Rent a Car under 21 in California [w/ Rental Car Companies]

ARE YOU LOOKING TO RENT A CAR UNDER 21 IN CALIFORNIA?

Well, you came to the right place as we have done all the research so you can confidently book your rental car.

🚘No time to read the entire post? The easiest way to book a rental car under 21 is through RentalCars.com, as it allows you to shop for the best price and lets you see the total price, including any young driver’s fees. 

This article will dispel any bad information, like the common belief that individuals must be 25 to rent a car. 

Well, that is not the case, and drivers as young as 18 can rent a car in the state of California. 

We included everything you need to know, from insurance coverage to how to get the best deal on your rental.

We are here to help you rent a car under 21 in California for an epic road trip or just to visit friends in a neighboring city.

Can I rent a car in California under 21?

Yes, you can rent a car if you are under 21, and the best way to book your rental is through Rentalcars.com, which allows you to shop for the best price and allows you to input your age to see the exact price you will pay.

You can easily rent a car in California if you have a valid driver’s license and a credit card with your name on it.

Age to Rent a Car in California

While there is no minimum age to rent a car in California, individual car rental companies set their own policies that work for their business.

Listed below are the rental companies willing to rent to drivers under 21 years old, with pick-up locations throughout California. 

Although they rent cars to individuals under 21, they charge an additional young driver fee.

Where to Rent a Car Under 21 in California

While most rental car companies in California will only rent to those over 21, the rental companies listed below offer great car rental options for younger drivers.

We included all the details you must consider before renting a car from these companies, including underage fees, rental policies, and any restrictions.

• Fox Rent a Car
• Thrifty Car Rental
• Dollar

Fox Rent a Car

• Can I rent a car under 21?: Yes. The minimum age to rent is 19 years old (unless you are a military personnel, then you can be 18)

• Under Age Surcharge: $25 per day plus tax (applies to all FOX locations)

Restrictions and Requirements

• You will need a driver’s license that is in good standing
• An international driving permit without a driver’s license will not be accepted
• Provide a valid credit card that matches the name and photo of the renter or additional renters
• One-way rentals are available for a fee

🏢 LOCATIONS: San Francisco Airport (SFO), Oakland Airport (OAK), San Jose Airport (SJC), Los Angeles Airport (LAX), Burbank Airport (BUR), Ontario Airport (ONT), Orange County Airport (SNA), San Diego Airport (SAN)

Thrifty Car Rental

• Can I rent a car under 21?: Yes. The minimum age to rent is 20 years old (unless you are a military personnel, then you can be 18)

• Under Age Surcharge: About $29 per day plus tax, varies by location

Restrictions and Requirements

• A driver’s license in good standing
• Have a valid debit or credit card – the name must match the one on your license.
• If you use a debit card as a form of payment, there will be additional requirements, and renters under 25 will not be allowed to pick up at off-airport locations.
• You may not rent some specialty vehicle classes, such as the StyleSeries.

🏢 LOCATIONS: Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT), San Jose Airport (SJC), Sacramento Airport (SMF), Oakland Airport (OAK), San Francisco Airport (SFO), Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), Burbank Airport (BUR), Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

Dollar

• Can I rent a car under 21?: Yes. The minimum age to rent is 20 years old (unless you are a military personnel, then you can be 18)

• Under Age Surcharge: About $29 per day plus tax, varies by location

Restrictions and Requirements

• A driver’s license in good standing 
• A valid debit or credit card under the same name as your license
• Compact cars to SUVs are available to rent, but specialty vehicles such as the StyleSeries are excluded
• One-way rentals are available

🏢 LOCATIONS: San Jose Airport (SJC), Sacramento Airport (SMF), Oakland Airport (OAK), San Francisco Airport (SFO), Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT), Inyokern Airport (IYK), Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)

U-Save

• Can I rent a car under 21?: Yes. The minimum age to rent is 20 years old (unless you are a military personnel, then you can be 18)

• Under Age Surcharge: $149 per day plus tax

Restrictions and Requirements

• Drivers 18 years and older can rent vehicles
• A driver’s license in good standing 
• A valid debit or credit card under the same name as your license

🏢 LOCATIONS: Costa Mesa Airport (SNA),  Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

Booking a Rental Car in California under 21

What’s the easiest way to rent a car under 21 in California?

The best and easiest way to rent a car in California under 21 is through Rentalcars.com. 

This all-in-one car rental website allows you to shop for the best prices in various pick-up locations. 

It also offers the option to enter the renter’s age under the search bar, ensuring that underage driver fees are included in the quoted prices. 

If you book through Rentalcars.com, you won’t be surprised with extra fees when you show up to pick up your rental car. 

This website offers straightforward pricing with no extra hidden fees. For those renting a car in California under 25, see this article.

