U-Haul requires you to be at least 18 years old to rent a truck, but the company charges extra fees for drivers under 25

U-Haul's base age requirement is 18. You must have a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name to complete the rental. However, being 18 is not the end of the story — U-Haul applies a young renter surcharge to anyone between 18 and 24 years old. This fee is added to your total rental cost and varies depending on the truck size and rental length.

The young renter fee exists because insurance companies charge U-Haul more to cover drivers in this age group, and U-Haul passes that cost to you. The fee is not optional and cannot be waived. If you are under 25, you should factor this into your moving budget before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul rents to drivers 18 and older, but charges a surcharge for renters aged 18 to 24.
  • You must present a valid driver's license and have a credit card in your own name to complete the rental.
  • The young renter fee is mandatory and cannot be removed, even if someone older co-signs or pays for the truck.
  • Drivers 25 and older do not pay the surcharge and have access to the full range of U-Haul equipment.
  • Some U-Haul locations may have additional restrictions or require a larger deposit from younger renters.

What the young renter surcharge covers

The surcharge is U-Haul's way of managing the higher insurance risk associated with younger drivers. Insurance data shows that drivers under 25 have higher accident rates, and U-Haul's insurance premiums reflect that. Rather than raise prices for all customers, U-Haul isolates the extra cost to the age group that creates it.

The fee applies to the rental itself, not to optional add-ons like damage waivers or equipment. You will see it listed as a separate line item on your quote and final invoice. The amount depends on the truck size — a larger truck typically carries a higher surcharge than a smaller one — and the rental duration.

Driver's license and credit card requirements

Your driver's license must be valid and current. U-Haul will not accept an expired license, even if you are renewing it. The license must also be from a U.S. state, Canadian province, or U.S. territory. International licenses are not accepted on their own.

The credit card must be in your name and must be a major card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and gift cards do not work. U-Haul places a hold on the card at the time of rental to cover the truck's value and any potential damage. This hold is released when you return the truck in good condition.

What happens if you are under 18

U-Haul does not rent to anyone under 18, regardless of whether a parent or guardian co-signs or accompanies you. This is a firm policy across all U-Haul locations. If you are under 18 and need to move, you will need to rent from a different company or wait until you turn 18.

Some smaller local moving truck rental companies may have different age policies, so it is worth calling around if you are close to 18. However, most major rental companies follow the same 18-year minimum.

Insurance and liability for younger renters

U-Haul's standard rental agreement holds you responsible for any damage to the truck during your rental period. This applies equally to 18-year-old renters and 50-year-old renters. If you damage the truck, you are liable for repair costs unless you purchased U-Haul's damage waiver option.

The damage waiver is optional but recommended, especially for first-time renters. It limits your financial responsibility if the truck is damaged. The waiver costs extra but protects you from potentially thousands of dollars in repair bills. Younger renters should consider this carefully, since the young renter surcharge is already adding to the cost.

Booking and pickup procedures

You can book a U-Haul truck online, by phone, or in person at a U-Haul location. When you book, you will need to provide your driver's license number, credit card information, and the dates and locations for your rental. U-Haul will calculate the young renter surcharge at that time and show it in your quote.

At pickup, bring your valid driver's license and the credit card you used to book. U-Haul will verify your identity, inspect the truck with you, and explain the rental agreement. You will sign the agreement and receive keys and documentation. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you are under 25, the surcharge will already be included in the total you pay.

Alternatives if the surcharge is too high

If U-Haul's young renter surcharge makes the rental too expensive, you have other options. Penske, Budget, and Home Depot all rent moving trucks and may have different pricing structures for younger drivers. Calling a few companies to compare quotes is worth your time — the surcharge can add $20 to $50 or more to your total, depending on truck size and rental length.

You can also ask whether a family member or friend who is 25 or older can rent the truck in their name. If they do, they become the responsible party on the rental agreement and are liable for any damage. This works only if that person is willing to take on that responsibility and can be present at pickup and return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone over 25 rent the truck for me if I am 18?

Yes. If an adult 25 or older rents the truck in their name, the young renter surcharge does not explore. However, that person becomes the primary renter and is responsible for the truck's condition and any damage. They must be present at pickup and return, and the credit card must be in their name.

Do I need a co-signer if I am 18?

No. U-Haul does not require a co-signer for renters 18 and older. You only need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your own name. A co-signer cannot remove or reduce the young renter surcharge.

What if my driver's license is expired?

U-Haul will not rent to you with an expired license. Your license must be valid and current at the time of pickup. If your license is expiring soon, renew it before you book your truck.

Is the young renter surcharge the same at every U-Haul location?

The surcharge structure is set by U-Haul corporate, but the exact dollar amount may vary slightly by location and truck type. Get a quote from the specific location where you plan to pick up the truck to see the exact fee.

Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?

No. U-Haul requires a major credit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and gift cards are not accepted because U-Haul needs to place a hold on the card for the truck's value.