How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in California? [2023]

Are you wondering how old you have to be to rent a car in California?

Well, the simple answer is 18 years old, but unfortunately, there is more you will need to know before you rush off to rent a car.

Renting a car for drivers under 25 can be confusing, especially when each rental car company has its own age requirements, underage surcharge, and driver’s license policies.

We included everything you need to know to help you navigate the rental process, and we share the best way to book a rental for a straightforward pricing, including young driver’s fees.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in California?

The legal age to rent a car in California is 18 years old, as that is the minimum age to get an unrestricted driver’s license in the state.

Eighteen is also the minimum age to legally enter into and sign a contract, which is a requirement for renting a car.

While 18 is the legal minimum, rental car companies can set their policy for the age required to rent.

Some companies require individuals to be at least 25, while others are more lenient with policies for people as young as 18 to rent a car.

Age to Rent a Car in California

Each rental car company has its own minimum age to rent a car in California, along with additional young drivers fees.

They are free to determine what age groups they feel they can rent cars to based on risk factors affecting their bottom line.

These young driver fees vary by company, starting at around $19 per day and can be as high as $29.

This also applies to older drivers, as some companies will add fees for elderly drivers, and some will not rent to individuals 75 and older.

California Rental Car Age By Rental Company

CAR RENTAL	MINIMUM AGE	UNDERAGE FEE PER DAY
Ace	18	$25
Alamo	21	$25
Avis	21	$27
Black & White	21	$25
Budget	21	$27
Dollar	20	$29
Economy	18	$25
Enterprise	21	$25
Fox	19	$20
Hertz	20	$19
National	21	$25
NU Car Rental	21	$25
Payless	21	$25
Sixt	21	$27
Thrifty	20	$29

As each rental car company sets its minimum rental age, it can be challenging to find one that will rent to you and include all fees upfront.

The easiest way to rent a car if you are a young driver is to book through RentalCars.com, which offers straightforward pricing.

This car rental website only shows rental car options based on your specific age, and they include all young driver fees, so there are no surprises at checkout.

Can You Rent a Car Under 25 in California?

Yes, drivers can easily rent a car under 25 in California from car rental companies across the state.

To rent a car in California, you will need a valid driver’s license and a credit or debit card in your name.

Not all companies rent to individuals under 25, which means that you will have to select a company that will rent to someone your age.

While most rental car companies will rent to drivers under 25, they will include a daily young driver fee as high as $29.

Booking through RentalCars.com eliminates all the hassles and will only provide you with options for car rentals that will rent to your age group.

Renting a Car Under 21 in California

For drivers under 21 in California, there are plenty of options for rental car companies to choose from that rent to young drivers.

The only requirement for most companies is that you have a valid unrestricted driver’s license and a credit or debit card in your name that matches your ID.

All of the companies that rent to young drivers include additional young drivers fees and often inflate the daily rental price.

If renting a car under 21, there are often additional insurance or coverage requirements that will add to the total price of the rental.

Can You Rent a Car at 18 in California?

Yes, you can rent a car in California as young as 18 years old from select rental companies.

Only a limited amount of car rental companies will rent to drivers that are 18, including Ace Rent a Car in Los Angeles and Economy in San Diego.

But the catch with these companies is that you must have your license for a full year before renting.

If you are on active duty in the United States Military, several rental car companies will rent to individuals 18 and older, but some require the rental to be for official government business.

Another option for 18-year-old drivers is Zipcar University, which allows college students to sign up for this car share platform through their university page.

There are plenty of options for 18 years olds to get a car for making stops at the beach on a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway.

What are Young Driver’s Fees?

Young driver fees are an additional daily charge added to a car rental for individuals under 25.

These fees are designed to cover the added risk and liability associated with renting to young drivers.

The rental car companies perform their risk analysis to determine how much additional to charge to ensure that renting to young drivers is profitable.

