Dollar and Thrifty, both brands owned by The Hertz Corporation, are lowering the minimum age to rent a car from 21 to 20 across the United States and Canada. The legal minimum age remains 18 in Michigan, New York and the province of Quebec, where local laws require it.
The move is intended to make rental cars more accessible to younger travelers and students, while building long-term loyalty to the Dollar and Thrifty brands.
“Providing our customers with practical solutions is a top priority across all our brands,” said Paul Stone, chief retail operations officer at Hertz. “Lowering the minimum age requirement at our Dollar and Thrifty locations will give more customers the opportunity to rent a vehicle while creating a new generation of customers who appreciate Dollar and Thrifty values.”
Susan Jacobs, senior vice president for Dollar and Thrifty Brands, added that the change will expand options for a range of travelers. “Now, even more customers will be able to experience our Dollar and Thrifty brands when traveling. From families taking vacations to students entering college, these customers can now look to both brands to help them get where they’re going, exceeding their expectations along the way,” she said.
The revised age policy applies to rentals at Dollar and Thrifty locations in the U.S. and Canada, subject to the companies’ standard terms and conditions. Renters should expect standard requirements to apply, including a valid driver’s license, a major credit card or other accepted payment methods, and compliance with any additional state, provincial or location-specific rules. Fees for young renters may still apply depending on location and local regulations.
Lowering the minimum rental age is part of a broader effort by Hertz and its brands to reach a wider customer base and adapt to changing travel patterns. By making vehicles available to younger drivers, Dollar and Thrifty aim to serve more short-term and leisure travelers, as well as students and families who need rental transportation for trips, moves or seasonal travel.
Customers planning to rent should verify requirements directly with the rental location before booking. Although the minimum age threshold has been adjusted to 20 in most U.S. and Canadian locations, exceptions remain where provincial or state law sets different limits. Renters should also confirm any additional driver policies, insurance options, and potential young-renter surcharges that can vary by location.
Overall, the policy change is positioned as a convenience for younger travelers and a strategic step to introduce Dollar and Thrifty services to a new generation of customers while maintaining compliance with regional legal requirements.