What kind of cars can you rent if you’re under 21 in California?

Renters under the age of 21 that have a valid driver’s license and credit card in good standing can rent most of the cars in any company’s fleet that rents to young drivers. 

In some cases, rental car companies will exclude their luxury options from the available choices online, but there are plenty of nice cars available to rent.

Underage fees can considerably raise the daily rental cost, limiting the cost-effective options for many young renters.

Options for rentals range from inexpensive small compact cars like a Ford Fiesta to large SUVs like a Chevrolet Tahoe. 

Where can I rent cars in California under 21?

The easiest and often the fastest option for renting a car in California if you are under 21 is at any major airport. 

The few companies that rent to people under 21 have locations at airports across the state, ranging from San Francisco Airport (SFO) in Northern California to San Diego Airport (SAN) in the southern tip of the state.

There are also convenient locations in most major city centers where you can rent a car, and this option is cheaper as rental companies often charge a premium for airport pickup.

Hot Tip: Thrifty Car Rentals only allows drivers under 21 to pick up cars at their airport locations.

Can you rent a car at 21 without a credit card?

Yes, all but one of the companies that rent to drivers under the age of 21 require a credit card for a security deposit. 

These rental car companies also require that the driver that made the reservation picks up the car and presents a credit card and driver’s license with their name matching on both. 

It is not an option to use someone else’s credit card when picking up the card, even if they are present at the time of the release of the vehicle.

U-Save car rentals allow renters to use a debit card in their name that matches their driver’s license, but they have limited locations, and the required hold on the card is much higher.

Car Rentals under 21 in California

Are you under 21 years old and need a car rental in California?

Whether you plan to take a road trip from San Francisco or just want to explore the beaches on the California coast, there are great options for car rentals across the Golden State.

San Francisco Car Rentals Under 21

• Dollar
• Fox Rent a Car
• Thrifty

Oakland Car Rentals Under 21

• Dollar
• Fox Rent a Car
• Thrifty

💡Are you flying into San Francisco and need to get to Oakland? Read our helpful guide here.

Los Angeles Car Rentals Under 21

• Dollar
• Fox Rent a Car
• Thrifty
• U-Save

San Diego Car Rentals Under 21

• Dollar
• Fox Rent a Car
• Thrifty
• U-Save

Factors to Consider When Renting a Car in California Under 21 

Before you make a snap judgment and make a rental car reservation, here are some factors you should consider before making your plans.

Although the renting process is fairly simple if you have everything lined up, several different additional costs can raise the price of renting if you are under 21 in California. 

Some of these added costs and fees can be avoided with proper planning, while others are unavoidable.

Young Driver’s Fees ($25 to $40 per rental plus tax)

Although car rental companies are willing to rent to people under 21, they charge an extra fee for younger drivers.

This added fee can range from $25 to $40 plus tax per day, which in some cases is almost as much as the daily rental cost. 

They add this additional fee as younger drivers are more prone to accidents and are more likely to drive under the influence. 

Most companies only rent to those over 21, as it is not cost-effective, and their profit margins are either lower or negative.

You can sign up for a AAA to avoid paying this extra fee, as most companies waive this extra charge if you are a member.

If you are active duty military or are a member of USAA, these rental car companies will also skip this additional charge.

Higher insurance costs

In some cases, rental car companies will charge extra for insurance if you are under 21 years old. Insurance rates are based on many factors, and one is the driver’s age. 

The problem is that paying for additional insurance and young driver fees can easily double the rental price.

If you have a car insurance policy, you will likely be covered for rental car coverage. 

It’s important to check your policy or ask your agent to verify that your coverage works for rental cars, including liability.

Another option is to use a credit card to pay for the rental that offers car rental insurance protection. 

This option does not cover liability or medical costs, which will need to be covered by a separate insurance policy.

If all else fails, pay for the insurance from the rental car company, which is around $15 per day and will provide you with the piece of mind that you will be covered if there is an accident.

Increased daily rate

The car rental companies willing to rent to drivers under 21 often increase their daily rate for young drivers.

This makes sense as younger drivers are a higher risk, but they also charge an additional young driver fee on top of this increased price. 

They double down on the extra charges by hiding a portion of the extra cost by increasing the daily rate.

Some companies do not increase their daily rate in favor of a higher young driver fee. 

HOT TIP: The best way to avoid paying extra is to book with a company that charges more for young drivers and get the fee waived by getting a AAA membership. 

Deposit or temporary hold on your credit card

To rent a car in California, if you are under 21, you must have a credit card in your name with enough remaining credit for the car rental and a deposit hold.

The deposit amount they will hold will vary depending on the company, but it can range from $200 to $1000. 