All major rental car companies in California have additional young driver fees ranging from $19 on the low end to $29 for some big brands.

These added fees can be expensive as young drivers under 25 have a higher incidence of car accidents and driving under the influence than other age ranges.

Not only will some companies add young drivers’ fees, but they will also raise the daily rental cost to ensure profitability. 

How to Avoid Young Driver’s Fees

• Become an AAA Member

For those that already have or will sign up for a AAA membership, Hertz car rentals will waive the young driver fee for anyone under 25.

This can amount to large savings, and a membership comes with lots of extra perks like roadside assistance.

• Military and Government Personnel Ages 18-24 Can Get Young Driver Fees Waived

Many rental car companies will waive the daily young driver fee if the renter is on active duty in the military or US government personnel. 

In some cases, the company will require that the rental be used specifically for official purposes if the drivers are as young as 18. 

• Check for USAA Membership Eligibility

If you or anyone in your immediate family are on active duty in the military or are a veteran that was honorably discharged, you will be eligible for a USAA membership.

This membership comes with the added bonus of some car rental companies offering to waive a young driver’s fee.

You will also get access to banking and insurance backed up by the US government.

• Check for benefits or discounts with your employer 

Many companies have special arrangements or sponsorships with rental car companies that offer discounts for their employees.

Not all businesses have these arrangements, but there are lots that do, including airlines and credit card companies.

Other places that offer these discounts are universities, which have access to discounts on rental cars for faculty, students, and Alumni.

Can I rent a car for someone else?

Yes, you can rent a car for someone else, but you will have to be the primary driver on the policy.

To rent a car for someone else, you will need to book the rental and show up to pick up the car with your valid driver’s license and a credit card in your name.

The additional driver will also have to be present at the time of the rental and have their valid driver’s license with them.

It’s important to note that some rental car companies have a minimum age for additional drivers ranging from 18 to 25. 

Requirements to Rent a Car in California

• Driver’s License 

Some rental car companies have additional policies for licensed drivers, including having a license for a full year before renting.

Others have policies requiring that your license is in good standing and free of major traffic violations.

Most rental card companies will not accept an expired license unless the renter is in the military returning from service overseas.

• A Valid Debit or Credit Card 

To rent a car in California, rental car companies will require a credit or debit card in their name, matching their driver’s license.

While a few companies will accept a debit card, most reputable large companies only take a credit card for a deposit hold if the renter is under 25.

The few companies that rent cars with a debit card will want a much higher deposit for damages, which can be as large as $1,000.

• Rental Car Insurance

To rent a car and drive it off the lot, renters are required to have collision damage insurance covering any damages to the vehicle.

While this insurance covers the car and protects the rental car company, it doesn’t cover your liability if you injure a passenger or another driver in an accident.

In most cases, you will be covered for both collision and liability if you have full coverage insurance for your personal vehicle.

Many credit cards also offer collision damage protection if you use the card to rent, but these policies seldom cover liability coverage.

You can purchase collision damage coverage (CDW) and liability coverage from the rental car company if you do not already have insurance.

What to Expect When Renting a Car in California

• DEPOSIT OR HOLD ON YOUR CREDIT CARD

Rental car companies require a credit card in the primary renter’s name for a credit hold to cover any incidentals.

This amount can range dramatically from $200 to $1000, depending on the car and the length of the rental.

A few rental car companies allow for the use of a debit card, but they will take a large deposit from the available funds in the renter’s account that will be returned 4 to 5 days after the car is returned. 

• ADDITIONAL DRIVER FEE

If you plan on sharing the vehicle or the driving duties for a rental, the company will charge around $15 per day for the additional driver.

The additional driver will be required to have a valid driver’s license and be present at the time of the rental.

If an unauthorized additional driver is caught driving the car, the company can charge additional fees retroactively to the card on hold.

Most companies have policies requiring additional drivers to be at least 21, and many only allow for individuals that are 25 or older.

