What you need to rent a car
Age, license, payment and insurance explained clearly, so pickup takes minutes instead of a long conversation.
- 21+minimum age
- $200deposit from
- 1valid license
Age requirements
The main driver and every additional driver must be at least 21 years old on the day of pickup. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent Economy, Midsize, Compact SUV, Electric, Minivan and Pickup classes with a young driver fee.
| Driver age | Car classes | Young driver fee |
|---|---|---|
| 21 to 24 | Economy, Midsize, Compact SUV, Electric, Minivan, Pickup | $25/day |
| 25 and older | All classes, including Convertible, Luxury, Full-size SUV and Jeep | None |
| Military, 21 to 24 | Same as 21 to 24, on official orders | Waived |
Sample fees for illustration.
Driver's license
Every driver needs a full, valid driver's license held for at least one year, presented in person at pickup. Digital or photocopied licenses are not accepted, though a temporary paper license is fine alongside your expired card and a government photo ID.
- US licenses from any state are accepted.
- Learner permits and provisional licenses are not accepted.
- Licenses with a suspension or more than two moving violations in three years may be declined.
Payment and security deposit
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards in the main driver's name. A security deposit is placed as a hold, not a charge, when you pick up and is released within 3 to 7 business days of return.
Using a debit card
Debit cards are accepted at the airport counter when you show a return flight itinerary within your rental dates. The deposit is $150 higher, and Luxury and Convertible classes require a credit card.
Insurance and protection
California minimum liability coverage is included with every rental. Damage protection is optional. You can decline it if your personal auto policy or credit card covers rental cars, or choose Essential, Plus or Complete when you book.
A collision damage waiver is not insurance. It is an optional agreement that limits what you owe if the car is damaged. Compare protection options.
International visitors
We welcome drivers from every country. Bring your original license, your passport and a credit card in your name. If your license is not printed in the Roman alphabet, also bring an International Driving Permit.
Visitors from Mexico with a valid Mexican license can rent any class. Canadian licenses are treated the same as US licenses.
Rules of the road
- Where you can drive: anywhere in California, Nevada and Arizona with unlimited miles. Other states are allowed on one-way or pre-approved trips.
- Mexico: Economy, Midsize and SUV classes only, with Mexican liability insurance bought at the counter.
- Smoking and vaping: not allowed. A $250 cleaning fee applies.
- Pets: welcome in carriers or with a seat cover. Excess hair may result in a cleaning fee.
- Off-road: only Jeep Wranglers on graded dirt roads in Anza-Borrego.
Unsure about anything? Call (619) 555-0192 before your trip and a real person will answer.
Requirement questions
21 for most car classes, with a young driver fee of $25 per day for drivers under 25. Convertibles, luxury sedans and the Tahoe require drivers 25 or older.
A valid license in English is enough. If your license is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit along with your original license and passport.
Spouses and registered domestic partners drive free under California law. Other additional drivers are $13 per day and must be present at pickup.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards in the main driver's name. Debit cards are accepted at the airport with a round-trip flight itinerary and a larger deposit.
Travel into Baja California is allowed in Economy, Midsize and SUV classes with Mexican liability insurance bought at the counter for $35 per day. Tell us when booking. Convertibles, luxury and electric cars cannot cross the border.
