Renting a Car Under 25 in California [w/ Rental Car Companies]

Individuals under 25 can rent a car from select companies if they have a valid driver’s license and a debit or credit card in their name.

The process of renting a car for those under 25 can still be challenging, so we put together this ultimate guide covering all the details you will need when booking.

This guide will help you save money and ensure you have everything you need to know to get behind the wheel of a rental car.

🚘No time to read the entire post? The easiest way to book a rental car under 25 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. 

Can You Rent a Car in California Under 25?

Yes, drivers under 25 can rent cars in California, and the best way to book your rental car is through RentalCars.com. 

Booking through this website allows you to shop for the best price as it lets you input your age so it includes all underage fees in the pricing, which means you won’t get any surprises when completing the booking.

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

How Old to Rent a Car in California

The minimum age to rent a car in California is set by individual companies based on their own policies, which can range from 19 to 24 years old. 

To rent a car in California, all rental companies will require that you have a valid, unrestricted driver’s license, which is only available to individuals over 18 years of age.

The few companies that are willing to rent to drivers that are 18 require that they have their driver’s license for one year. 

The legal age to rent a car in California is set by laws that require an individual to be 18 years old to enter into and sign a contract.

Listed below are the companies that provide rental cars for young drivers under 25, along with any additional fees they charge for underage rentals. See this article if renting a car under 21.

Where to Rent a Car in California under 25

Not all rental car companies that rent to under 25 are reputable, but there are plenty of great options to choose from. 

Each one of the rental car companies that rent to people under 25 charge a daily underage fee and have their own policies for the minimum age to rent a car.

There are plenty of great rental car companies to choose from, but each pickup location will have different options to choose from.

To make this process as simple as possible, go to RentalCars.com to see the exact pricing, including underage fees and what companies are available at your nearest pick-up location.

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

Alamo and Enterprise

• Can I rent a car under 25?: Yes. The minimum age to rent with Enterprise and Alamo is 21 years old

• Enterprise Young Driver Fee: $25 per day (fee is waived for USAA members for Enterprise)

Restrictions and Requirements

• A valid driver’s license
• A major debit or credit card in the renter’s name, using a debit card will have more requirements and restrictions

Avis and Budget

• Can I rent a car under 25?: Yes. The minimum age to rent with Avis is 21 years old

• Avis Young Driver Fee: $27 per day (fee is waived for USAA members)

Restrictions and Requirements

• A valid driver’s license for the entire rental period
• A valid credit card with the renter’s name
• Acceptable driving record – free from recent serious moving violations (in the last 24 months) and accidents (in the last 36 months)
• May be subject to an electronic DMV check from the state that issued the driver’s license
• International Driver’s Permit for Non-US Residents (not applicable to all countries)

Dollar

• Can I rent a car under 25?: Yes. The minimum age to rent is 20 years old (unless you are a military personnel, then you can be 18)

• Dollar Under Age Fee: 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

Fox Rent a Car

• Can I rent a car under 25?: Yes. The minimum age to rent is 19 years old (unless you are a military personnel, then you can be 18)

• Fox Under Age Fee: $20 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

Hertz

• Can I rent a car under 25?: Yes. The minimum age to rent with Hertz is 20 years old

• Hertz Young Driver Fee: $19 per day (can be waived with a AAA membership)

Restrictions and Requirements

• A valid driver’s license that is in good standing for over a year
• A valid debit or credit card (some locations may require a credit card only)
• Under 25 renters are not allowed to rent certain specialty vehicles

National Car Rental

• Can I rent a car under 25?: Yes, The minimum age to rent with National is 21 years old

• National Young Driver Fee: $25 per day, varies by location

Restrictions and Requirements

• A valid driver’s license that is in good standing for over a year
• A major credit card in the renter’s name as the time of the rental
• Debit cards may be accepted with additional requirements
• Renters under 25 can rent from Economy through Full-size cars, cargo and minivans, pickup trucks, and Compact, Small and Standard SUVs with seating up to 5 passengers

NU Car Rental

• Can I rent a car under 25?: Yes. The minimum age to rent with NU Car Rental is 21 years old

• NU Car Rental under 25 Fee: $25 per rental plus tax 

Restrictions and Requirements

• A valid driver’s license, drivers must have held their license for at least 6 months 
• A valid credit card with the renter’s name
• Rental confirmation voucher
• Other possible requirements: Passport, proof of driver’s main address

