Quick Summary:
- Most Miami car hire starts at 21, with daily young-driver surcharges.
- At 20, availability is limited, and vehicle classes are often restricted.
- Expect extra requirements, credit card, insurance options, and deposit rules.
- Check exact fee amounts, exclusions, and add-ons before confirming your reservation.
Hiring a car in Miami at 20 or 21 is often possible, but it is rarely as simple as choosing the cheapest rate. In the US, minimum ages, young-driver surcharges, deposits, and even which car categories you can take are set by each rental brand and sometimes vary by pickup location. That means two desks in the same city can apply different rules on the same day.
This guide breaks down the common minimum-age rules you will see in Miami, what under-age fees usually look like, and the practical checks that help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you collect the keys.
Minimum age for car hire in Miami: what is typical?
In Miami, the most common minimum age for standard car hire is 21. Many major brands will rent to drivers aged 21–24, but they usually add a young-driver surcharge and may limit the vehicles you can choose.
A minimum age of 20 can be possible with some suppliers, but it is less consistent. When it is available, you should expect tighter restrictions, higher total costs once fees are added, and fewer upgrade choices.
Drivers aged 25+ typically avoid young-driver surcharges and often have access to a wider range of car categories, although deposits and insurance rules still apply.
If your plans include picking up near the city centre, compare the rules for a convenient branch such as car hire in Downtown Miami, versus an alternative pickup area, because age policies and available fleets can differ by location.
Can you hire a car in Miami at 21?
Yes, in most cases. Age 21 is the most common threshold for mainstream car hire in Miami. However, being eligible to rent does not mean every vehicle or price you see online will be available to you when you arrive.
At 21, the main differences compared with a 25+ driver are:
Young-driver surcharge, a daily fee added to the base rate.
Vehicle class restrictions, you may be limited to economy, compact, intermediate, and selected standard cars.
Higher deposits or stricter payment rules, especially around credit cards and security holds.
Some suppliers also restrict premium brands, large SUVs, convertibles, and high-performance vehicles for drivers under 25. Even where a model appears online, it may be blocked at the desk once your date of birth is entered.
Can you hire a car in Miami at 20?
Sometimes, but do not assume it is available everywhere. Age 20 is frequently treated as an exception case. A supplier that rents to 20-year-olds may do so only at specific branches, with a narrower selection of vehicles, and with a higher surcharge.
When car hire at 20 is offered, common limitations include:
Fewer car categories, often basic saloons and smaller vehicles only.
More conservative insurance requirements, you may be strongly encouraged to take certain cover options if you are using a debit card or have limited insurance documentation.
Higher or more rigid deposits, because the supplier is taking on greater perceived risk.
If you are 20 and need space for a group or luggage, it is worth knowing that larger vehicles can be restricted for under-25s, so always check category eligibility before considering options like van rental in Florida.
What are young-driver and under-age fees in Miami?
Most Miami suppliers apply a young-driver surcharge to drivers aged 21–24. Some also charge an under-age fee for 20-year-old renters, or they treat 20-year-olds as a separate band with a different amount.
The key thing to understand is that these fees are usually:
Charged per day, not a one-off cost.
Added on top of the headline price, so the cheapest base rate may not be the cheapest total cost for a 21-year-old.
Capped in some cases, some brands cap the maximum number of days charged, while others charge for the whole rental.
Because fee levels change, you should not rely on a single figure you saw last year. Instead, check the exact young-driver surcharge listed in the rental terms for your dates, pickup point, and supplier.
If you are comparing brands, it can help to review terms on specific supplier pages, for example Thrifty in Miami or National in Doral, because each brand sets its own young-driver policy and fee structure.
What else can change for under-25s, beyond the surcharge?
Under-age fees get the attention, but they are only part of the picture. These are the other areas where 20–24-year-old drivers should look closely.
1) Car category restrictions
Many suppliers limit under-25s to mainstream categories. If you need an SUV for family travel, or you are hoping for a convertible for South Beach, confirm the age eligibility of that class in writing within the rental terms.
2) Deposit and security hold
Security holds can be substantial in the US. Under-25 drivers may see a higher deposit, or stricter requirements on the type of card accepted. The hold is typically placed on a card at pickup and released after return, but timing varies by bank.
3) Payment card rules
A credit card in the main driver’s name is often the smoothest route. Debit cards may be accepted by some suppliers, but can trigger extra steps such as proof of return travel, additional identification, or a higher hold amount. If you are 20 or 21, assume debit card acceptance is not guaranteed unless explicitly stated in the terms.
