Minimum Age to Rent a Car | Avis Rent a Car

 

 How old do I have to be to rent a car?

Avis rents to customers age 21 and up in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces with an Avis-honored credit card and valid driver’s license. In New York and Michigan, the minimum age to rent a car is 18. An underage surcharge usually applies to renters under 25.

 

Surcharge for Renters Under 25

You can rent a car at 21 from the Avis fleet, but you will be subject to an additional surcharge. At the time of reservation, we will automatically apply an additional $27-per-day underage surcharge in the U.S. and $35 per day in Canada for drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. 

Renters between the ages of 21 and 24 may not rent vehicles in the following car classes:

  • Full-Size SUVs

  • Luxury

  • Minivans

  • Passenger Vans

  • Premium SUVs

  • Select Series

If you have any questions about underage driving restrictions, read the Terms and Conditions for your pickup location prior to your arrival at the rental counter. You can also call Avis Customer Service at 1 (800) 352-7900.

 

Exceptions

In New York State, the minimum age to rent is 18 with a $52-per-day surcharge for renters age 18-20 and a $35-per-day underage surcharge for renters age 21-24.

Michigan will continue its minimum rental age of 18 with a $41-per-day surcharge for customers between the ages of 18-20 and a $28-per-day surcharge for customers between the ages of 21-24.

In Quebec, the minimum age to rent most sedans (economy, compact, intermediate, standard, and full-size) is 21, with an under age fee of $20 per day for renters age 21-24. For all other car groups, the minimum age is 25.

In Saskatchewan, the minimum age is 18. No underage fee applies.

 

U.S. Government Personnel

Avis applies the following restrictions to U.S. government personnel (civilian or military) who rent from us:

For personnel (FEMA, U.S. Postal Dept., Navy, and Army) not using the Government Leisure Pass, the minimum age for renters is:

  • 18 years with government travel order or purchase order

  • 21 years without government travel order or purchase order

No underage surcharge applies to government personnel who are renting without a Government Leisure Pass. 

When using a Government Leisure Pass, the renter is subject to underage fees as specified by the renting location.

 

9 Tips for First-Time Car Renters

Most car rental agencies have an age requirement to rent a car. At most Avis locations, you have to be at least 21 years of age to rent a car (but you can rent a car at 18 in a few parts of the U.S. and Canada). 

If this your first time renting a car, use these handy tips to make the most of your rental. 

  1. Reserve a car type you’re accustomed to driving. 

    2. It’s tempting to rent a flashy car, but you’ll feel more comfortable driving a vehicle that’s similar to your own. Plus, rental cars are typically models from the last few years, so you’ll probably find some amenities your own car doesn’t have.

  2. Research your insurance options. 

    3. Before you pick up your car, know what coverage options your own auto insurance policy includes for rental cars. Your credit card may also have rental car insurance. If you don’t have auto insurance, it’s in your best interest to get insurance at the rental car counter in case something happens.

  3. Reserve in advance.

    4. The best way to get the car you want for your trip is to reserve before you arrive at the rental counter. With Avis, you can often get an additional discount for prepaying for your car rental, leaving you more money to spend on your vacation.

  4. Bring your ID and credit card to pick up your rental. 

    5. You only need a few things to pick up your rental car: a valid driver's license and a credit card are usually sufficient- learn more here.

  5. Designate a driver.

    6. If you’re traveling with a group, choose one person to be the driver the entire trip. Additional drivers must pay to operate the vehicle. 

  6. Purchase highway toll passes. 

    7. You can get around faster on highways if you purchase local toll passes. Plus, you won’t have to keep change in your vehicle. 

  7. Keep the car clean.

    8. Any cars that are returned really dirty get charged a cleaning fee. You can avoid this easily by having a designated trash bag, not eating in the vehicle, and quickly cleaning up before you return the car.

  8. Don’t smoke inside.

    9. Avis has a smoke-free fleet, so you shouldn’t smoke or vape in or near your rental. You could be charged a $250 cleaning fee if the vehicle has a smoke smell when you return it.

  9. Opt for pre-paid gas.

    10. Skip the hassle of filling up your rental car with gas before you bring it back. The rental location can fill it up for you at a gas price comparable to local rates.

    Related:
    Can I smoke in a rental car?

    Does Avis have a pet-friendly car rental policy?

    Can you rent a car with a debit card?

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