Cheaper Underage Fee?

I'm going to be renting a car this summer and I'm looking to see if there are any car rental agencies that rent to people under 25. I have a military id card, so a military discount could help as well. Can military id help me get a cheaper underage fee?

Government rental car programs and military car rental programs are offered by many car rental companies to federal goverment employees on business or leisure rentals. These programs offer a variety of benefits and savings. Often, the underage fee may only be waived for official govt travel. It seems that Avis and Budget will waive the underage fee for military personnel aged 21 and over.

Here's a basic breakdown of the various Government Car Rental Programs available:

(Note: I could find no information on this type of program for Enterprise or Hertz)

Alamo Federal Government Program

When traveling on official business or tour-of-duty orders, benefits include:

No additional driver fees

No underage driver fees (The minimum age for on-duty military rental is 18 years old.)

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) included

Government-issued credit card or official travel orders will be required for government car rental reservations. A military or government-issued ID may be required at time of pick up.


When traveling on leisure, benefits include:


Discounted rates for federal government employees and military personnel. Discount rate is valid for off-duty travelers and retired military personnel.


Family members with dependent identification are also eligible for leisure rates with this government rental car program.


A military or Government-issued ID may be required at time of pick up. The minimum age for off-duty military rental is 21 years old, but rates may be higher for renters under age 25.


Federal government contractor program

This program offers contractors working domestically for the Federal Government special rental rates and benefits including:


No additional driver fees or underage driver fees

Full Collision Damage Waiver (domestic)



Avis Federal Government Program


U.S. Government/Military Benefit Program

When traveling on official business in the U.S. Avis will provide you with:

Free Collision/LDW Insurance Coverage

No Additional or Underage Driver Fees

Free Unlimited Mileage

Discounted Rates


Avis accepts travel orders, purchase orders, and the Government Visa card as proof of your official travel status. Government Minimum Age Policy for Military (Fema, US Postal Dept., Navy and Army) and Civilian Personnel

Minimum age - 18 years (No underage surcharge will apply) with Government Travel or Purchase order

Minimum age - 21 years (No underage surcharge will apply) no travel or purchase order


Budget Federal Government Rental Car Program
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For U.S. Government (military & civilian) personnel WITH a government travel order or purchase order, minimum rental age is 18 years of age; No underage surcharge applies.

For U.S. Government (military & civilian) personnel WITHOUT a government travel order or purchase order, minimum rental age is 21 years of age, except 18 years of age in Michigan and New York State. No underage surcharge applies. “U.S. Government personnel” includes military as well as civilian employees (for example, FEMA, U.S. Postal Dept., Navy, Army, etc.). The minimum age policy applies to both corporate and leisure rates.

Budget provides discounted rates on their website for government car rentals.


Dollar Federal Government Program


Official Government Travel for U.S. Federal Employees on Official Travel, benefits include:


A discounted government car rental rate

Unlimited mileage

Free LDW/CDW

No charge for additional drivers

Underage driver fee waived


For Government Employees on Leisure Travel, benefits include:


Government leisure rate

5% off retail rates

Unlimited mileage


National Federal Government Program


National offers discounted rates for U.S. Government and Department of Defense travelers on official business with authorized travel orders.


Benefits of government car rental with Naitonal include:

Full Loss Damage Waiver, and no fee for additional drivers or underage drivers (the minimum age is 18 on official military business).

A government-issued credit card or official travel orders will be required for reservations. A military or government-issued ID may be required at time of pick up.

Special off-duty leisure travel rates are also available, but do not include these benefits.


Thrifty Federal Government Program

The government car rental rates for Thrifty and all car rental companies change often. They suggest that you check their rates online through their web site.


On official travel, a credit card is not necessary. However, you will need a copy of your official travel orders and will need to provide a cash deposit up front for the estimated amount of the rental.

If you are on leisure/non-official, you will need a major credit card for payment.


For official travel, there is no charge for additional drivers. For leisure/non-official travel, there is a charge for additional drivers.


For official travel, government car rental minimum age to rent is 18 years of age. For leisure/non-official travel, it is 25.

Hope this helps!


Source: Government Rental Car Programs