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    CAR RENTAL AGE REQUIREMENTS

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    Age to Rent a Car: Requirements and Restrictions

    Wherever you may be looking to visit, the minimum age to rent a car can affect your travel costs considerably. This is especially true for young drivers who need to rent a car under 25 as many companies will set strict rental car age limits or charge an additional daily fee known as a young driver surcharge. These age requirements will vary depending on where and who you plan to rent your car with, so it's best to keep yourself up to speed and in control of all your local car rental fees.

    Age to Rent a CarA lesser-known rental car age restriction is a maximum age limit that can prevent senior citizens from renting a car. These limits most often affect drivers 75 and older, but each rental company can set these age requirements and restrictions independently. The good news for senior drivers is that these rules are uncommon in most European countries, but it's still always best to be aware of potential age limits that can affect your trip abroad!    

    Jump to: Age to rent a car in USA  |  Age to rent a car in Canada  |  Age to rent a car in Europe


    Young Driver Info: How Old to Rent a Car in USA?

    The permitted age to rent a car in the USA will depend on where and what company you choose to rent with. While there are no maximum age limits, most companies will not rent to any drivers under 21 years old and will charge anywhere from $9 to $30 (USD) per day for renters age 21 - 24. There are a few rental car suppliers that will allow drivers as young as 18, but renting a car under 21 can get very expensive with extra charges of $50 - $70 per day when allowed.

    How Old to Rent a Car in USAIf you are planning on renting a car in the USA under 25, pay close attention to the extra fees for young drivers. Some rental companies charge far more than others and the young driver surcharge can seriously affect the overall cost of your rental! Read over the terms & conditions of your reservation and keep an eye out for "young driver surcharges".  

    USA Min. 18 / No Max. The minimum age to rent a car in the USA can be as low as 18, but in most cases drivers under 21 are restricted from renting. Young driver surcharges range anywhere from $9 - $30 (USD) per day for drivers 21 - 24, to $50 per day or more for drivers under 21. There is no maximum age limit when renting a car in the United States.


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    Maximum/Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Canada

    Age to Rent a Car in CanadaThe minimum age to rent a car in Canada is 21, and most car rental companies will charge an additional fee for drivers 21 - 24 years old. This young driver surcharge can range anywhere from $5 - $25 per day (CAD) depending on the company you rent with, so be sure to consider these additional charges when hunting for the best deal if you are planning on renting a car under 25 in Canada.

    Canada Min. 21 / No Max While there is no maximum age restriction, the minimum age to rent a car in Canada is 21. Drivers 21-24 will have to pay an additional fee that can range from $5 - $25 (CAD) per day. There are no maximum age restrictions when renting a car in Canada.


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    Europe Car Rental Age Requirements

    Car rental age requirements in Europe will vary depending on the country you rent in. Use the chart below to get an idea of the rules and regulations by country if you have questions about the maximum or minimum age to rent a car in Europe.