4) Insurance and coverage decisions
US rental insurance can be confusing because some cover can come from your personal policy or your credit card, while other parts may be optional at the counter. Under-25 drivers should confirm what is included in the quoted rate, and what might be offered as an add-on. Avoid assuming your home policy automatically covers US rentals, and check excess, liability, and any exclusions.
5) Additional driver rules
Adding a second driver can be useful on longer trips, but there may be extra daily charges and separate age rules. In some cases, the additional driver must also meet the minimum age, and they could also incur a young-driver surcharge if under 25.
What to check before you book car hire in Miami at 20 or 21
If you want the reservation to match what happens at the desk, focus on these checks before confirming.
Confirm the minimum age for your chosen supplier and location
Miami has multiple pickup areas. Policies can differ between city branches and surrounding areas. If you are collecting near business districts, comparing terms at locations such as Hertz car hire in Doral versus a central branch can reveal differences in availability or requirements.
Read the young-driver fee line item
Look for the exact per-day surcharge, the applicable age band, and whether there is a maximum cap. Also check whether taxes apply to the surcharge, as this can change the final amount.
Check which vehicle classes are permitted
Make sure the category you want is not restricted for under-25s. If the rental terms are vague, choose a more standard category to reduce the risk of being reclassified at pickup.
Confirm payment and deposit requirements
Verify whether a credit card is mandatory, whether the card must be in the renter’s name, and what deposit range is typical. If you are travelling internationally, confirm your card has sufficient available balance for the hold, not just the rental cost.
Review licence and ID requirements
Most suppliers require a full, valid driving licence. International visitors may also need a passport and, in some cases, an International Driving Permit depending on where the licence was issued. Confirm this in the terms rather than relying on general travel advice.
Understand fuel, tolls, and local driving costs
Miami driving often involves toll roads. Check whether your rental includes a toll programme, and how it charges. Also confirm the fuel policy, and whether you can return the car full to avoid prepaid fuel mark-ups.
Ways to reduce surprises and extra charges
You cannot always avoid a young-driver surcharge, but you can usually avoid the most common friction points by planning around them.
Choose a straightforward car category
Economy and compact cars are the least likely to be age-restricted, and they tend to keep deposits lower. If you are 20, this matters even more.
Keep the main driver as the person with the strongest documents
If one traveller has a credit card with a higher limit, or a longer licence history, making them the main driver can simplify pickup. Make sure that person meets the age requirement.
Arrive with your documents aligned
Name matching across licence, passport, and payment card avoids delays. If you have a middle name on one document but not another, bring supporting ID if available.
Factor the surcharge into your comparisons
When comparing offers, use the total cost including the young-driver surcharge and taxes. A slightly higher base rate can still be cheaper overall if the surcharge is lower.
Common Miami scenarios for 20 to 24-year-old renters
Weekend in Miami Beach
If you only need a car for a short time, the per-day young-driver surcharge can make a big difference. Consider whether you truly need a vehicle the entire stay, or only for a day trip, since the surcharge typically accrues daily.
Road trip to the Keys or Orlando
Longer rentals mean the surcharge accumulates. Confirm whether the supplier caps the fee. Also check mileage policy, roadside assistance coverage, and whether you can return to a different location, as one-way fees can add up quickly.
Travelling with friends
If multiple people may drive, check additional driver fees and age rules. It is better to add drivers properly than to risk issues in the event of an accident.
FAQ
Can a 21-year-old hire a car in Miami? Yes, 21 is a common minimum age in Miami, but expect a daily young-driver surcharge and possible vehicle category restrictions.
Can a 20-year-old hire a car in Miami? Sometimes, depending on the supplier and pickup location. Availability can be limited, with higher surcharges, stricter deposits, and fewer vehicle classes offered.
How much is the under-age fee for car hire in Miami? It varies by supplier, dates, and location. It is usually charged per day for drivers aged 21–24, and may differ again for age 20 where permitted.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at 21 in Miami? Often yes. Some suppliers accept debit cards, but they may require extra documentation and can apply higher security holds, especially for under-25s.
Are under-25 drivers restricted from SUVs or premium cars? Frequently, yes. Many suppliers limit younger drivers to standard categories. Always check the permitted vehicle classes in the rental terms for your exact age.
