Can You Rent a Car at 23 Everything You Need to Know

Yes, you can rent a car at 23, but the rules vary by company and location. Most major rental agencies set their minimum age at 21, which means 23-year-olds generally qualify. However, expect young driver surcharges and restricted vehicle options until you turn 25. This guide covers everything you need to know about car rental age requirements, fees, documents, and tips for renters under 25.

Turning 23 feels like a big step into adulthood. You can sign leases, open credit cards, and make big decisions on your own. But when it comes to renting a car, things aren’t always as straightforward as you’d hope.

If you are 23 and wondering whether you can hop behind the wheel of a rental vehicle, the short answer is yes. Most car rental companies allow renters as young as 21. That means 23-year-olds usually qualify. But there are catches. Fees, restrictions, and specific requirements can make the process more complicated than you might expect.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about renting a car at 23. We will cover age policies, fees, required documents, and practical tips to save you money and headaches. Whether you need a rental car for a weekend trip or a longer road adventure, this article has you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Age 23 is generally accepted: Most rental companies allow renters at 23, though some set the minimum at 21 or 25.
• Young driver fees apply: Expect to pay extra daily surcharges until you reach age 25.
• Credit card is essential: Nearly all companies require a credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
• Insurance matters: Check your personal auto policy or credit card coverage before renting.
• Book early for better rates: Advance reservations often help avoid high surcharges and limited availability.
• International rules differ: Some countries have higher minimum ages or additional restrictions for young drivers.
• Choose the right vehicle: Smaller, economy cars are often the best and cheapest option for renters under 25.

Can You Rent a Car at 23? The Short Answer

What the Law Says

There is no federal law in the United States that sets a universal minimum age to rent a car. Instead, each rental company sets its own car rental age requirements. Most major agencies allow renters starting at age 21. That means if you are 23, you fall well within the acceptable range for the vast majority of companies.

However, some companies set their minimum age at 25. This is especially true for luxury or specialty vehicle categories. Always check the specific car rental companies age policy before you book.

Internationally, the rules vary even more. Some countries require renters to be at least 23, while others set the bar at 21 or even 18. If you plan to rent abroad, you will want to research the local car rental age requirements ahead of time.

The Bottom Line

Being 23 means you can rent a car from most major agencies in the US and many other countries. You are not a minor, and you are not yet in the highest-risk age bracket that companies worry about. That said, you are still considered a young driver in the eyes of rental companies, which brings us to the next important topic.

Age Requirements at Major Rental Companies

Enterprise and National

Enterprise Rent-A-Car and its sister brand National allow renters starting at age 20 in most US states. That makes them very friendly for rental car for 23 year olds. At 23, you can rent from either brand without issues in most locations.

Enterprise also operates under several regional brands, including Alamo and National. All of these generally follow the same age policy. The Enterprise rent a car age requirement is 20 in the US, which is one of the lowest among major companies.

Hertz and Avis

Hertz allows renters starting at age 20 in most US states. Their Hertz car rental age policy is similar to Enterprise. At 23, you can rent from Hertz without any problems.

Avis sets the minimum age at 21 in the US. Their Avis rental age requirement is slightly higher than Hertz or Enterprise, but 23 still qualifies easily. Both companies offer a range of vehicle types, though younger renters may face limitations on premium or luxury models.

Budget and Dollar

Budget Car Rental allows renters at age 20 in most US states. Their Budget car rental age policy is very accessible for 23-year-olds. Dollar Rent A Car also starts at age 20, making both brands great options for under 25 car rental.

Both Budget and Dollar are part of the same parent company (Hertz), so their policies are closely aligned. They are often among the most affordable options, which is a big plus for younger renters watching their budgets.

Comparison Table

Rental Company	Minimum Age (US)	Young Driver Fee
Enterprise	20	Yes, varies by location
National	20	Yes, varies by location
Hertz	20	Yes, varies by location
Avis	21	Yes, varies by location
Budget	20	Yes, varies by location
Dollar	20	Yes, varies by location
Thrifty	20	Yes, varies by location

As you can see, 23 is a perfectly acceptable age at nearly every major rental brand. The key differences lie in the fees and vehicle restrictions, not in whether you can rent at all.

Fees and Surcharges for Renters Under 25

Young Driver Surcharge Explained

Here is the part nobody likes to talk about. If you are under 25, most rental companies charge a young driver surcharge. This is a daily fee added to your rental cost simply because of your age.

