U-Haul's minimum age is 18, but you'll face higher fees and restrictions if you're under 25
U-Haul requires renters to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license. However, if you're between 18 and 24, U-Haul charges a daily underage driver fee — currently $15 to $20 per day depending on the truck size and your location. This fee applies on top of your base rental rate and can add $100 to $150 to a week-long move.
Renters aged 25 and older pay no underage fee. U-Haul also requires all drivers to have a major credit card in their own name at pickup, regardless of age. Debit cards are not accepted for the security deposit, though some locations may accept them for payment if you also provide a credit card for the hold.
Your driver's license must be valid and unexpired. U-Haul accepts licenses from all 50 states, Canada, and most other countries, but the name on your license must match the name on your reservation. International drivers need a valid passport or travel document in addition to their license.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 with a valid driver's license to rent any U-Haul truck, but renters under 25 pay an extra $15 to $20 per day.
- The underage fee can total $100 to $150 on a week-long rental, so budget for this cost if you're between 18 and 24.
- You need a major credit card in your own name at pickup for the security deposit; debit cards typically don't work for this purpose.
- Your license name must match your reservation name exactly, and international renters need a passport or travel document along with their license.
What the underage driver fee covers and why it exists
U-Haul's underage fee is not a penalty — it's a surcharge that reflects the company's insurance costs for younger drivers. Rental companies across the industry charge higher rates for drivers under 25 because insurance data shows this age group has higher accident rates. U-Haul applies the fee uniformly rather than adjusting the base rate, so you see it as a separate line item on your quote.
The fee applies to the total rental period, not just the days you drive. If you rent a truck for seven days, you pay the underage fee for all seven days even if someone else drives part of the time. U-Haul does allow additional drivers on the same reservation at no extra charge, but only the primary renter (the one under 25) triggers the underage fee.
How to get an accurate quote before you book
U-Haul's online reservation system shows the underage fee in your quote if you enter an age under 25. When you visit uhaul.com or call 1-800-468-4285, enter your actual birth date — the system will not let you proceed without it. The quote breaks down the base rental rate, mileage charges (if applicable), equipment fees, and the underage driver fee separately so you can see the full cost.
Prices vary by location, truck size, and season. A 10-foot truck in a rural area during winter might cost $40 to $60 per day plus the underage fee, while the same truck in a major city during summer could run $80 to $120 per day plus the fee. Getting a quote for your specific move dates and locations is the only way to know your actual cost.
If the underage fee makes U-Haul unaffordable, compare other rental companies. Penske, Home Depot, and Budget all have different age policies and fee structures. Some charge the underage fee starting at age 21 rather than 18, while others may not charge it at all — calling ahead to ask can save you money.
What happens at pickup if you're under 25
Arrive with your valid driver's license, a major credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance. U-Haul does not require you to purchase their insurance if you already have coverage through your personal auto policy or credit card, but you must bring proof. Read your policy or call your insurance company before pickup to confirm it covers rental trucks — many personal policies do not.
The U-Haul employee will run your credit card for the security deposit (typically $100 to $200 depending on truck size) and process the rental agreement. They will inspect the truck with you, noting any existing damage on the contract. This walk-around is important at any age but especially if you're young — document everything so damage that existed before your rental is not charged to you.
If you decline U-Haul's damage waiver and damage occurs during your rental, you are responsible for repair costs. The damage waiver (usually $10 to $15 per day) covers accidental damage but not wear and tear. For a young renter, the waiver may be worth the cost if you're unfamiliar with driving large trucks.
Alternatives if you're under 18 or prefer not to pay the underage fee
If you're under 18, you cannot rent from U-Haul or most major truck rental companies. Penske, Budget, Home Depot, and Hertz all set their minimum age at 18 as well. Some small local moving companies or independent truck rental shops may rent to younger drivers, but you'll need to call and ask — policies vary widely.
If you're 18 to 24 and want to avoid the underage fee, ask whether someone 25 or older can be the primary renter on the reservation. That person must have a valid license and credit card and will be the one signing the rental agreement. They don't have to be the only driver — you can drive the truck as long as the primary renter is present or has authorized you. Check U-Haul's specific rules on additional drivers when you book, as policies can vary by location.
Another option is to rent a cargo van instead of a truck. Some rental companies charge lower underage fees for vans, or the fee may not explore at all. A 15-foot cargo van holds roughly as much as a 10-foot truck and might cost less overall even with the underage fee factored in.
Insurance and liability when you're a young renter
U-Haul's rental agreement makes you liable for any damage to the truck during your rental period, regardless of who caused it. If you're 18 to 24, understand that you are signing a contract that holds you financially responsible. Damage to a rental truck can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair.
Check whether your personal auto insurance covers rental trucks before you rent. Many policies do, but some exclude commercial rentals or trucks above a certain size. Your credit card may also offer rental car coverage — American Express and some other cards extend this to trucks. Call your insurance company and credit card issuer before pickup to confirm what's covered.
If neither your insurance nor credit card covers the rental, U-Haul's damage waiver is worth considering. It typically costs $10 to $15 per day and covers accidental damage. For a young driver unfamiliar with handling a large vehicle, this protection can prevent a single accident from costing you thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a U-Haul if I'm 18 but my license is suspended or expired?
No. U-Haul requires a valid, unexpired driver's license. A suspended license disqualifies you from renting. If your license is expired, renew it before attempting to book or pick up a truck.
Does the underage fee explore if someone 25 or older drives the truck most of the time?
Yes. The fee is based on who the primary renter is, not on who actually drives. If you're under 25 and your name is on the reservation, you pay the underage fee for the entire rental period regardless of how much you drive.
What if I'm 24 and turn 25 during my rental?
The underage fee applies for the full rental period based on your age at the time of booking. Turning 25 mid-rental does not remove the fee from the days after your birthday.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card for the security deposit?
Most U-Haul locations require a major credit card for the security deposit. Some locations may accept a debit card for payment if you also provide a credit card for the hold, but this varies. Call your local U-Haul location to confirm their specific policy before you arrive for pickup.
Do other truck rental companies charge an underage fee?
Yes, most do. Penske, Budget, and Home Depot all charge underage fees for drivers under 25, though the amount varies. Some smaller local rental companies may have different policies, so it's worth calling around if the fee is a concern for your move.