Short Answer — Texas does not have set age requirements for renting a car; individual companies each set their own requirements. Most companies require you to be at least 21 to rent. We’ve compiled the list of the car rental companies that operate in Texas and their age requirements, along with information on young renter fees and restrictions.
Texas Car Rental Age Requirements
In the U.S., rental car agencies set their own age requirements. Most rental car agencies require you to be 21 years old to rent a car in Texas, and no companies impose a maximum age restriction in the U.S.
There are a few exceptions to the minimum age requirements. For example, if you are a U.S. Government employee, you may rent a car as early as age 18 by showing the agent at your rental location your government employee ID and evidence of your official orders.
Although many agencies in Texas allow car rentals as early as age 21, they will usually charge daily fees to drivers under 25; these fees can significantly increase the total cost of the rental.
Comparison Table
See the table below for a comparison of the minimum renter ages and underage driver fees at the major car rental companies in Texas then select any company or scroll for more details.
Rental Company | Minimum Age | Young Driver Fee |
---|---|---|
ACE Rent a Car | Typically 21 (varies) | Varies by location |
Alamo Rent a Car | 21 | Varies by location |
Avis Rent a Car | Typically 21 (varies) | Typically $27 per day (varies) |
Budget Rent a Car | 21 | Typically $27 per day (varies) |
Dollar Rent a Car | 20 | Varies by location |
Enterprise Rent-A-Car | 21 | Typically $25 per day (varies) |
Fox Rent A Car | 19 | $20 to $25 per day |
Hertz | Typically 20 (varies) | $19 per day |
National Car Rental | 21 | Typically $25 per day (varies) |
Payless Car Rental | 21 | $25 per day |
Rent-A-Wreck | Typically 18 (varies) | Varies by location |
Audi on demand | 22 | Varies by location |
Sixt | 21 | Varies by location |
Thrifty Car Rental | 20 | Varies by location |
Turo | 18 | $30 to $50 per day |
Zipcar | 21; 18 if in college | None |
Policies by Company
ACE Rent a Car
- Minimum age: 21 in most locations, though some will rent to younger drivers[1][2]
- Underage fees and restrictions: Varies by location[2]
- Book online
Alamo Rent a Car
- Minimum age: 21[3]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a young driver surcharge may be applied to your rental cost, depending on the location. The average price is $25 per day. Young drivers (under 25) also may not be able to rent certain specialty vehicles.[3]
- Book online
Audi on demand
- Minimum age: 22[4]
- Underage fees and restrictions: None[5]
- Book online
Avis Rent a Car
- Minimum age: 21[6]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are 24 or younger, an underage surcharge will be assessed. The surcharge amount depends on the specific rental location, but it is typically around $27. You must have a credit card and valid driver’s license. Renters under 25 cannot rent luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, full-size SUVs, and premium SUVs.[6][7]
- Book online
Budget Rent a Car
- Minimum age: 21[8]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a daily surcharge will be applied to your rental cost.[8] The amount of the charge depends on the specific rental location in Texas, but it is typically around $27.[9]
- Book online
Dollar Rent A Car
- Minimum age: 20[10]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 20 and 24, a daily surcharge will be applied to your rental cost.[10] The amount of the charge depends on the specific rental location in Texas.
- Book online
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Minimum age: 21 in most locations[11]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a “Young Renter Fee” may be assessed. The fee varies based on rental location but is usually around $25 a day. Young renters are only permitted to rent from a limited selection of vehicles.[11]
- Book online
Fox Rent a Car
- Minimum age: 19[12]
- Underage fees and restrictions: Renters aged 18 to 20 can expect surcharges of $25 per day. Renters aged 21 to 24 can expect surcharges of $20 per day.[13]
- Book online
Hertz
- Minimum age: 20 in most locations; 18 in some locations[14]
- Underage fees and restrictions: Drivers under 25 will pay a surcharge of $19 per day;[15] drivers under 25 cannot rent from the Prestige or Adrenaline Collections.[14]
- Book online
National Car Rental
- Minimum age: 21[16]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a young renter fee may be added to your total cost. The fee varies by location, but it is typically around $25.[16]
- Book online
Payless Car Rental
- Minimum age: 21[17]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, a $25 per day surcharge will be added to your rental cost.[18]
- Book online
Rent-A-Wreck
- Minimum age: 18 at most locations[19]
- Underage fees and restrictions: Most locations will rent to drivers aged 18 to 25 for an additional fee.[19] Fees vary by location — contact your intended location for exact fee information.
- Book online
Sixt
- Minimum age: 21[20]
- Underage fees and restrictions: Fees vary by location; the amount will be shown at checkout. Rental car choices for young drivers are restricted to certain vehicle categories.[20]
- Book online
Thrifty Car Rental
- Minimum age: 20[21]
- Underage fees and restrictions: If you are under the age of 25, a daily surcharge will be assessed. The amount varies by location and vehicle class, so it’s best to call your local rental office to confirm additional fees and charges if you are under 25.[21][22]
- Book online
Turo
- Minimum age: 18. If you are under 25, you may be required to demonstrate at least two years of current driving history.[23][24]
- Underage fees and restrictions: Drivers aged 18 to 20 pay a minimum young driver fee of $50 per day; drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a minimum young driver fee of $30 per day. Renters under 30 may not rent high-value cars (defined as cars valued at over $85,000).[23][25]
- Book online
Zipcar
- Minimum age: 18 for college students; 21 otherwise[26][27]
- Underage fees and restrictions: There are no specific fees for young drivers. Membership costs around $9 per month, with discounts available for students and teachers.[28]
- Book online