The surcharge exists because insurance costs are higher for younger drivers. Rental companies pass some of that cost on to the renter. It is not a penalty or a scam. It is just how the industry works. The rental car fees for young drivers can range from $20 to $50 per day, depending on the company and location.

Daily vs. Weekly Surcharge

Some companies charge the young driver surcharge on a daily basis. Others cap it at a weekly rate. For example, if you rent for 7 days, you might pay the surcharge for only 5 days. Always ask about how the surcharge is calculated before you book.

Here is a quick look at what you might expect:

• Daily surcharge: $20 to $35 per day at most major brands
• Weekly cap: Some companies limit the surcharge to $100 to $150 per week
• Total added cost: For a 3-day rental, expect $60 to $105 extra

How Much Extra Will You Pay?

The car rental under 25 surcharge can add up fast. A 5-day rental with a $30 daily surcharge adds $150 to your total. That is significant. But there are ways to minimize this cost, which we will cover in the tips section below.

Some credit cards offer rental car insurance that includes young driver coverage. This can help offset the surcharge or eliminate it entirely. Check your card benefits before you book.

What You Need to Rent a Car at 23

Driver’s License and ID

First things first. You need a valid driver’s license. This is non-negotiable. The license must be in your name and current. Expired licenses will not be accepted.

Most companies also require a second form of identification. This can be a passport, state ID card, or proof of residency. Keep these documents ready before you arrive at the rental counter.

Credit Card and Deposit

Nearly every rental company requires a credit card for car rental in the driver’s name. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but they come with extra restrictions and hold requirements.

The car rental deposit for young drivers is often higher than for older renters. Expect a hold of $200 to $500 on your credit card at the time of rental. This hold covers potential damages, fuel charges, or traffic violations. The hold is released after the car is returned undamaged.

Make sure the credit card has enough available credit to cover the hold. If the card is maxed out, the rental company will not let you take the car.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance for young renters is a critical topic. Rental companies offer their own insurance at the counter, but it can be expensive. Before you rent, check whether your personal auto policy covers rental vehicles.

Many standard auto insurance policies extend coverage to rental cars. If yours does, you may not need the rental company’s insurance at all. Also check whether your credit card offers rental car coverage as a perk.

Here is a quick breakdown of common insurance options:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental car. Often $10 to $30 per day.
• Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property. Required by law in most states.
• Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical costs for you and your passengers. Optional in most cases.
• Personal Effects Coverage: Covers stolen belongings in the car. Often covered by homeowners or renters insurance.

Additional Documents

Beyond your license and credit card, some companies require additional paperwork. This is more common for international rentals or for renters under 25. You may need to provide a return flight itinerary or proof of a round-trip booking.

Always call ahead or check the company’s website for a full list of required documents. Being prepared saves time and avoids surprises at the counter.

Tips for Renting a Car at Age 23

Book in Advance

One of the best car rental tips for young drivers is to book early. When you reserve ahead of time, you lock in your rate and your vehicle choice. This is especially important for under 25 car rental, where availability can be limited.

Last-minute rentals often come with higher prices and fewer vehicle options. Young drivers may find that the best cars are already booked when they arrive. Give yourself at least a few days of lead time.

Choose the Right Vehicle

Rental companies often restrict younger drivers from renting luxury or high-performance vehicles. At 23, your best bet is to stick with economy or compact cars. These are usually the cheapest option, which helps offset the young driver surcharge.

Here are some smart vehicle choices for 23-year-old renters:

• Economy cars: Cheapest rates, great fuel economy, easy to park
• Compact SUVs: A bit more space, still affordable for young renters
• Mid-size sedans: Comfortable for road trips without breaking the budget

Avoid renting trucks, luxury sedans, or sports cars. These categories often have a minimum age of 25, and the daily rates are already high.

Check Your Personal Insurance

Before you arrive at the rental counter, call your auto insurance provider. Ask specifically whether your policy covers rental vehicles. If it does, you can skip the rental company’s insurance and save $10 to $30 per day.

Also check your credit card benefits. Many major credit cards offer primary rental car coverage when you use the card to pay for the rental. This can save you hundreds of dollars on a week-long trip.

Avoid Peak Times

Rental prices and surcharges tend to be higher during peak travel seasons. If you can, plan your rental during off-peak times. Weekday rentals are often cheaper than weekend rentals. Flying into smaller airports can also save money compared to major city locations.