• BEWARE OF HIDDEN FEES

💲EXTRA INSURANCE PRODUCTS – In most cases, rental car companies will automatically add on insurance coverage for your rental online, even if you have your own personal coverage. 

You will need to opt out of this insurance in the options, or you can end up paying an additional $15 per day or more. 

If you plan to rent a car in California, ensure you have both collision and liability coverage to drive the car legally.

⛽PREPAID GAS – One of the options when renting a car is prepaid gas, which allows you to return the car without refilling the gas back to the level that it was when you checked out the car. 

This prepaid gas option is sold at the current market price for gas when picking up the car, but used gas in the car is not credited back to the renter.

If you opt out of this option, make sure to return the car with the same gas level that you received, or they will charge additional fees and a higher-than-market price per gallon to refill the tank.

🎫TOLL CONVENIENCE FEE – If you rent a car in an area with toll roads or bridges and use cash-free transponders to track charges, the rental company will charge you a toll convenience fee.

They charge for using the transponder and will bill you for all the tolls you rack up during your rental period.

Check to see if they will be charging for this toll convenience fee so you do not get a big surprise when you return the car.

🚘ONE-WAY FEE – If you plan to rent a car at a rental branch in one city and want to return the vehicle to your destination city, rental car companies will charge you a one-way fee.

This is charged to cover managing and moving their inventory to different branches. 

Not all companies charge this one-way fee, so shop around on RentalCars.com to find the options that do not charge extra.

🛣️CROSS-BORDER FEE – If you are planning a trip from California to Mexico or Canada, many rental car companies will charge a cross-border fee for leaving the United States.

Not all companies allow their rental cars to be taken out of the country, and some limit their luxury options to be taken to Mexico.

Check to see the cross-border fee before renting a car for a road trip to Mexico or Canada so you do not end up with a large surprise fee when you return the car.

• RUN A DMV BACKGROUND CHECK

When renting a car in California, companies will run your driving record with the DMV or corresponding organization from your home state.

Each company has its own policies regulating what types of violations will prevent them from renting to drivers. 

They will not hesitate to reject an individual from renting a car if they have a DUI (driving under the influence), a suspended license, or other violations like reckless driving on their record.

• ASK FOR ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS OR IDENTIFICATION 

If you are visiting California from another country and you plan to rent a car, it’s important to ensure that you have extra forms of identification with you when picking up the rental.

They may want to see your passport to verify the details of your driver’s license from your home country. 

It may also be required that you have an international driver’s license if your license is not in English and is written using non-English letters (Japanese, Russian, etc.). 

• UNLIMITED MILEAGE

Most rental car companies in California offer unlimited miles across the majority of their lineup of vehicles which is great if you’re planning on some long scenic drives, but they sometimes have select vehicles that will be limited in mileage.

Limited mileage for some cars can be found on special promotions, luxury cars, large SUVs, and passenger vans.

Check for unlimited mileage for the specific vehicle you select to ensure that you do not end up paying a lot extra.

It is common for rental car companies to charge upwards of .25 cents per mile if you exceed the allowed mileage.

Where to Rent Cars in California

The best place to find great deals on rental cars in California is through Rentalcars.com, which features the best rates and straightforward pricing, including any additional fees.

*off-airport locations available

• 🌉SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT (SFO) – Alamo*, Avis*, Budget*, Dollar, Enterprise*, Fox, Hertz*, National*, NU Car Rental, Payless, Sixt*, Thrifty

• ✈️LOS ANGELES AIRPORT (LAX) – Ace, Alamo, Avis*, Black and White*, Budget*, Dollar, Enterprise*, Fox, Hertz*, Midway*, National, NU Car Rental, Payless, Sixt*, Thrifty, U-Save, Yesaway Car Rental

• ⛱️SAN DIEGO AIRPORT (SAN) – Ace*, Alamo, Avis*, Budget*, Car Rental Cafe*, Dollar, Economy, Enterprise*, Fox, Hertz*, National, Nu Car Rental, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, U-Save

Other Ways to Rent a Car in California

Turo

This car share service app connects car owners with people needing a vehicle for a day trip or longer getaways like a trip to explore the charming towns on the Northern California coast.

