Quick Summary:
- At 20, you can often hire, but under-25 surcharges apply.
- Bring a full licence, passport or ID, and matching payment card.
- Expect restrictions on vehicle classes, especially premium and large SUVs.
- Check deposit holds, insurance requirements, and additional driver eligibility before arrival.
Yes, it is often possible to arrange car hire in Miami at age 20, but you should plan for extra rules that do not apply to drivers aged 25 and over. In the US, most rental companies treat 21 as a common minimum, yet some allow rentals from 20 in limited circumstances, with a young driver surcharge and tighter vehicle eligibility. Policies vary by supplier, location, and even by the exact pickup branch, so it is important to confirm the conditions that apply to your dates and the vehicle type you want.
This guide explains the typical minimum age policies, the under-age fees you are likely to see, and the documents and payment methods young renters should have ready for a smoother pickup in Miami.
Minimum age in Miami: what is typical at 20?
Miami is a major car rental market, so you will usually find a broad range of suppliers. Even so, age rules are set by each supplier, and they can change. Here are the most common patterns you will come across when seeking car hire at 20 in Miami:
Many suppliers set 21 as the standard minimum age. If you are 20, you may see fewer available options, or the system may show fewer vehicle groups. Some suppliers can still rent to 20-year-olds under specific programmes, with an added fee, or only at certain branches.
Under-25 rules apply even if you are allowed to rent. Being accepted at 20 does not mean you are treated like an older driver. A young driver surcharge is common, certain vehicle types may be blocked, and deposits can be higher.
Location can matter. Airport branches and city branches sometimes have different operating procedures or vehicle availability. If you are comparing pickup areas, note that neighbourhood choices can affect selection and price. For example, if you are staying centrally you might compare options like car rental in Brickell and car rental in Coral Gables, then confirm age rules for the exact pickup point.
International renters may face extra checks. Age permission is one part of the puzzle. Your licence format, how long you have held it, and your payment card type can all affect whether the counter can release the vehicle.
Under-age fees and surcharges: what to expect
When you hire at 20, expect the base rate to rise once the young driver surcharge is applied. In Miami, this fee is typically charged per day, sometimes with a weekly cap, and it can be added at the counter if it was not included in the initial quoted total. The key is to read the price breakdown carefully so you know whether the surcharge is included in the online price or still due on arrival.
Under-age fees usually apply to drivers aged 20 to 24. The amount varies by supplier and can change during busy periods, such as holidays and major events. You should also plan for related cost factors that affect young renters more often:
Higher deposits or larger authorisation holds. At pickup, the supplier commonly places a temporary hold on your payment card to cover deposit and estimated charges. Young drivers can see higher holds, particularly on higher-value vehicle groups.
Insurance and protection costs. If you do not have suitable cover via a standalone policy, travel insurance, or card benefits, the counter may offer protection products that raise the total. The cheapest headline rate can become expensive once protections are added, so compare like-for-like.
Extra driver fees and age limits. Adding a second driver can be convenient in Miami, but additional driver fees may apply, and the extra driver might need to meet a minimum age too.
Fuel and toll programmes. Florida toll roads are common. Some suppliers offer toll packages, while others charge per toll plus an admin fee. These costs are not specific to under-25s, but they can add up quickly on longer trips.
Vehicle restrictions for 20-year-old renters
Even when 20-year-old renters are accepted, vehicle choice is often restricted. This is one of the biggest practical differences you will notice compared with renting at 25.
Commonly restricted categories include: premium and luxury cars, convertibles, high-performance models, full-size SUVs, larger passenger vans, and some speciality vehicles. You may still be able to rent an economy, compact, mid-size, or standard vehicle, depending on availability and supplier policy.
If you are travelling with friends and luggage, it is worth planning around these limits. For example, you might want an SUV for space, but age rules can reduce the groups you can select. If you are comparing beach stays, keep an eye on vehicle group availability when browsing SUV rental in Miami Beach, and verify whether your age allows that category for your chosen dates.
Documents young drivers should have ready
Turning up with incomplete documents is one of the fastest ways to lose time at the counter, or in worst cases, to be refused. For car hire in Miami at 20, aim to have the following ready and consistent across documents:
Driving licence. Bring your physical licence, not only a digital copy. Many suppliers require a full licence, and some expect you to have held it for a minimum period. If your licence is not in English, you may be asked for an International Driving Permit or a certified translation, depending on your issuing country.
Passport or official photo ID. International visitors generally need a passport. US residents may use an accepted state ID alongside their driving licence.
Booking confirmation and rental terms. Have your confirmation details accessible, and be prepared to show the included items and any pre-paid protections.
Proof of address may be requested. This is less common, but some suppliers ask local renters for additional verification, particularly if you do not have a major credit card.