Read the Fine Print

Always read the rental agreement carefully before signing. Pay attention to mileage limits, fuel policies, and return requirements. Some companies charge extra for one-way rentals or for returning the car with less than a full tank of gas.

Take photos of the car before you drive off. Document every scratch, dent, and blemish. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage when you return the vehicle.

International Car Rental Rules for 23-Year-Olds

Country-Specific Age Rules

If you are planning to rent a car abroad, the international car rental age rules may differ from what you are used to. In many European countries, the minimum age is 21 or 23. In some countries, the minimum age is 25.

Here are a few examples of international car rental age requirements:

• United Kingdom: Minimum age is typically 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25
• Australia: Minimum age is usually 21, with young driver fees applying
• Canada: Similar to the US, minimum age is often 21
• Germany: Some companies require renters to be at least 18, but surcharges apply until 25
• Japan: Minimum age is 18, but international driving permits are required

Always check the specific country’s rules before you travel. Requirements can vary widely even within the same continent.

Tips for Renting Abroad

Renting a car in a foreign country adds extra layers of complexity. Here are a few tips to make it smoother:

• Get an International Driving Permit: Some countries require this in addition to your regular license
• Check GPS and toll systems: International rentals often include toll transponders with daily fees
• Understand local traffic laws: Rules can be very different from what you are used to
• Verify cross-border policies: Some rentals do not allow you to drive across country lines

Final Thoughts on Renting a Car at 23

So, can you rent a car at 23? Absolutely. The vast majority of rental companies welcome 23-year-old drivers. You are old enough to rent from Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and most other major brands without any issues.

But renting at 23 does come with a few realities. You will likely pay young driver surcharges until you turn 25. You will need a credit card and proper documentation. And your vehicle options may be somewhat limited compared to older renters.

The good news is that these challenges are easy to manage. Book in advance, choose an economy vehicle, check your insurance coverage, and read the rental agreement carefully. With a little planning, renting a car at 23 can be simple and affordable.

Use the tips and information in this guide to make your next rental experience smooth and stress-free. Whether you are heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, being prepared is the best way to save money and avoid problems at the counter.

Now that you know what to expect, go ahead and book your rental with confidence. Being 23 and renting a car is totally doable. You have got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you rent a car at 23 without a credit card?

Most rental companies require a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. Some companies may accept a debit card, but they often impose additional restrictions and higher holds. It is best to use a credit card to avoid complications at the rental counter.

How much extra does it cost to rent a car at 23?

The young driver surcharge typically ranges from $20 to $50 per day. For a 3-day rental, this could add $60 to $150 to your total cost. The exact amount depends on the rental company and location, so always check the fee details before booking.

What is the youngest age to rent a car?

The youngest age to rent a car varies by company. Most major US rental agencies set the minimum at 20 or 21. Some budget brands accept renters as young as 18 in certain states. Always verify the specific company’s policy before making a reservation.

Do you need insurance to rent a car at 23?

Rental companies require some form of insurance coverage. This can come from your personal auto policy, your credit card benefits, or the rental company’s own insurance products. Check your existing coverage before you rent to avoid paying for duplicate insurance.

Can a 23-year-old rent a luxury car?

Most rental companies restrict luxury and high-performance vehicles to renters aged 25 and older. At 23, you will typically be limited to economy, compact, and mid-size vehicles. Always check the vehicle category restrictions before booking.

Are there any car rental companies that don’t charge young driver fees?

A few rental companies and membership programs waive the young driver surcharge for certain age groups or loyalty members. For example, some companies offer fee waivers for members of their rewards programs. Always ask about fee waivers when booking to see if you qualify.

=== CONCLUSION ===

Renting a car at 23 is absolutely possible and something thousands of young adults do every day. The key is to go in prepared. Know the car rental age requirements, understand the young driver surcharges, and have your documents ready before you arrive.

Choose a reputable rental company, book in advance, and pick a vehicle that fits both your needs and your budget. Check your insurance coverage to avoid paying for duplicate protection. And if you are renting internationally, do your homework on local rules and requirements.

The car rental process for 23-year-olds does not have to be intimidating. With the right information and a little planning, you can rent a car confidently and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. Use this guide as your go-to resource, and you will be well on your way to a smooth rental experience.