Quick Summary
- In most of the USA, you need to be at least 21 to rent, with the best prices and full choice of vehicles usually available from 25.
- Drivers aged 18 to 20 can sometimes rent in states like New York and Michigan, but expect higher daily surcharges and tighter rules on car categories.
- Hola Car Rentals shows the real minimum age, young driver fees and deposit requirements before you confirm, so there are no surprises at the counter.
Standard age limits across the USA
American suppliers set their own minimum ages within the framework allowed by each state. For most airport and city locations the standard minimum is 21, with a young driver surcharge applied until you reach 25. That fee is normally charged per day and per driver, and is added on top of the base rental price. When you book your car rental through Hola Car Rentals you will see any young driver supplement clearly displayed in the quote.
Below the minimum age for that location, the system simply will not allow the booking. It is not usually possible to persuade the desk staff to override this, because their insurance is priced around the age bands set out in the terms.
Renting at 18 to 20
Some states require companies to offer cars to drivers from 18, but often with strict conditions. New York and Michigan are the most famous examples. In these markets you will normally pay a higher daily surcharge, and you may be limited to smaller vehicle groups. Prestige models, large SUVs and premium vans are rarely offered to drivers under 21, even if they are prepared to pay extra.
Our in depth age guide for the USA breaks down typical limits and fees, and is a useful read before you search. Hola Car Rentals works with major brands such as Alamo, Enterprise and Budget, so as you adjust your pick up location you can quickly see where younger drivers are allowed and what it will cost.
Under 25 surcharges and vehicle choice
Even after your twenty first birthday you will usually face a young driver fee until you turn 25. The amount varies by brand and location, but it is often highest at large city airports and busiest holiday destinations. To keep costs under control, many younger travellers share one driver rather than adding several, or choose a compact car instead of a premium model.
In big gateways such as Miami, Los Angeles and New York, you can compare Miami airport desk options, Los Angeles young driver friendly locations and New York JFK rental desks in one place. Hola Car Rentals often secures lower base prices than booking direct, which helps offset the young driver supplement.
Tips for young drivers booking with Hola Car Rentals
Make sure the licence you bring has been held for at least one year, and carry a second form of photo identification if possible. Most suppliers also require a credit card in the lead driver's name, so check your booking confirmation carefully if you plan to use a debit card. It is better to change the booking before you travel than to be turned away at the desk.
Choosing a package with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up allows you to keep watching prices and rebook if a better deal appears. All Inclusive plus options with high liability limits and extras such as windscreen and tyre cover can be especially valuable for younger drivers. Hola Car Rentals even offers free travel insurance up to US$150,000 on many itineraries, helping you travel with confidence despite the unavoidable young driver fees.
FAQs
- Can I rent a car in the USA if I am 17? No, major suppliers do not rent to drivers under 18, and Hola Car Rentals will not present offers below the legal minimum for a given state.
- Can an older friend book the car and let me do the driving? The person who drives must be named on the agreement. If you drive without being listed, you are treated as an unauthorised driver and insurance cover may not apply.
- Do young driver surcharges disappear exactly on my twenty fifth birthday? In most locations you stop paying the supplement once you are 25, but some specialist vehicles may still have a higher minimum age. Always check the conditions for your chosen car group.
Whether you are planning your first solo road trip at 21 or a budget break straight after turning 18, Hola Car Rentals makes it simple to see which locations will rent to you, what the real costs are and how to stay properly covered.