Payment methods and deposits: what usually works best
Payment and deposit rules are often stricter for younger renters. The supplier typically requires a card in the main driver’s name, and the name must match the driving licence. Here are the key points to plan around:
Credit cards are the safest option. Many suppliers prefer, or require, a credit card for the deposit hold. This is one reason young renters get caught out, especially if they mainly use debit cards day-to-day.
Debit cards may be accepted with conditions. Some branches accept debit cards, but may require additional ID checks, proof of return travel, or a larger hold. Acceptance can also depend on whether you pick up at an airport location.
Prepaid cards are often not accepted. Even if you can pay the rental cost, prepaid cards usually cannot be used for the deposit authorisation.
Deposit size depends on the vehicle and protections. The hold often increases if you decline certain protections, choose a higher-value vehicle, or add extras. Ensure your card has enough available credit to cover the hold as well as your day-to-day spending during the trip.
Insurance and protection: avoid gaps and surprises
Insurance in the US can feel unfamiliar, especially if you are used to UK or EU rental structures. The counter may present several protection products, and the right choice depends on what you already have. Before you travel, clarify what is covered by any existing policies, and whether they apply to US rentals and drivers under 25.
Common rental protection items you may see include collision damage coverage, theft coverage, and liability-related options. If you rely on a third-party policy, check exclusions carefully, especially for young driver age brackets. Also note that choosing to rely on your own cover can affect the deposit amount, because the supplier may place a higher hold when their protection is declined.
Pickup location tips for Miami: airport vs neighbourhood branches
Miami offers several convenient pickup areas, and your choice can affect cost, queues, and what is available for a 20-year-old renter. Airport locations can have longer lines at peak times, but they also tend to have larger fleets. Neighbourhood branches might be calmer, yet availability can be tighter for specific vehicle groups.
If you are flying into South Florida, it may also be worth comparing nearby airports if your itinerary allows. Some travellers look at car rental at Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) as an alternative pickup point, then drive down to Miami, depending on prices and vehicle availability.
For budget-focused planning, compare inclusions and payment rules rather than only the headline daily price. A useful reference point is budget car rental in Florida, where you can see how different options present fees and inclusions.
Practical ways to keep costs down at 20
Under-25 fees are often unavoidable, but you can still manage the overall cost of car hire in Miami at 20 by planning around the main price drivers:
Choose a simpler vehicle class. Economy or compact cars are usually cheaper, easier to park, and more likely to be allowed for younger drivers.
Keep the rental period efficient. If you only need a car for day trips, consider renting for fewer days rather than the whole stay. Miami has areas where walking, rideshares, and public transport can cover part of your itinerary.
Limit extras. Items like GPS units, toll packages, and additional drivers can add up. If you need a child seat, check the cost and whether you can bring your own.
Return with the agreed fuel level. Prepay fuel options can be convenient, but they are not always the cheapest. If you choose a full-to-full policy, plan a final fuel stop near the return location.
Allow time for checks at pickup. Younger renters may face more detailed verification. Arriving with documents organised can reduce delays and help you understand any optional products before you decide.
Common reasons young renters are refused, and how to avoid them
Even if you have a confirmation, a supplier can refuse the rental if the counter requirements are not met. The most common issues for 20-year-olds include:
Card not in the driver’s name. The main driver usually must present their own card. A friend’s card, even with permission, is typically not accepted for the deposit.
Insufficient available funds for the deposit hold. Remember that a hold reduces available credit temporarily. Make sure your card limit is comfortably higher than the expected hold.
Licence not accepted or not held long enough. Bring the original licence, confirm it is valid for the entire rental, and check whether an IDP is recommended for your country.
Age does not match the selected vehicle group. If you select a class that is restricted for under-21 or under-25 drivers, the counter may require an upgrade, a different car, or may cancel if nothing eligible is available.
Mismatch in personal details. Ensure your name spelling and address details match across the booking and your ID, particularly if your licence uses multiple surnames.
FAQ
Can you hire a car in Miami at 20? Often yes, but availability is more limited than for older drivers. Some suppliers accept 20-year-olds with a young driver surcharge and vehicle class restrictions, while others require you to be 21.
What under-age fees should I expect at 20? Most suppliers charge a young driver surcharge for ages 20 to 24, usually priced per day. The exact amount varies by supplier, season, and pickup location, so check whether it is included in the total shown.
What documents do I need for car hire in Miami as a young driver? You typically need your physical driving licence, a passport or official photo ID, and your booking confirmation. If your licence is not in English, you may also need an International Driving Permit or translation.
Can I pay with a debit card at age 20? Sometimes, but credit cards are more widely accepted for the deposit hold. Debit card acceptance can come with extra requirements and higher holds, and some locations do not accept them for young renters.
Are there car types I may not be allowed to rent at 20? Yes. Premium vehicles, luxury cars, larger SUVs, convertibles, and speciality models are commonly restricted for under-25 drivers. Economy and standard categories are more likely to be permitted.
