In much of the United States, a car isn't a luxury but the only sensible way to get around: national parks, coastal routes, small towns and many cities in the South and West have almost no public transportation that works for tourists. Renting a car as a foreign visitor is possible and fairly simple, but there are traps that push up the bill if you don't know them: the young driver fee, the insurance offered at the counter, tolls, fuel and the charge for dropping the car off in another city. This guide explains how to rent a car in the United States: requirements, minimum age, which license works, which insurance makes sense, what extra costs to expect and tricks to pay less. Last checked November 6, 2026.
Rental basics
- Minimum age. At Enterprise, 21 in most of the country and 18 in New York and Michigan, according to the company.
- Under 25. Drivers pay an extra daily fee; at Enterprise, about $25 per day on average, according to its website.
- License. Your home country's license, valid and with a photo. The International Driving Permit only supplements it; it doesn't replace it.
- Payment. A card in the driver's name; some locations also ask for your passport.
Requirements to rent a car in the US as a foreigner
According to Enterprise, a foreign driver needs a valid license from their home country with a photograph. The International Driving Permit, which is only a translation, doesn't work on its own: it isn't considered a license or an ID, and it must always be presented with the original license. Some locations will also ask for your passport, and you'll need a card in the driver's name to pay. The exact rules vary by company and location, so check them when you book.
A common question is whether you can rent a car in the US with a license from Mexico, Brazil, the UK or anywhere else. In general, yes, with your valid license and passport. What changes from state to state are the rules for driving on a foreign license; we explain them in detail in driving in the US with a foreign license.
Minimum age to rent a car
According to Enterprise, the minimum rental age is 21 nationwide, except in Michigan and New York, where it's 18. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a daily young renter fee: according to the company, about $25 per day on average, $33.25 in New York and $15.50 in Michigan. Some car classes, such as sports or luxury cars, may also be off-limits to them. Other companies have similar rules, with small differences in age and fees. If you're under 25, factor that cost in when comparing prices: over a week, it can almost double the price of a cheap rental.
Credit or debit card
A credit card is the simplest option. When you pick up the car, the company places a deposit hold on the card, which is released a few days after you return it. Some locations accept debit cards, but they usually have extra requirements and take the deposit out of your account, which can leave you short of funds during your trip. Before you travel, check with your bank whether your card charges a fee on purchases in dollars; we compare the options in how much money to bring to the US.
Insurance: what they'll offer you at the counter
This is where most tourists end up overpaying. At the counter you'll be offered several coverages:
- Collision or loss damage waiver (CDW or LDW). Covers damage to or theft of the rental car. Some credit cards include it as a benefit if you pay with them; confirm with your bank before declining it.
- Supplemental liability. Covers damage to third parties above the legal minimum. For a foreign visitor, who has no US auto policy of their own, it's usually recommended.
- Personal accident and personal effects insurance. May overlap with your travel insurance.
Many bookings made from abroad already include some coverage in the price: read carefully what's included before accepting more at the counter, and don't sign anything you don't understand.
Extra costs that inflate the rental
- Airport fees. Picking up at the airport usually costs more than at a city location, because of airport taxes and fees.
- One-way drop-off. Renting in one city and returning in another can carry a steep fee; include it if you're planning a one-way trip.
- Fuel. Returning the car with a full tank is almost always cheapest. Prepaying for a tank only makes sense if you'll bring it back nearly empty.
- Tolls. Many highways collect tolls electronically, and the company charges you the toll plus a fee for using its device.
- Additional driver. Adding someone usually costs a daily fee, although in some states and for spouses it can be free.
- Child seat. Charged per day; if you're traveling with kids for several weeks, bringing your own is sometimes cheaper.
How to save on a rental car
- Book ahead and compare search engines with the companies' own websites.
- Choose a free-cancellation booking and search again a few days before: if the price drops, cancel and rebook.
- Compare city pickup with airport pickup.
- Don't pay for a bigger car than you need: fuel and parking cost more too.
- Inspect the car before driving off and photograph every scratch, so you don't pay for damage you didn't cause.
At pickup and drop-off
At pickup, go over any visible damage with the agent and make sure it's noted, check the fuel level and ask how tolls work. Many cars have push-button start and automatic transmission, the norm in the US. At drop-off, leave plenty of time, especially at the airport, where returning the car, the shuttle to the terminal and the security line take longer than you'd think. Keep the final receipt until you see the final charge on your card.
Rent a car or go car-free?
In cities like New York, Chicago, Washington or San Francisco, a car is more of a burden than a help: parking is very expensive and public transit works. To explore Florida, California, Texas or the parks of the West, on the other hand, a car is almost essential. For short trips between nearby cities, compare with the bus or the train.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need to rent a car in the US?
A valid license from your country with a photo, a card in the driver's name and, at some locations, your passport. The minimum age is usually 21.
Can you rent a car in the US with a foreign license?
In general, yes, with your valid license and passport. The rules for driving vary by state.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in the US?
At Enterprise, 21, and 18 in New York and Michigan. Drivers under 25 pay an extra daily fee.
Is the International Driving Permit mandatory?
It doesn't replace your license: according to Enterprise, it's only a translation that supplements it. Some states and companies recommend it.
Can you rent a car with a debit card?
At some locations, yes, with more requirements and with the deposit taken from your account. A credit card is simpler.
Should you buy the rental company's insurance?
Supplemental liability is usually recommended for foreign visitors. Damage coverage may be included with your credit card; confirm it first.
How much does it cost to rent a car in the US?
It depends on the city, season, car type and how far ahead you book. On top of the daily rate, add taxes, airport fees, insurance, tolls, fuel and, if you're under 25, the young driver fee.
Can I cross into Mexico or Canada with a rental car?
It depends on the company: many don't allow crossing into Mexico or require specific Mexican insurance, and for Canada they usually ask you to say so when booking. Ask before you sign the contract.