Quick Summary:
- Most California car hire requires drivers to be at least 21.
- Drivers aged 20 or under usually cannot hire standard cars.
- Under-25 renters often pay a daily young driver surcharge.
- Bring a valid licence, card, and matching ID details.
If you are planning car hire in California, the headline rule is simple: most providers set the minimum age at 21. In practice, the exact age you need depends on the rental company, the vehicle type, and sometimes your payment method and insurance choices. California does not set a single statewide minimum age for all private car rentals in the way you might expect, but the market standard is consistent enough that travellers can plan with confidence.
This guide explains the most common minimum ages, what changes if you are under 25, which documents you typically need, and how to avoid surprises at the counter. It is written for informational purposes, so you can compare options and understand what is likely to apply to your trip.
Minimum age for car hire in California
For standard passenger vehicles in California, most major rental brands require you to be at least 21 years old. If you meet that threshold, you are usually eligible to rent, but you may face extra restrictions and costs until you turn 25.
Some providers may allow rentals from age 18 in limited circumstances, but this is not the norm for leisure travel. Where younger rentals exist, they can be tied to specific programmes, additional documentation, higher deposits, or limited vehicle classes. If you are 20 or younger, assume you will not be able to hire a car in California unless you have a very specific arrangement with the rental company.
Because rules can differ by brand and by location, it is worth comparing airport and city branches. For example, if you are flying into Los Angeles and collecting at the terminal, you may see different policies than at an off-airport desk. If you are researching typical US policies while planning a west coast itinerary, you might also find it helpful to compare how big hubs operate, such as car hire at Los Angeles LAX or car hire at San Francisco SFO, as these major stations often publish clear age and fee rules.
What changes for drivers aged 21 to 24
If you are 21 to 24, you are typically classed as a young driver. You can usually rent, but expect some combination of the following.
Young driver surcharge
Many rental companies add a daily young driver fee for renters under 25. The amount varies, and it can be significant over a week-long trip. It is commonly shown during the quote process, but can be easy to miss if you are only scanning the headline price. Always check the line items for fees that apply by age.
Vehicle class restrictions
Under-25 renters may be restricted from certain vehicles, such as premium saloons, large SUVs, performance models, and speciality cars. Even if those vehicles appear in search results, the final eligibility can change once the driver date of birth is entered. If you need extra seats or luggage space, look for standard categories that are more commonly allowed to young drivers.
Higher deposit or tighter payment rules
Some locations require a higher security deposit for younger drivers. You may also find restrictions on using debit cards, prepaid cards, or cards without embossed numbers. Since policies can vary by branch, it is wise to confirm accepted payment types for your specific pick-up location.
Insurance expectations can feel different under 25
Age does not automatically determine whether you can decline or accept optional cover, but young drivers can face more scrutiny around proof of insurance, especially if relying on third-party cover or a card benefit. If you are unsure what you will present at the counter, clarify your plan before you travel so you are not trying to interpret policy wording while jet-lagged.
Do you have to be 25 to hire a car in California?
No. Being 25 is not a universal minimum age. Instead, 25 is commonly the point at which young driver surcharges and many vehicle class restrictions ease or disappear. Many travellers remember “you must be 25” because it used to be a stronger rule decades ago, and because some speciality vehicles still effectively require it.
In other words, 21 is often the minimum to be eligible, while 25 is often the age at which renting becomes simpler and cheaper.
Documents you typically need at pick-up
To hire a car in California, rental desks usually expect the following.
Driving licence
You need a valid driving licence. If your licence is from outside the United States, it must be in date and in a recognisable format. Some travellers also carry an International Driving Permit, particularly if their licence is not in English, as it can help staff verify details quickly. Requirements can vary, so treat this as a practical safeguard rather than a universal rule.
Payment card in the driver’s name
Most rentals require a credit card in the main driver’s name. Some locations allow debit cards, but often with additional conditions such as proof of return travel, a credit check, or higher deposits. If you are under 25, the payment rules can be stricter.