Payless

• Can I rent a car under 25?: Yes. The minimum age to rent with Payless is 21 years old

• Payless Young Driver Surcharge: $25 per day

Restrictions and Requirements

• A valid driver’s license
• A valid credit card with the same name as the license
• Clean driving record – Payless may perform a driver’s license check and deny car rental based on a negative driving record

Sixt

• Can I rent a car under 25?: Yes, The minimum age to rent with Sixt is 21 years old

• Sixt Young Driver Fee: $27 per day

Restrictions and Requirements

• A valid driver’s license held for at least a year
• A major credit card under the renter’s name, debit card may be accepted with additional requirements

Thrifty Car Rental

• Can I rent a car under 25?: 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.

Renting a Car in California under 25

What is the best way to rent a car under 25 in California?

The best and easiest way to rent a car in California if you are under 25 is to visit RentalCars.com, where you will find the best pickup locations in your area for the right price.

Make sure to enter you enter your age to ensure that any young driver rental fees are included so that there are no unexpected surprises. 

Even though you can book directly with a rental car company, it’s common to get slapped with hidden fees once you show up to pick up your rental. 

This simple option ensures that you will get a price comparison of all the rental car companies offering rentals to people under 25 years of age.

What types of cars can you rent if you’re under 25 in California?

Rental car companies offer up the majority of their lineup to renters under the age of 25.

That means that you can rent an impressive amount of great cars ranging from a VW Beetle Convertible for a road trip down Big Sur to a Mercedes for a business trip.

Most rental car companies will exclude luxury options from the available choices online after you enter your age in the search.

While you may not be able to rent a sports car like Porsche 911 or a luxury sedan like a Mercedes Sl 550, you will be able to choose from some really nice options.

Some companies will rent four-wheel drive vehicles with all-terrain tires for a drive to Lake Tahoe or Yosemite in Winter after the snow season starts.

Where can I rent cars in California under 25?

For the widest selection and easiest rentals, choose an airport as the pick-up location.

Airports across the state have rental agencies with lots of cars on hand ready to be rented, with larger airports having as many as 12 rental companies to choose from.

Rental car companies also have pick-up locations in most major city centers, and most major brands have multiple locations in big cities like San Francisco.

Prices are generally higher at airport locations as most companies add on an extra concession fee to cover the added cost the airport charges to rent cars at the airport.

This concession or convenient location fee is often combined with shuttle and security fees and can cost as much as 20% additional compared to pick-up destinations away from the airport.  

Do you have to be 25 to rent a car?

No, drivers possessing a valid driver’s license and a credit or debit card in their name can rent a car under 25 in California.

The legal minimum age to rent a car in California is 18 years old, as the state requires individuals to be 18 to get a driver’s license and to sign a contract legally.

Not all rental car companies allow people under 25 years old to rent, as they are allowed to set their own policies that are best for the business’s bottom line. 

There are many rental car companies across California that rent to people under 25, and they are easy to find with the best prices, including young driver fees, at RentalCars.com.

Does it cost more to rent a car under 25?

Yes. The rental car companies that allow rentals by individuals under 25 include an additional young driver’s fee.

Rental car companies take on additional risks and costs when renting to young drivers, and they pass this on in the form of additional fees.

This underage surcharge can range from $25 to $29 per day, and some companies inflate the cost of rentals for drivers under 25.

The good news is that this fee can be avoided by signing up for AAA if you do not already have a membership. See how you can get the young driver fee waived.

Not only will the AAA membership waive the daily young driver’s fee, but you will get roadside protection with your personal vehicle along with their amazing travel discounts at hotels.

Which rental car company does not charge for under 25?

All major rental car companies in California charge a young renters fee for drivers under 25 years old.

This additional daily fee ranges from $29 on the high end to $19, which is the lowest extra fee among large rental car companies.

The young driver fee can be waived if you have a AAA membership, a USAA membership, or if you are on active duty in the military or are a government employee.

Renting a Car Under 25 in California: Factors to Consider

It is important to carefully weigh all the factors that go into deciding if it’s a good idea to rent a car in California before booking.

The most important factors for most renters are fees and additional costs that can dramatically raise the price when renting a car under 25.

The cost of the rental may end up too high and may not be worth it after all additional fees are added, and the final cost is tallied up. 

Make sure to look at all the included costs and make your decision based on the total price, which is displayed clearly if you book through RentalCars.com. 

1. Young Drivers Fees

Most rental car companies are more than happy to rent cars to people under 25 years of age, as they will tack on an additional daily young drivers fee.