Most rental car companies only accept credit cards for young drivers to make the deposit, and  debit cards can only be used in some cases. 

Before renting a car in California, if you are under 21, ensure your credit card is in good standing.

Funds are typically credited back to your card within 2 to 5 days after you return the car, but it is a good idea to check that you received it before making large purchases.

Additional driver fee (source)

Since the start of 2022, rental car companies in California can now charge for additional drivers.

If the company catches or has proof that an additional person was driving the car, they can charge you retroactively for additional fees. 

Rental car companies typically charge between $13 to $15 per additional driver for the vehicle, but this doesn’t apply to immediate relatives.

A few companies are not charging additional fees, while others are restricting it to just a spouse that lives under the same roof.

If you are planning to share driving responsibilities with another driver, check with the rental car company for the specifics, so you don’t get a surprise extra charge.

Pro Tips for Renting a Car in California under 21

• Get a AAA Membership

Not only will signing up for a AAA membership eliminate the young driver fees in most cases, but it can also get you a discount of around 8% on the cost of your rental.

A membership also comes with the peace of mind of knowing that AAA is there to help you out if you get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car.

Membership cost range from $65 to $136 per year, which can be less than the young driver fees if you book a car rental for more than one day.

You will not only save money but also know that you will be safe while cruising California in your rental car.

• Avoid the hidden fees 

If you go straight to the rental car company’s website, most don’t ask for your age and allow you to book immediately. 

If you do this, you will not see the final cost since the young renter’s fee is not included along with the tax. 

Then when you show up to pick up your car, you will be shocked by the additional fees. 

Instead, book through RentalCars.com to have the underage surcharge already included in the price.

• Consider getting a car with someone over 25

One option to eliminate the additional young driver fee is to have a friend or family member over 25 rent the car as the primary driver. 

You will then be added as a second driver, which may incur a small charge, but this will be much smaller than the second driver fee.

Some companies do not charge for additional drivers, and others will not add a fee if the second driver is a family member.

Double-check before booking to ensure they allow a second driver under 21.

• Be flexible with your pick-up location

If you want to save a few dollars on your rental, consider looking for additional pickup locations other than the one closest to you.

Some companies add an additional convenient location fee or charge extra for pick-up near popular tourist destinations or large airports.

Shop around for different pick-up locations to see if you can get a lower rate, even if you have to travel farther to rent a car.

• Read the fine print

Make sure to read the fine print before renting a car, as you do not want any additional surprise charges when you return the rental.

In the contracts, you may find they charge extra if you cross the border into Mexico, take the car out of state, return the car late, or to a different rental office.

California also just made it legal for rental companies to charge if you are caught allowing an additional driver. 

How to Avoid Paying the Young Driver’s Fee

Why pay extra to rent a car if you are under 21 when there are multiple ways to get any young driver fees waived?

Rental car companies offer special discounts and ways to eliminate extra fees if you are a member of these trusted organizations or the United States Military.

• Military and government employees ages 18-25 can get the young driver fees waived

Most companies that rent to drivers under the age of 21 offer to waive any young driver fees for those that are active duty military.

The waiving of this fee also sometimes applies to government employees that can provide government identification.

Unfortunately, with some companies, this discount may only apply to official business or government-sanctioned trips.

• Get a AAA Membership

Signing up for a AAA membership is the easiest way to avoid paying Young driver’s fees.

Rental companies, in most cases, will waive the young driver fee if you have a AAA membership in your name.

Although the membership price starts at $59.99 per year, this could save you a lot of money on a car rental, especially if you plan to use the car for more than a few days.

Rental companies will also discount the starting rental price by as much as 8% for additional savings.

Membership has many other perks that will help keep you safe while on the road, including roadside assistance if you get a flat or run out of gas.

• USAA membership

If you, a parent, or a spouse are in the military, you can sign up for a USAA membership.

Being a member of USAA comes with the added benefit that most rental car companies that rent to people under 21 will waive any young driver fees.

USAA offers great rates and service for insurance and all your banking needs and can save you money when you rent a car.

Requirements to Rent a Car in California under 21 

To rent a car in California, there are a few requirements that you will need before reserving a vehicle.

Some of these requirements are obvious, like not having a suspended driver’s license, but others will require a little research and additional planning.

Make sure to give yourself some time to make sure you have these details covered so that you are not disappointed when it comes time to rent a car.

• Valid Driver’s License 

Rental car companies willing to rent cars to individuals under the age of 21 require that you have a driver’s license that is in good standing.

This means that your license can not be expired, suspended, or revoked at the time of renting a car.

The other catch is that you must have your license for at least a year before renting the car, or the company will decline your reservation.

