Rental Car Age Requirements

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Rental Car Age Requirements & Restrictions

Regardless of where you are looking to travel, rental car age requirements and restrictions may affect the cost of your vehicle reservation. This is especially true for those looking to rent a car under 25 because many rental suppliers will set strict rental car age limits or charge an additional daily fee known as a young driver surcharge. These age limits will vary depending on where and who you plan to rent your car with, so it's best to keep yourself informed and in control of all your local car rental fees.
 

How Old Do you Have to be to Rent a Car in Europe

In most countries, drivers as young as 18 will be able to book a rental car (see chart below). Although rental suppliers are willing to rent vehicles to young adults, this will likely come with additional rental fees and certain restrictions on rental fleets available. With over 60 years of industry experience, Auto Europe has been booking rental cars for travelers of all ages. Find detailed information on what to expect in your rental experience if you are under the age of 25.

A less common rental car age requirement is a maximum age limit that will sometimes prevent older senior drivers from renting a car. These limits typically affect drivers 75 and older, but individual rental suppliers can set these rental car age requirements and restrictions at their own discretion. The good news for senior citizens is that these rules are uncommon in most European countries, but it's still always best to be aware of potential age limits that can affect your trip abroad!     

Rental Car Age Requirement Facts 

  • Rental car age requirements are determined independently.
    Car rentals for 18 year olds are possible, and even though the minimum legal driving age in most European countries is younger than 18, each respective car rental company can choose who they will or will not rent to and can set their own rules and restrictions.
  • Car rental age limits are based on the terms and conditions from the country you rent in.
    The only car rental age restrictions that will apply to you will be detailed in the terms and conditions of your rental contract, but national laws will still apply if you plan on driving to dfferent countries. Always be sure to read up on driving laws in any country you intend on visiting and give prior notice to Auto Europe if you plan on driving a rental car internationally.
  • Young driver surcharges are incurred by rental suppliers and paid locally.
    If your age requires you to pay an additional fee according to the terms and conditions of your rental car contract, the additional amount will not be included in your pre-paid rate with Auto Europe and will need to be paid locally at the rental desk when you pick up your vehicle.
  • Rental car age restrictions may require you to purchase insurance.
    If you are a senior driver or younger driver, particularly those looking to rent a car under 21, you may be required to purchase an inclusive rate rather than opting for a basic rate or using insurance provided by a credit card.
  • Car rental age requirements may restrict you from renting certain vehicles.
    Many rental companies will set higher age limits for specialty and luxury vehicles. Vehicles in the economy and compact classes will always have the fewest age-related restrictions.

Rent a Car Age Chart

Use the chart below to gather some quick info on rent a car age limits for the country you plan on visiting. Remember that rules may vary depending on the location and rental supplier you choose, but specific terms and conditions will always be listed in your car rental contract.  