This fee is intended to cover any additional risk and potential legal costs that the company may assume by renting to a young driver.

These rental companies are well aware that young drivers have higher incidences of driving under the influence and are more prone to accidents.

Additional fees assessed for young drivers renting cars in California vary by company and can range from $19 to $29 per day.

Without this additional fee, rental car companies would deem that it’s not cost-effective to rent to young drivers under 25.

There are multiple ways to eliminate this young driver fee, including having a AAA or USAA membership or for individuals that are on active duty in the military or are US government employees.

For drivers under 25 car rental in California can be on the expensive side, but there are ways to keep the cost down, as long as you plan ahead.

2. Higher Daily Rate

Not only do rental car companies charge an additional young drivers fee, but they often raise the daily rental fee for people under 25.

They double down by raising the daily rental fee that is displayed when shopping online, then they also add the young driver fee.

Not all companies partake in this hidden price increase and, instead, just charge a higher daily young driver fee.

Be conscious of this misleading practice of price manipulation, and look carefully for the final price will all fees included.  

RentalCars.com includes the full price with the young drivers discount so that you will not get an expensive surprise at checkout.

3. Increased Insurance Costs

It’s not uncommon for rental car companies to increase insurance costs for drivers under 25.

This age demographic tends to have more accidents and incidences of driving under the influence, and this is reflected in the additional cost of insurance coverage for a rental car.

If you already have fully comprehensive car insurance, you may be covered for renting a car, which would help reduce the cost of your rental.

Make sure to speak to your insurance agent to verify that you will be fully covered in the case of an accident or if there is damage to the vehicle.

If you use a credit card that offers rental car protection to rent a car, you can reduce the insurance requirements, which will reduce your rental costs.

Credit card coverage is limited and does not include liability coverage or medical treatment, and will need to be supplemented with a separate policy.

Most rental car companies offer full coverage insurance options for as little as $15 per day, which will allow you to relax and know that you are covered if there is an accident. 

4. Some Vehicle Types are Off Limits

You may want to impress a date or show off to friends by renting a luxury SUV or a sports car, but rental car companies generally do not rent their higher-end vehicles to people under 25.

This means that you will be limited to renting vehicles in their lower end and medium ranges which will not be as flashy or as loaded with features.

The good news is that rental car companies flip their cars well before they hit 40,000 miles, which means that you will get a rental that is fairly new.

You may not be able to rent a Ferrari or an Escalade, but you can get a really nice car with a convertible top for a visit to the sunny and warm California beaches.

5. Deposit or Hold on your Credit Card

It’s important to take into consideration that you will not only need to cover the costs of the rental, but you will also need to have enough available funds on your card to cover a deposit or hold on your credit card.

You will be required to use a credit card or debit card that is in your name to rent a car, and they will not accept a card from a friend or even a family member.

Each rental car company charges different deposit amounts ranging from $200 to over $1000, which vary depending on several factors, including the type of car that you select. 

This means that you will need to have a credit or debit card that has enough funds to cover the total cost of the rental along with the deposit, or they will not rent the car.

You will also need to be aware that the deposit or hold can take up to five days after the car is returned before the deposit is returned or the hold is lifted. 

6. Additional Driver Fee

If you plan to share driving duties with another driver, rental car companies can charge additional driver fees for each extra individual that will get behind the wheel.

In 2022 new legislation passed in California allowing rental car companies to charge for additional drivers.

Not all companies charge additional driver fees, and some allow for a spouse that lives in the same house to drive without additional cost.

Each company has its own policies for additional drivers, so it’s important to check with a rental agent to ensure that you will not be charged retroactively.

Requirements to Rent a Car in California Under 25

Renting a car in California if you are under 25 will require that you have a few details lined up before it’s time to rent.

For some, this will be easy, and for others, this can be challenging if your license is suspended or you are short on cash.

Make sure to get these details in order before renting to save yourself time and any unnecessary frustration.

• VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE

The first and most important requirement is having a valid driver’s license that is in good standing with the courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you have a suspended, revoked, or expired license, you will not be able to rent a car from any rental company.

It also helps if you have a clean driving record, as some companies may charge extra if you have moving violations in the last six months.

• VALID DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD

All reputable rental car companies in California require you to pay for the car rental with a debit or credit card with your name on it. 

The majority require a credit card, while a few will let you rent with a debit card.

