. If your licence is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit as a translation, depending on the supplier.
A passport or official photo ID. This is commonly required for identity verification, especially for international travellers.
A payment card in the main driver’s name. Many suppliers require a credit card for the deposit authorisation. Some accept debit cards under specific conditions, but under-21 drivers may face tighter rules, such as proof of return travel or a higher hold amount.
Your reservation details. Have your confirmation ready, including pick-up time, driver name, and any pre-selected options.
Deposits, credit cards, and why young drivers get caught out
A frequent issue for 18–20-year-olds is not the daily rate, it is the deposit. Even if you are comfortable paying the hire cost, you also need enough available funds for the deposit hold, which can be substantial. If your card has a low limit, or your bank flags the transaction, you can be turned away even with a valid reservation.
To avoid this, check these points ahead of time:
Deposit amount and method. Confirm the hold size for under-21 drivers and whether a credit card is mandatory.
Name matching. The main driver’s name must match the card, and it must match the licence. If you plan to split costs with friends, do not assume someone else can provide the deposit card for you.
Bank approvals. If you are travelling internationally, tell your bank you will be making a large authorisation in the US to reduce declines.
Additional drivers and friends: what is allowed under 21?
If you are travelling with other people who can drive, you might be thinking about adding an additional driver to share the driving. With car hire, the rule is simple: only drivers listed on the agreement are insured to drive the vehicle.
For under-21 renters, additional drivers may be allowed, but they may need to meet the same minimum age as the main driver, and they can come with extra daily fees. In practice:
If your friend is 21+. Some suppliers allow them to be added, but that does not necessarily remove the young driver fee if you remain the main renter.
If your friend is 18–20. They may be refused as an additional driver if the supplier does not accept under-21 drivers at all, or they may face the same surcharge rules.
If you can, decide who will be the main driver based on the supplier’s rules and the payment card availability, not just who is most confident driving in Los Angeles traffic.
Picking up at LAX: what 18–20-year-olds should know
LAX is one of the most common pick-up points for visitors, and it is also a place where policies are applied consistently. Expect the counter staff to follow the published terms closely, especially around age, deposit cards, and identification.
Also be aware of practical travel factors:
Timing. If you arrive late, options for resolving documentation issues are limited. Having the right documents ready helps you avoid delays.
Vehicle availability. Even with a confirmed category, the exact model can vary. With under-21 restrictions, your substitute options may be narrower, so it helps to choose a category you are confident you are allowed to drive.
How to make under-21 car hire smoother in Los Angeles
These steps are not about rushing into a reservation, they are about making sure the reservation you choose is one you can actually collect:
Read the age policy carefully for your supplier. Do this before paying attention to the headline price.
Estimate your real total cost. Include young driver surcharge, taxes, and any deposit-related constraints on your funds.
Pick a realistic vehicle class. If you are 18–20, selecting a modest car class can reduce the chance of age-related restrictions.
Make sure your card and ID are ready. Most counter problems are basic compliance issues, not complex disputes.
Plan your route with confidence. Los Angeles driving can be intense. Build in time for slower speeds, motorway merges, and parking.
FAQ
What age do you have to be to book car hire in Los Angeles? Most suppliers set the minimum age at 21. Some may accept drivers aged 18–20, usually with a young driver surcharge and vehicle restrictions.
Can I hire a car at 19 or 20 at LAX? Sometimes, yes. It depends on the rental company operating at LAX and the specific terms for your dates. Expect extra fees and a limited choice of vehicle categories.
How much is the under-21 fee in Los Angeles? It is typically a daily young driver surcharge, and the amount varies by supplier and location. Always check the terms shown for your exact reservation, because it can materially change the total cost.
What cars can an 18–20-year-old usually hire in Los Angeles? Under-21 drivers are commonly limited to smaller, standard vehicles such as economy, compact, or mid-size. Premium, luxury, performance cars, and larger SUVs are often restricted.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car under 21? Many suppliers require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit authorisation, and under-21 rules can be stricter. Some locations accept debit cards under conditions, but you should confirm this before you travel.