Identification and matching details
Expect the desk to check that your name, address, and date of birth match across documents and the reservation. Small differences, such as initials versus full names, can sometimes slow down pick-up. It helps to make sure your booking details mirror your licence as closely as possible.
Can an additional driver help if you are underage?
If the main driver does not meet the minimum age, adding an older additional driver does not usually solve the problem. Rental contracts typically require the primary renter to be eligible, and the person paying and signing is generally responsible for the vehicle. If you are 20 or younger, the practical workaround is usually to have an eligible driver make the booking, present their own card, and be listed as the main driver, with you added only if the company allows underage additional drivers, which is uncommon.
If you are 21 to 24, adding an older additional driver can sometimes reduce risk and sharing fatigue on longer trips, but it does not normally remove young driver fees for the younger eligible driver. Fees depend on the age of the person listed as a driver, not who is sitting behind the wheel most of the time.
Typical California-specific considerations
California is huge, and the way you use the car often shapes which rules matter most.
Airport fees and long distances
Airport collections can include additional facility charges and taxes. Combine that with young driver surcharges and a long itinerary, and the total can rise quickly. If you are comparing options beyond California for a broader US trip, looking at large airport patterns elsewhere, such as car hire at Orlando MCO or car hire at Las Vegas LAS, can help you recognise which fees are location-driven versus age-driven.
Urban parking and vehicle size
In cities like San Francisco and parts of Los Angeles, parking can be tight and expensive. Younger drivers sometimes assume they need a large car for a California road trip, but a compact or intermediate can be easier to live with day to day. Choosing a sensible size also improves your chances of being eligible if under-25 restrictions limit premium classes.
One-way rentals and cross-state trips
If you plan to start in California and drop the car in another state, one-way fees may apply. Age rules still apply, and some companies may be more cautious for young drivers on long one-way itineraries. When comparing quotes, check whether the price changes when you switch to a different return city or state.
Tips to avoid surprises when hiring under 25
First, enter the driver’s correct date of birth when you search, so any young driver surcharge is visible upfront. Second, read the inclusions and exclusions carefully, paying attention to “young driver”, “underage”, “age surcharge”, and “authorisation” or “deposit” wording. Third, confirm the payment card requirements for that branch, especially if you plan to use a debit card or you will not have a credit card available. Finally, keep your documents consistent and accessible so your pick-up process stays smooth.
If you are travelling with friends or family, decide in advance who will be the main driver. Swapping the primary renter at the counter can be difficult, particularly if the newly nominated main driver is under 25 or does not have the right payment card.
How Hola Car Rentals fits into the process
Hola Car Rentals helps travellers compare car hire options across popular locations, including major US airports. When you are reviewing choices, focus on the age eligibility for the specific vehicle category you want, the total cost including any young driver surcharge, and the payment rules. If you are collecting in California, reviewing location pages such as Los Angeles LAX and San Francisco SFO can also help you understand how policies are typically presented at large airport counters.
FAQ
In California, how old do you have to be to hire a car? Most rental companies allow car hire from age 21 in California. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are usually eligible but may pay a young driver fee and face vehicle restrictions.
Can you hire a car in California at 18? It is uncommon for standard leisure rentals. Some providers may allow it under limited programmes or conditions, but most travellers should assume the minimum age is 21.
Do you have to be 25 to hire a car in California? No. Age 25 is often when young driver surcharges and many restrictions reduce, but many people can rent from 21.
What documents do I need for car hire in California as a UK visitor? Bring your valid driving licence and a payment card in the driver’s name. Many visitors also carry an International Driving Permit if their licence is not in English.
Is the young driver fee included in the quoted price? It depends on how you search and how prices are displayed. To avoid surprises, enter the driver’s date of birth so any under-25 surcharge is shown in the total.