The rental car agent will place a hold on the card, or they will secure a deposit if you use a debit card.

It’s important to make sure that you have enough credit on your card to cover the hold if you are using a credit card or enough cash in your account to cover the deposit.

• RENTAL CAR INSURANCE

Another requirement for renting a car in California is having insurance coverage that will cover the car if it is damaged or if there is an accident.

Renters can opt to use the company’s available policies, but the rates will be higher for those under 25 years old.

If you have full coverage insurance for your personal vehicle, it may cover you for car rentals, but check with your agent to ensure you will be properly protected.

Many credit cards feature rental car coverage that will cover the car for any damages, but in most cases, the card coverage will not include personal injury or liability.

Can you rent a car at 25 without a credit card?

Yes, it is possible to rent a car in California without a credit card, but you will still need a debit card.

Some car rental companies will rent a car with just a debit card, but they will require that you have enough money in your account to cover the rental and a substantial deposit.

This deposit can be as high as $1000, depending on the company, and it not be returned for up to five days after the car is returned.

Renting a car in California under 25 as a foreigner or tourist

For individuals under 25 years planning on renting a car in California with a foreign license, you will most likely need a few extra documents.

To rent a car as a foreigner in California, you will need a driver’s license from your home country that is in good standing.

Some companies will also want to see your passport or an international driver’s license to verify the information on your driver’s license as a second form of identification.

Do you need an international driver’s license?

If your home country’s driver’s license is not written in English and the letters used are not English (Japanese, Thai, etc.), you will be required to submit an international driver’s license.

Your international driver’s license will be used to verify the information on your home country’s driver’s license and to transcribe your details.

Useful Tips for Renting a Car in California Under 25

• BOOK IN ADVANCE

Renting a car in California if you are under 25 can be expensive, and the best way to cut down on this added cost is to book as far in advance as possible.

Prices on rental cars are at their highest when the date gets closer, and each company’s fleet of available cars gets rented out.

As supply gets smaller and demand gets higher closer to the rental date, companies start raising their prices.

The best way to secure the best price is to book through RentalCars.com as soon as you know your travel dates.

• BECOME AN AAA MEMBER

For people under 25, the best way to save money on their car rental is to become a AAA member, which will waive any young driver’s fees if you book with Hertz.

Signing up for a AAA membership comes with the added bonus of roadside assistance which can come in handy if you plan to visit rural areas of the state, like a road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas.

You will also get the peace of mind of not having to shell out big money for a tow truck if you get a flat tire or if you accidentally lock your keys in the car.

LOCAL TIP: AAA membership also comes with the money-saving bonus of discounts for stays at most major hotel chains, which can save you lots of money on a California road trip or getaway.

• BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR PICK-UP LOCATION

Not all rental car pick-up locations and rental offices offer the same pricing, and some locations charge additional concession or premium location fees, shuttle fees, and security fees at major airports.

By staying flexible with where you will pick up your car, you may be able to rent the same car from the same company for a fraction of the price. 

If this requires that you pay extra for a Uber or Lyft ride to a farther pick-up location, it might end up saving you money overall with a discounted rental rate.

If you fly into Oakland Airport, but the prices are better at the San Francisco Airport, it might be worth the trip to go from Oakland to San Francisco to pick up the car. 

• DON’T IGNORE THE FINE PRINT

It’s easy to get overly excited and skim over the fine print as you are eager to get behind the wheel and hit the road in your rental car.

Make sure to read the fine print, as breaking the rental policies and rules can end up costing you lots of money.

Rental car companies include lots of small details like rules prohibiting some cars from being driven across the border into Mexico or Canada.

If you break this policy, you can be charged additional fees that can make your rental very expensive.

It only takes a few minutes to read the fine print in the contract before renting, and it can protect you from being charged extra by the rental company.

• BE AWARE OF THE EXTRA CHARGES

To ensure that you are seeing the full price, including young driver’s fees, shop for the best prices with RentalCars.com, where you see the full price upfront.

Car rental companies love to disguise additional fees so that the price looks lower when shopping for cars, but tack on these extra expenses when it’s time to book.

Here is a list of some of the additional fees to look out for.

• Concession fee
• Convenient location fee
• Airport Surcharge
• Shuttle fee
• Security fee
• Homeland security fee
• Additional driver fee
• A different location drop-off fee
• Highway toll fees or toll convenience fee
• Extra insurance add-ons

• RENT A CAR WITH SOMEONE OVER 25

One way to get around paying for the expensive young driver fees is to rent a car with someone over 25.