• Rental Car Insurance

Paying extra fees to rent a car in California for those under 21 is not the only extra cost, as you will also need insurance.

Rental companies will require insurance to cover damages to the car or other property. 

Your car insurance may be sufficient depending on your policy, but you must verify this with your agent and the rental company.

Also, you can sign up for the rental company’s insurance for an additional fee which will be higher than the rates for those over the age of 21.

Some credit cards also offer insurance for car rentals, but they usually do not cover any form of liability or medical treatment.

• Valid debit or credit card 

Renters under 21 are required to have a credit card that matches the name on their driver’s license.

This credit card will be used to place a hold on funds that usually starts at around $200 and can be as high as $1000, depending on the circumstances of the rental period.

Using someone else’s credit card is not an option, and companies rarely will accept debit cards. 

Should You Rent a Car under 21 in California?

Yes, you should rent a car in California if you are under 21. 

There are many reasons why someone under the age of 21 might need or want to rent a car, and there are several options of companies to choose from.

Whether you are planning a California road trip or just need a car to run some errands, you can and should rent a car if you can afford the extra costs.

The only big downside to renting a car if you are under 21 in California is that the rental car companies will charge you extra fees and mark up the rental rates for young drivers.

Alternate Options for Under 21 Car Rentals in California

Renting a car in California for those under 21 can be difficult and expensive for many young drivers.

Luckily there are other good options to choose from, including the car-sharing services listed below.

Both charge extra fees for drivers under 21, but they are less strict on some of the other requirements and do not mark up the rental prices for young drivers.

If either of these options still does not work for you, there is always the option of using a ride-sharing platform like Uber or Lyft, but you will need to stay fairly local.

Turo

Turo is an amazing car-sharing service that works like Airbnb, but you can rent cars from private owners instead of accommodations. 

All you have to do is search their database of available cars and get preauthorized to use the service through the Turo website.

If you are 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, you will most likely be approved within minutes, and you will be ready to book your first car on the platform.

This car-sharing service even offers insurance for your trip that covers damage and liability to ensure you are covered in an emergency.

Another benefit is that many of the cars on the platform feature unlimited mileage, which is great for long road trips.

Turo does charge an additional $50 per day fee for young drivers under 21.

Zipcar

If you live in or are going to visit San Francisco or Los Angeles, Zipcar ride-sharing service offers a great solution instead of renting a car.

This is a great option for shorter day trips or running errands and is offered by the day or for a yearly fee. 

After getting approved to use the service, you sign up for a plan and simply book your trip, including your return time.

Zipcar charges a young driver fee that varies depending on how long you plan to use the car. This fee can range from $13 for a few hours to $36 for the full day.

FAQs

Can I rent a car at 20 in California?

Yes, you can rent a car in California if you are 20 years old and have a driver’s license in good standing and a credit card that matches the name on your license.

Only a few car rental companies will rent to individuals that are 20 that are not active duty military.

All car rental companies that rent to people 20 years old charge additional fees for young drivers.

Can you rent a car at 19 in California?

Yes, a few companies will rent to individuals 19 years old, but they will charge you additional young driver fees and will often mark up the rental rates.

To rent the car, you will need a matching driver’s license and a credit card with your name on both, and the license will need to be in good standing.

Can I rent a car in California at 18?

Yes, you can legally rent a car in California if you are 18, but almost all large car rental companies have policies that prevent 18-year-old drivers from renting. 

The only exceptions are if you are on active duty in the United States Military on an authorized and sanctioned trip by the government or with a small rental company that allows 18-year-olds to rent cars.

While you can not rent a car from a car rental company in most cases, car-sharing services like Turo and Zipcar accommodate 18-year-old drivers.

Can a 20 year old drive a rental car in California?

Yes, anyone 20 years old can drive a rental car in California, as long as they have a valid driver’s license in good standing. 

20-year-olds can also be added as a second driver on a rental car or rent a car on their own if they have a driver’s license and a credit card in their name.

How do you rent a car in the US under 21?

The best and easiest way to rent a car in the US if you are under 21 is to book through a website like Rentalcars.com, which allows you to enter your age when you search on their site.

Only the companies that rent to those under 21 will show up in the results, and all extra young driver fees will be included in the price, so you do not get a big surprise. 

In the States of Michigan and New York, all rental car companies rent to anyone 18 and over.

Do you need an international driving permit in California?

No, you do not need an international driving license in California, as any valid driver’s license from another country is considered acceptable. 

California does not accept an international driver’s license as a valid form of identification for driving in the state.

Wrap-Up: Car Rental for Under 21 in California

Now that you read everything you need to know about how to rent a car under 21 in California, all you have to do is reserve your ride for your big trip or adventure.

Have fun out on the open roads, and have safe travels in the Golden State!