It is generally not possible for a 16-year-old to drive a rental car, even as an authorized additional driver.
Understanding Rental Car Age Policies
When it comes to renting a car in the United States, the primary driver must typically be at least 25 years old. This is a standard policy across most major car rental companies.
However, certain exceptions exist for drivers below this age. While many major car rental companies do permit drivers under 25 years old to operate a rental vehicle, there are specific conditions that must be met:
- Underage Driver Fees: An additional daily fee, often referred to as an "underage driver fee" or "young renter fee," is usually applied. This fee can vary significantly by company and location.
- Meeting All Requirements: This is the most crucial aspect. Even if a driver is under 25, they must satisfy all other eligibility criteria set by the rental company. These requirements often include:
- Minimum Age for Underage Drivers: While "below 25" allows for younger drivers, companies typically set their own specific minimum age for these programs, which is commonly 20 or 21 years old. A 16-year-old would fall below these common minimums.
- Valid Driver's License: The driver must possess a valid, full, and unrestricted driver's license issued in their name. Provisional or learner's permits, which are common for 16-year-olds, are generally not accepted for driving rental cars.
- Credit Card in Driver's Name: In many cases, the additional driver may also need to present a credit card in their name, especially if they are the primary renter.
Why 16-Year-Olds Are Typically Excluded
Even with policies allowing drivers under 25, 16-year-olds almost universally do not meet the practical requirements for being an authorized driver on a rental car contract. The combination of needing a full, unrestricted driver's license and the typical minimum age of 20 or 21 for underage drivers means that a 16-year-old will not be permitted to drive a rental vehicle.
For clarity, here's a general overview of age-related rental policies:
| Age Group | Rental Eligibility (Primary Renter) | Additional Driver Eligibility (Common) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | No | Generally No | Not permitted by most companies. |
| 20-24 | Yes (with fee, limited car types) | Yes (with fee) | Subject to underage driver fees and specific company policies/locations. |
| 25 and Over | Yes | Yes | Standard age for renting and driving without underage fees. |
To avoid any issues or unexpected fees, it is always recommended to directly check with the specific car rental company regarding their exact age requirements and policies for all potential drivers before making a reservation.