A person over 25 can rent the car, and you can be added as the second driver on the policy for an additional charge.

The extra charge for the additional driver will be cheaper than the young driver fees.

Not all companies will allow young drivers under 25, so make sure you check before booking. 

• KNOW WHO IS CONSIDERED AN AUTHORIZED DRIVER

What constitutes an authorized driver varies greatly depending on each company’s individual policies.

All the major rental car companies include a spouse as an authorized additional driver, but some require that they be within a specific age range to avoid additional fees.

Some companies include immediate family members, while others allow for business associates to also drive if the car is rented through a corporate account.

The majority of rental car companies require that an additional driver is 25 years of age or older, while a few will allow for 21 and older drivers. 

How to Get the Under 25 Car Rental Fee Waived

For drivers under 25 in California, there are a few ways to get out of paying expensive young driver fees.

Luckily, the vast majority of rental car companies offer special discounts if you are a member of trusted organizations or if you are an active member of the United States military.

• Sign up for AAA Membership

Hertz car rentals will waive the young driver’s fee if you have a AAA membership in your name. 

AAA membership range from $65 to $136 per year, and if you plan to rent a car multiple times or rent for more than a few days, this will save you some money.

This also covers you for roadside assistance, and many rental car companies will offer an extra discount of up to 8% off the daily rental price.

Membership also comes with the added perk of discounts on hotel rooms if you are taking a road trip or if you are vacationing in California.

• Military and government personnel ages 18-24 can get the underage fees waived

The majority of rental car companies will waive the young driver’s fee if you are active duty in the military.

All you have to do is present your military identification, but it is important to verify that the company offers the discount before booking.

Some companies limit this discount to active duty military that need to hire a car for official military purposes.

• See if you’re eligible for a USAA Membership

If you or someone in your immediate family are in the military or were honorable discharged and are already members, you will qualify for your own account.

Once you are signed up, you can use your USAA card to get the young driver fee waived when renting a car.

This USAA account will get you access to great banking and insurance options, along with saving boatloads of cash if you rent a car.

• Check with your employer for benefits or discounts

Some large companies and Universities have partnerships that offer special discounts to their employees, students, and alumni.

Taking a little time to look through the services and assistance sections of their website might save you some cash.

Other Options for Under 25 Car Rentals in California 

With so many requirements and expensive young driver’s fees, renting a car when under 25 in California can be very difficult or just too costly.

Luckily there are some alternative car share platforms that will get you access to a great car at decent prices.

These services charge a premium for young drivers, but they offer different requirements that might fit your specific circumstances and make it easier for you to get behind the wheel.

Audi on Demand (formerly SilverCar)

Audi on Demand is an app-based booking platform owned by Audi, which rents cars to drivers with a valid driver’s license over 22 years old.

The best part is that they do not charge a young driver’s fee, but since the cars are all from the Audi lineup, daily prices are on the higher side. 

For the price, they do include complimentary mobile wifi and navigation, and they will add on car seats and ski racks for free with prior notice.

They also feature lower extra fees than the industry standard, like refueling charges and toll convenience fees.

Renters will need a credit card in their name to book with this service.

Turo

This car-sharing service works like Airbnb, but instead of homes, it allows renters to connect with certified car owners.

The process starts with getting approved, which takes minutes if you have a valid driver’s license.

Next, you will peruse through the available cars in your area before securing the perfect vehicle for your needs.

This car-sharing service has great daily rates, but they charge additional young drivers fees if you are under 25 years old

TURO YOUNG DRIVER FEES

• If you are 18 – 21, you are required to pay for a minimum or standard protection plan
• If you are 18 – 20, there is a $50 per day young driver fee
• If you are 21 – 24, there is a $30 per day young driver fee

This is a great option for those that do not have a credit card but have a debit card in their name.

ZipCar

This Los Angeles and San Francisco car-sharing service offers the flexibility to rent for a few hours or multiple weeks.

You can sign up for access to the platform for the day, or you can get a yearly membership which will allow you to share a car whenever you need one.

This is a great and affordable alternative for those that occasionally need a car for errands or to visit friends but do not want the hassle and expense of owning a car in the big city.

Once you are signed up and approved, you can book a car and be on the road in an instant.

It’s important to note that they do charge a variable young driver fee that ranges from around $13 for a few hours to $36 per day.