The service operates similarly to the Airbnb model, where registered car owners can list their vehicles on the platform, and potential renters can search the listing to find the perfect option at the right price.

To sign up, drivers must input their information and upload their driver’s license for verification, which usually takes just a few minutes.

This is a great option for young drivers, as there are fewer restrictions, and the prices are relatively low, considering you will be renting from a private party through the platform.

• TURO YOUNG DRIVER FEE: 18-20 years old is $50 per day, 21-24 years old is $30 per day

Zipcar

For drivers looking to use a car in Los Angeles or San Francisco, Zipcar offers easy access to countless cars that can be for a few hours to run some errands or for a long stretch for a road trip.

This ride-share service offers the option to sign up for a single day or a yearly subscription for heavy users of the platform.

This is a good option as the prices are fairly low, and cars can be booked on short notice at pickup points across the cities.

Signing up is easy, and young renters with valid driver’s license can easily book a car compared to the hassle of dealing with a rental car company.

• ZIPCAR YOUNG DRIVER FEE: 18-20 years old up to $41 per day, 21-24 years old up to $28 per day

Audi on Demand (formerly SilverCar)

This car rental service by Audi offers a chance to drive one of their luxury vehicles for a reasonable price compared to similarly equipped cars from large rental companies.

They rent the cars through a no-hassle app, which allows contactless pickup from 55 locations across the United States.

While they do not offer cheaper cars in their lineup, you know that the car you receive will include wifi, navigation, a car seat, and a ski rack at no extra cost.

If you are up to splurge and spend a few extra dollars per day, you can rent an Audi instead of the usual budget compact car from your local rental company for a road trip to visit Yosemite from San Francisco.

• AUDI ON DEMAND YOUNG DRIVER FEE: None (minimum age is 22)

FAQs: How Old to Rent a Car in California

Can I be 18 and rent a car in LA?

Yes, you can rent a car in LA if you are 18, but the only rental companies that rent to individuals that age require that you have your driver’s license for at least one year before renting.

In California, the minimum age for an unrestricted full driver’s license is 18, making it impossible for these drivers to rent when 18. 

This means 18 drivers would have had to get their full unrestricted license in one of the 31 states outside of California where they issue driver’s licenses for people under 18.

Do you have to be over 25 to rent a car in California?

No, many rental car companies in California rent vehicles to individuals under 25 years old.

Some will even rent to drivers as young as 18 as long as they meet specific requirements and are willing to pay an additional fee for young drivers.

For drivers to rent a car in California if they are under 25, they will need a valid unrestricted driver’s license and a credit or debit card in their name.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in California from Hertz?

The minimum age to rent a car in California from Hertz is 20 years old as long as the driver has a valid driver’s license and a credit or debit card in their name. 

Hertz will add a daily additional young drivers fee of $19 for individuals under 25, which can be waived if the driver has a AAA membership.

Hertz will rent to individuals as young as 18 if they are on active duty in the military and present official orders.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in San Francisco?

You must be 18 years old to rent a car in San Francisco, as this is the minimum age required to legally enter into a contract.

Rental car companies can set their policies for the minimum rental car age requirement they require as long as the driver is 18.

Unfortunately for 18-year-old drivers, the youngest age any of the major rental car companies will allow renting in San Francisco is 19.

The only exception is for individuals on active duty in the military, and some companies require paperwork showing that the trip is official business.

Bottom Line: Rental Car Age in California

Now that we’ve answered the question “At what age can you rent a car in California?”, you can check out RentalCars.com and reserve your car.

You will be behind the wheel of a great rental car and out on the open road before you know it.