How to Get a Rental Car Under 25 in the U.S.—Requirements & Tips for Young Drivers
SIXT makes it easy to secure a rental car under 25, with eligibility starting at 21 years old across most U.S. states—and as young as 18 in New York or for government renters with valid identification.
There's no minimum license-holding period, so even newer drivers are welcome. A Young Driver Surcharge applies for car rental under 25, with the exact amount depending on location and vehicle type. International renters can also book with a valid license and passport. If you're a student, you may be eligible for an exclusive discount to help save on your trip.
Whether it's for a weekend away or your first solo road trip, we help young drivers get behind the wheel with confidence. For the best rental car company for under 25, look no further than SIXT.
SIXT Car Rental Age Requirements by State in the US: Your Guide to Car Rental Under 25, State by State
Wondering how old you have to be to rent a car, or which car rental company allows drivers under 21? Here's a clear overview of where you can rent with SIXT, what vehicles are available, and how surcharges vary by location.
| US States | Minimum Age for SIXT car rental | Vehicle Categories Allowed at SIXT | Young Driver Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
New York | 18 (also 21+) | Economy, Compact, Sedan, SUV, Minivan only; no luxury/exotics | Higher surcharge applies for 18–20; also applies for 21–24; shown upfront during booking |
Michigan | 18 (limited SIXT stations) | Economy, Compact, Sedan, SUV, Minivan only; no luxury/exotics | Surcharge applies for 18–20 and 21–24; amounts higher than standard U.S. locations |
All Other U.S. States | 21 | Economy, Compact, Sedan, SUV, Minivan; excludes luxury/exotic | Standard Young Driver Surcharge applies to under-25; varies by location & vehicle category |
Car rental from age 21 is possible in the following U.S. states and Washington D.C.: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C.
Why Choose SIXT for Car Rental Under 25
🚗 Car Categories & Age Requirements at SIXT
Minivan
- Age Requirement: 21+ (18 in New York; 18 for government renters)
- Young Driver Surcharge: Applies for drivers under 25
- Availability: Accessible to young drivers without additional restrictions
SUVs
- Age Requirement: 21+ (18 in New York; 18 for government renters)
- Young Driver Surcharge: Applies for drivers under 25
- Availability: Available to young drivers; larger or premium models may have higher age requirements
Passenger Van and 12 seaters
- Age Requirement: 25+
- Availability: Not available to drivers under 25
FAQs for Under-25 Car Rental at SIXT
What is the minimum age to rent a car with SIXT?
The minimum age to rent a car with SIXT in most U.S. states is 21 years old. However, if you’re looking for car rental under 21, the minimum age is 18 in New York. Please note that luxury vehicles always require renters to be at least 25 years old.
Is there a Young Driver Surcharge?
Yes, there is a Young Driver Surcharge for drivers under the age of 25.
The Young Driver Surcharge is automatically applied during the booking process for car rental under 25.
How much is the young driver fee?
The exact fee varies depending on the main driver's age, the location and the type of vehicle rented. You will see the Young Driver Surcharge clearly displayed during the booking process—there are no hidden costs with SIXT!
How can I avoid the young driver fee?
Generally, the Young Driver Surcharge cannot be waived for car rental under 25. However, student discounts may help reduce the overall costs. For current offers, it’s always best to check the SIXT website.
Are there any age exceptions for government renters?
Government renters who can provide a valid government ID are eligible to rent from age 18.
Do I need to have held my driver's license for a minimum period?
No, SIXT does not require a minimum license-holding period for renting a car in the U.S. As long as you have a valid driver's license, you are eligible to rent a car.
Can international drivers under 25 rent a car with SIXT?
Yes, international drivers under 25 can rent a car with SIXT. The same age restrictions and surcharges apply as for U.S. renters. You can find more details here in our help center.
Are all vehicle categories available to renters under 25?
Most economy, compact, midsize sedans, SUVs, and minivans are available to renters under 25. However, luxury cars, exotic vehicles, and certain specialty categories require the renter to be at least 25 years old.
Are additional drivers allowed if I'm under 25?
Additional drivers are allowed as long as they meet the same age and license requirements as the primary renter. Keep in mind that additional driver fees may apply.
Are there any discounts available for students or young drivers?
Yes, eligible students can access exclusive discounts through SIXT. These offers can help offset some rental costs, including the young driver fee. You can find out about our latest car rental discount for students here.
What identification and documents are required for renting as a young driver?
To rent a car as a young driver, you will need a valid driver's license, a government-issued ID or passport, and a credit or debit card in your name. Some locations may ask for proof of address, especially when using a debit card. Debit cards are typically not accepted for luxury or full-size SUV rentals. You can find more details in our rental information.
What happens if I want to rent a luxury or specialty vehicle?
To rent a luxury or specialty vehicle, you must be at least 25 years old. These vehicles are not available for under-25 car rental due to higher risk and insurance requirements.
Can I rent a car online if I'm under 25?
Yes! For the best rental car deals for under 25, you can easily book your rental online through the SIXT website or app, regardless of your age. All age requirements and surcharges will be clearly displayed during the booking process.
What are the insurance requirements or options for young drivers?
SIXT offers various insurance and protection packages to suit your needs. While young driver insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to minimize your financial liability in case of damage or accidents.
Are there mileage restrictions for young driver rentals?
Mileage restrictions depend on the rental location and vehicle category. Some car rentals under 25 may include unlimited mileage, while others may have limits. The details will be provided during your booking.
SIXT Young Driver Comparison: Car Rental Under 25 in the U.S. vs. European Countries
Minimum Age to Rent with SIXT: U.S. & Europe Compared
This guide breaks down the key rules for car rental under 25 in top SIXT locations across Europe and the U.S., including vehicle category access and surcharges. In some countries, you can even rent a car as early as age 18.
| Country | Minimum Age | License Holding Required | Allowed Vehicle Categories for Young Drivers | Young Driver Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
United States (USA) | 21 (18 in NY & for govt) | None | Economy, Compact, Midsize, SUV, Minivan | Yes, applies for drivers under 25 |
Germany | 18 | One Day | Some car categories are restricted to repeat renters More details on rental information for Germany | Yes, applies for drivers under 23 |
France | 18 | One Year Some car categories will require longer license holding (more details) | Depends on license holding conditions More details on rental information for France | Yes, applies for drivers under 25 Young driver surcharge= 40€/day (400€ maximum) |
Spain | 18 | One Day | A deviation from the minimum age is possible depending on the vehicle and car categories | Yes, applies for drivers under 23 |
Italy | 18 | One Year | A deviation from the minimum age is possible depending on the vehicle and car categories | Yes, applies for drivers under 25 |
United Kingdom (UK) | 21 | One Year | A deviation from the minimum age and time of possession of the license is possible depending on the vehicle and car categories More details on rental information for the UK | Yes, applies for drivers under 28 |
Netherlands | 19 | One Year | A deviation from the minimum age is possible depending on the vehicle and car categories | Yes, applies for drivers under 25 |
Switzerland | 19 | One Year | A deviation from the minimum age is possible depending on the vehicle and car categories | Yes, applies for drivers under 25 |
Portugal | 18 | None | A deviation from the minimum age is possible depending on the vehicle and car categories More details on rental information for Portugal | Yes, applies for drivers under 30 |
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