Car Rentals in California Under 25

*off-airport location available

San Francisco Car Rentals Under 25

• Alamo*
• Avis*
• Budget* 
• Dollar
• Enterprise*
• Fox
• Hertz*
• National*
• NU Car Rental
• Payless
• Sixt*
• Thrifty

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

The minimum age to rent a car in San Francisco is 18, which is the age required to get an unrestricted drives license and legally enter into a contract.

Each rental car company has its own minimum age policies, and they each have their own young drivers fees, which are added to the daily rental costs. 

It’s best to reserve a car with a reliable booking service like RentalCars.com, which will only show you cars from companies that rent to people your age and include the young driver fees upfront.

Car Rentals in LAX Under 25

• Ace
• ACE Rent a Car
• Alamo
• Avis*
• Black and White*
• Budget*
• Dollar
• Enterprise*
• Fox
• Hertz*
• Midway*
• National
• NU Car Rental
• Payless
• Sixt*
• Thrifty
• U-Save
• Yesaway Car Rental

Can you rent a car in LA under 25?

Renting a car in LA if you are under 25 is easy, as many companies are happy to provide high-quality rental cars if the driver has a valid driver’s license.

There is no specific law dictating the minimum age for renting a car in Los Angeles, and each car rental company sets its own policy.

Almost all rental car companies in LA charge a young driver’s fee, which can range from $19 to $29 per day.

San Diego Car Rentals under 25

• Ace*
• Alamo
• Avis*
• Budget*
• Car Rental Cafe*
• Dollar
• Economy
• Enterprise*
• Fox
• Hertz*
• National
• Nu Car Rental
• Payless
• Sixt
• Thrifty
• U-Save

Can I rent a car under 25 in San Diego?

Yes, you can rent a car if you are under 25 in San Diego, as long as you have a valid driver’s license and a credit or debit card in your name.

Even the best rental car company for under 25 set their own policies for the minimum rental age for drivers, but there are plenty of great options to choose from on RentalCars.com.

The pricing will reflect any additional underage surcharge so you can easily compare pricing and pick out the perfect car for your trip to San Diego.

FAQs: Can I rent a car in California under 25?

Can you rent a car under 25 in the US?

Yes, all states in the US allow people under 25 to rent cars, with the only age requirement being that they are 18 and over, which is the minimum age to legally sign a contract.

Rental car companies are free to set their own policies in regards to the minimum age for drivers and how much they want to charge additional for young drivers fees.

Options for renting luxury vehicles can be limited, and pricing may be extra high for younger drivers.

The states of Michigan and New York require that all rental car companies rent to individuals over 18. 

Do all rental car companies charge for under 25?

No, there are small rental car companies that rent to people under 25 without charging young drivers fees, but all the major and reputable companies charge extra.

While you may be able to rent a car from a less reputable company, it is best to book from a car rental service that has a track record of good service and safety.

There are other ways to avoid paying the young driver’s fees, including getting a AAA or a USAA membership, which will waive the young driver’s fees.

If you find a car rental company that does not charge for under 25, it is a good idea to consider how they are making up for the assumed risk of renting to young drivers.

Can I rent a car for someone else?

Yes, you can rent a car for someone else, as long as you are the primary driver and you add the person as an additional driver.

You will need to pick up the car with the additional driver, but then they can take over and drive the vehicle. 

It’s important to check the rental policies before booking, as many companies have a minimum age for additional drivers, which ranges from 21 to 25 years of age.

Can a 22 year old rent a car in Los Angeles?

Yes, a 22-year-old can rent a car in Los Angeles as long as they have a valid driver’s license and a credit or debit card in their name.

Every car rental company has its own minimum age requirements, and they hike up the prices with daily young driver fees and increased rates.

Options may be limited for luxury vehicles for young drivers, and there will be a higher deposit or a credit card hold. 

How much is it to rent a car in California?

It is possible to rent a car in California for as low as $20 per day plus taxes and fees, but prices can be well over $500 if renters opt for a luxury vehicle or book during a holiday. 

The average price to rent a car in California is around $60, but this can be much higher if you are under 25 years old with additional young drivers fees.

Renting cars at locations away from airports and using discounts from a AAA membership can save you a lot when it’s time to book a vehicle.

Bottomline

Now that you have everything you need to know for renting a car under 25 in California, all you have to do is book a car through RentalCars.com.

Whether you are looking to go on an epic California road trip or just need to run some errands, we hope that this guide for renting a car under 25 in California helped get you behind the wheel