Drivers wishing to rent a car in the United States should at least be 21 years of age in most states, except in the state of New York, where the minimum age requirement is 18 years of age --- providing the driver has a valid credit card, license and pays an underage surcharge of $52 per day. In some states drivers from the age of 21 to 24 may also be required to pay a surcharge for being under the age of 25 years old.
All United States car renters are required to hold a valid state issued United States driver's license. If the individual is not in possession of a United States driver's license, some car rental companies will accept a passport and the individual may also be required to present an international driving permit when applicable. Residents not from the United States may obtain an international driving permit from their home country according to the U.S. Department of State.
Driving records may be investigated before a car rental company will enter into rental agreement with the customer. If the driving records show certain violations, the car rental company has the right to refuse rental services. Violations a car rental company may investigate includes a suspended, expired or revoked license, more than one incident of reckless driving, a DUI, DWI or DWAI conviction in the last four years, possession of a stolen vehicle or use of vehicle in a crime, three or more convictions of a moving violation in two years except seat belt violations and two or more accidents in the last three years.
Additional drivers are allowed on the rental agreement but must be at least 25 years of age by most car rental company requirements. Driving records of any additional drivers are also checked for the same criteria as the main driver.