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Rental Car Country Min./Max. Age Allowed Rental Car Age Requirements
Austria 18 / None The rental car age limit in Austria is relatively lax, with no effective maximums and a minimum around 18-19. Young driver surcharges, however, can vary greatly from €6 - €15 per day depending on supplier.
Belgium 19 / None Belgium car rental age restrictions can vary, with some minimums as low as 19 and others as high as 23. There are no maximum limits, but the fees for a driver under 25 in Belgium can vary, costing anywhere from €15 - €30 per day.
Bulgaria 21 / 70 Rental car age limits in Bulgaria are stricter than other countries, with most suppliers requiring a minimum age of 21 and maximum age of 70. Fees for a young driver can vary drastically and can be anywhere from €6 - €30 per day extra depending on supplier.
Croatia 18 / 70 Croatia rental car age requirements limit drivers over 70 and under 18 years old. Fees for drivers under 25 vary greatly, from €6 - €30 per day depending on supplier, and these extra fees will apply to drivers over 70 as well when permitted.
Czech Republic 19 / None Czech Republic rental car age restrictions are fairly typical, with no maximum age and a minimum age of 19-21. Drivers under 25 will incur an additional young driver surcharge of around €15 per day.
Denmark 21 / None The minimum rental car age in Denmark is a bit higher than the norm at 21, and some suppliers can require a minimum age of 23. There are no maximum age limits but any driver under 25 will have to pay an additional 100-125 DKK per day.
Finland 20 / 97 Rental car age requirements in Finland typically limit drivers under 21 or over 97 years old. In most cases, there will be no extra fees for a driver between 21 and 24, but some suppliers allow drivers as young as 20 and charge about €25 per day for anyone under 25.
France 18 / None Car rental age in France is at minimum 18, but some suppliers may set their minimum at 21-23. There are no maximum age limits, but extra fees for young drivers in France are very expensive and are anywhere from €30 - €40 per day.
Germany 18 / None Germany rental car age requirements are varied and, although most minimums are 18 or 19, some suppliers set their age limit at 21. There are no maximum age restrictions, but young driver surcharges will cost anywhere from €10 - €20 per day.
Greece 21 / 75 Rental car age restrictions in Greece limit anyone under 21 and, in some cases, over 75 from renting a car. Young driver surcharges for renters under 25 will be around €15 per day.
Hungary 21 / 85 Hungary car rental age limits will sometimes incur an extra charge of €10 - €15 per day for drivers under 25 or over 75 years old. Suppliers will not rent to anyone under 21 and, in some cases, anyone older than 85.
Ireland 21 / 75 Ireland rental car age requirements are generally more strict than most other countries. The absolute minimum age allowed is 21, but most suppliers require a 23-25 year old minimum, and many will not rent to anyone over 75. If a driver under 25 is permitted, there will be a considerable extra fee (around €30 per day), and drivers over 75 are required to provide proof that they are in good health and have not been involved in any accidents in the past five years.
Italy 18 / None The rental car age limit in Italy is typically a minimum of 18, but some suppliers will not rent to anyone under 21. There are no maximum age limits but any drivers under 24 will usually have to pay around an additional €20 per day.
Netherlands 21 / None Rental car age restrictions in the Netherlands will vary considerably by supplier. Some either allow drivers 21 and over with no fee or charge around €15 per day for drivers 21-25, and others have a minimum of 23 with charges up to €30 per day for anyone under 25.
Norway 19 / None Norway rental car age requirements restrict drivers under 19 from renting a car. There is no maximum age limit, but renters between 19 and 25 years old will incur an additional fee of 125 - 160 NOK per day.
Poland 18 / None Car rental age limits are fairly lax in Poland, with no maximum age and a relatively small fee of €6 - €10 per day for any drivers between 18 and 21 years old.
Portugal 18 / 80 Portugal rental car age restrictions will incur an additional charge of €6 - €10 per day for most drivers under 22, and in some cases, under 24. Some suppliers may also have a maximum age limit of 80 years old.
Serbia 21 / None Serbia rental car age limits will require a fee of about €25 per day for drivers between 21 and 24 years old. There are no maximum age restrictions but suppliers will not rent to anyone under 21 years old.
Slovakia 19 / None Rental car age requirements in Slovakia are typical among other European nations; there is no maximum age and drivers between 19 and 23 years old will be required to pay an additional young driver surcharge of about €12 per day.
Spain 21 / None Spain rental car age restrictions require a minimum driver age of 21 and many suppliers will set their minimum higher at 23. There are no maximum age restrictions, but any driver under 25 will incur extra young driver surcharges of around €20 per day.
Sweden 18 / None Car rental age restrictions in Sweden will vary considerably by supplier. There are no maximum age limits, but some suppliers will charge around 100 SEK per day for drivers between 19 and 24 while others have a minimum age of 18 with no extra fees.
Switzerland 19 / None Switzerland rental car age requirements will incur a fee of 15 - 20 CHF per day for drivers under 24. There are no maximum age limits, but the minimum allowed age is typically 19 and sometimes 21, depending on the supplier.
UK 17 / None The UK rent a car age varies greatly by supplier; some allow drivers as young as 17 while others require a minimum age of 21 or 23. There are no maximum age limits but extra charges for a driver under 25 are very expensive at around £30 - £40 per day.

Rental Car Age RequirementsAlways enter the correct age of the primary driver when booking with Auto Europe, and we'll be sure to inform you of any restrictions that may apply to your rental. Remember that our agents are waiting to assist you with whatever questions you may have, on call 24/7 and toll-free at 1-888-223-5555. You'll never have to be confused about rental car age requirements when you book with Auto Europe, and we'll also help you get the best rates in the industry, with special promotions to and beyond!