    Jump to: France  |  Germany  |  Ireland  |  Italy  |  Spain  |  UK

    Rental Car Country Min./Max. Age Allowed Rental Car Age Requirements
    Austria 18 / None Austria has a relatively lax rental car age limit, with no maximums and a minimum around 18 - 19. Young driver surcharges can vary greatly from €6 - €15 per day depending on supplier.
    Belgium 19 / None Car rental age restrictions in Belgium can vary with minimums anywhere from 19 to 23. There are no maximum ages, but the fees for a driver under 25 in Belgium can cost anywhere from €15 - €30 per day.
    Bulgaria 21 / 70 Rental car age limits in Bulgaria are strict; most suppliers require a minimum age of 21 and limit to a maximum age of 70. Fees for a young driver can vary drastically from €6 - €30 per day extra depending on supplier.
    Croatia 18 / 70 Rental car age requirements in Croatia limit drivers over 70 and under 18 years old. Fees for drivers under 25 vary from €6 - €30 per day depending on supplier, and these extra fees will apply to drivers over 70 as well (when permitted at all).
    Czech Republic 19 / None Czech Republic rental car age restrictions are average, with a minimum age of 19 - 21 and no maximum age. Drivers under 25 will incur a young driver surcharge of around €15 per day.
    Denmark 21 / None The minimum age to rent a car in Denmark is higher than the norm at 21, and some suppliers will require a minimum age of 23. There are no maximum age limits but any driver under 25 will need to pay an additional 100 - 125 DKK per day.
    Finland 20 / 97 Finland rental car age requirements typically limit drivers under 21 or over 97 years old. In most cases, drivers between 21 - 24 won't incur any extra fees, but some suppliers allow drivers as young as 20 and charge about €25 per day for anyone under 25.
    France 18 / None The minimum age to rent a car in France is 18, but some suppliers may have a minimum of 21 - 23. There are no maximum age limits, but extra fees for young drivers in France can be very expensive at €30 - €40 per day.
    Germany 18 / None Germany rental car age requirements are varied and, although most minimums are 18 or 19, some suppliers set their age limit at 21. There are no maximum age restrictions, but young driver surcharges will cost anywhere from €10 - €20 per day.
    Greece 21 / 75 Rental car age restrictions in Greece limit anyone under 21 and drivers over 75 are also sometimes restricted from renting a car. Young driver surcharges for drivers under 25 are around €15 per day.
    Guam 21 / None Rental car age restrictions in Guam limit anyone under 21 from renting a car. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge with certain suppliers.
    Hungary 21 / 85 Hungary car rental age limits will sometimes incur a fee of €10 - €15 per day for drivers under 25 or over 75. Suppliers will not rent to anyone under 21 and, sometimes, anyone older than 85.
    Ireland 21 / 75 Ireland rental car age requirements are generally more strict than most other countries. The minimum age to rent a car in Ireland is 21, but most suppliers require a 23 - 25 year old minimum, and many will not rent to anyone over 75. If a driver under 25 is permitted, there will be a considerable extra fee (around €30 per day), and drivers over 75 will need to provide proof that they have not been involved in any accidents in the past five years and are in good health.
    Italy 18 / None The minimum age to rent a car in Italy is usually 18, but some suppliers will not rent to anyone under 21. There are no maximum age limits but any drivers under 24 will typically have to pay about €20 extra per day.
    Netherlands 21 / None Netherlands rental car age restrictions will vary considerably by supplier. Some either allow drivers 21 and over with no fee or charge about €15 per day for drivers 21 - 25, while others have a minimum of 23 with charges up to €30 per day for any drivers under 25.
    Norway 19 / None Norway rental car age requirements restrict drivers under 19 from renting a car. There are no maximum age limits, but renters 19 - 25 years old will incur an additional fee of 125 - 160 NOK per day.
    Poland 18 / None Car rental age limits are lax in Poland, with no maximum age and a small fee of €6 - €10 per day for any drivers between 18 and 21 years old.
    Portugal 18 / 80 Portugal rental car age restrictions will incur additional fees of €6 - €10 per day for drivers under 22 and, in some cases, under 24. Some suppliers may also have a maximum age limit of 80 years old.
    Serbia 21 / None Rental car age limits in Serbia will incur a fee of about €25 per day for drivers 21 - 24 years old. There are no maximum age restrictions but suppliers generally will not rent to drivers under 21.
    Slovakia 19 / None Rental car age requirements in Slovakia are relatively average; there is no maximum age and drivers between 19 and 23 years old will be need to pay an additional young driver surcharge of around €12 per day.
    Spain 21 / None The minimum age to rent a car in Spain is 21 and many suppliers will set their minimum even higher at 23. There are no maximum age limits, but drivers under 25 will incur a young driver surcharge of about €20 per day.
    Sweden 18 / None Car rental age restrictions in Sweden will vary greatly by supplier. There are no maximum age limits, but some rental companies will charge around 100 SEK per day for drivers 19 - 24 while others enforce a minimum age of 18 with no extra fees.
    Switzerland 19 / None Rental car age requirements in Switzerland will incur a fee of 15 - 20 CHF per day for drivers under 24. There are no maximum age restrictions, but the minimum allowed age is typically 19 and sometimes 21, depending on the supplier.
    UK 17 / None The minimum age to rent a car in the UK varies considerably; some renters allow drivers as young as 17 while others require a minimum age of 21 - 23. There are no maximum age limits but extra charges applied to drivers under 25 are very expensive at £30 - £40 per day.


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    Rental Car Age Restriction Facts

    • Rental car age requirements are determined independently. Car rentals for 18 year olds are sometimes possible, and even though the minimum legal driving age in most countries is younger than 18, each respective car rental company can set their own rules and restrictions at their own discretion.
    • Car rental age limits are based on the terms and conditions from the country you rent in. The only car rental age restrictions that will apply to you will be detailed in the terms and conditions of your rental contract, but national laws will still apply if you plan on driving to dfferent countries. Always be sure to read up on driving laws in any country you intend on visiting and give prior notice to Auto Europe if you plan on driving a rental car internationally.
    • Young driver surcharges are incurred by rental suppliers and paid locally. If your age requires you to pay an additional fee according to the terms and conditions of your rental car contract, the additional amount will not be included in your pre-paid rate with Auto Europe and will need to be paid locally at the rental desk when you pick up your vehicle.
    • Rental car age restrictions may require you to purchase insurance. If you are a senior driver or younger driver, particularly those looking to rent a car under 21, you may be required to purchase an inclusive rate rather than opting for a basic rate or using insurance provided by a credit card.
    • Car rental age requirements may restrict you from renting certain vehicles. Many rental companies will set higher age limits for specialty and luxury vehicles. Vehicles in the economy and compact classes will always have the fewest age-related restrictions.

    Car Rental Age RequirementsAlways be sure to enter the correct age of the primary driver when booking with Auto Europe, and we'll inform you of any requirements and restrictions that may apply to your rental. Remember that our knowledgeable reservation agents are waiting to assist you with whatever questions you may have, on call 24/7 and toll-free at 1-888-223-5555. You'll never have to be confused about rental car age requirements when you book with Auto Europe, and we'll also help you get the best rates in the industry, with everything from special promotions to CAA travel discounts and beyond!