I still remember the feeling. Standing at the Hertz counter at LAX, buzzing with excitement for a week-long road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway. I had my reservation, my sunglasses, and a detailed plan for every scenic overlook and taco stand. What I didn't have, apparently, was the *right kind of plastic*. The agent politely explained their debit card policy involved a credit check I hadn't anticipated. A moment of panic. It was a simple, overlooked detail that nearly derailed the whole trip.
That experience taught me a crucial lesson: the secret to a stress-free car rental isn't just finding a good deal, it's understanding the fine print *before* you're standing at the counter. It's why I now treat the rental process with the same attention to detail I give a complex recipe; get the prep work right, and the final result is smooth and satisfying.
In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to rent a car from Hertz in the US as of 2026. We'll go beyond the obvious and dive into the details that matter—from payment nuances to insurance pitfalls. My promise is that by the end of this article, you'll be able to walk up to any Hertz counter with the confidence of a seasoned traveler, keys in hand in minutes, ready to hit the open road.
The Essential Hertz Rental Checklist
Let's start with the absolute must-haves. Think of these as the primary ingredients for your rental. Without them, you won't be going anywhere. Make sure you have these documents physically with you, not just photos on your phone.
- A valid, government-issued driver's license
- A major credit card or a debit card meeting specific requirements
- To be at least 20 years old (with some exceptions)
Seems simple, right? The devil, as they say, is in the details. Let's break down each one so there are zero surprises.
Diving Deeper: Understanding Hertz's Core Requirements
This is where we move from the basic list to the real-world application. Understanding these nuances is what separates a smooth pickup from a frustrating delay.
1. Your Driver's License
This is non-negotiable. Your license must be valid for the entire rental period and be in good standing (i.e., not suspended or expired). It must also feature a clear photograph of you.
For U.S. Renters
Your standard state-issued driver's license is perfect. Some states are rolling out Digital Driver's Licenses (DDLs). As of 2026, Hertz's policy on accepting these can vary by location. My advice: always bring your physical card to be safe.
For International Renters
If your license is not in the Roman alphabet (e.g., it's in Japanese, Arabic, or Cyrillic), you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany it. The IDP serves as a translation. You must present both your home country's license and the IDP. A passport is also typically required for identification.
2. Age Requirements: The Under-25 Hurdle
Age is a significant factor in car rentals in the US, primarily due to insurance risk calculations. Hertz has specific policies based on your age group.
- Ages 25 and over: This is the standard rental age. If you're 25 or older, you have access to the full range of Hertz vehicles (from economy cars to luxury SUVs) without any extra age-related fees.
- Ages 20-24: You can still rent from Hertz in most states! However, be prepared for two key limitations: an "Underage Surcharge" or "Young Renter Fee" (which can be $20-$35 per day) and restrictions on the types of vehicles you can rent (high-performance vehicles and certain luxury models are usually off-limits).
- Ages 18-19: Renting at this age is highly restricted and generally only possible for official government or military travel. It's not an option for personal or leisure trips.
3. Accepted Forms of Payment
This is the area that causes the most confusion, as my LAX story proves. Hertz's preference is clear, but you do have options.
Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards
A credit card is the gold standard for renting a car. It's faster and requires less hassle. Using a debit card is possible at most Hertz airport locations, but it comes with extra steps. Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Credit Card (Recommended) | Debit Card (Possible with Conditions) |
|---|---|---|
| Card Type | American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover | Must have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover logo |
| Authorization Hold | Estimated rental charges + security deposit (e.g., $200) placed on your credit line. | Estimated charges + a larger security deposit (often $500+) is taken directly from your bank account. |
| Qualification | Standard. Your name must be on the card. | Requires a credit check at the counter, which can impact your credit score. A return flight ticket may also be required. |
| Funds Availability | Reduces your available credit. | Ties up actual cash from your checking account for the duration of the rental and several days after. |
The bottom line: If you have a credit card, use it. It makes the process infinitely smoother. If you must use a debit card, call the specific Hertz location beforehand to confirm their exact policy and be prepared for the credit check and larger hold.
Beyond the Basics: Insurance, Additional Drivers, and More
Once you have the core items covered, you need to consider these other crucial elements for a fully prepared rental.
Do I Need to Buy Hertz's Insurance?
At the counter, you will be offered various insurance and waiver products. This can be confusing. Here's a simple breakdown:
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This isn't technically insurance, but a waiver. If you buy it, Hertz agrees not to hold you responsible for damage or theft of the vehicle.
- Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS): This provides additional liability coverage (up to $1 million) in case you are at fault in an accident that injures others or damages property.
Before you accept these, check your existing coverage! You might already be covered.
- Your Personal Auto Insurance: If you own a car, your personal policy often extends liability coverage to rental cars. Check your policy or call your agent to confirm.
- Your Credit Card Benefits: Many premium travel credit cards offer secondary rental car collision damage coverage. This means it kicks in after your personal insurance pays. You must book and pay for the rental with that specific card to activate the benefit.
Making this decision beforehand can save you a significant amount of money and stress at the counter.
Adding Another Driver
Want to share the driving duties? You'll need to add them as an "Additional Driver."
The additional driver must appear in person at the rental counter with you, present their own valid driver's license, and meet the same minimum age requirements. There is usually a daily fee for each additional driver. However, this fee is often waived for a spouse or domestic partner, especially for members of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program.
Secrets to a Flawless Hertz Rental Experience
Over two decades of travel, I've learned a few things that aren't in the official manual. These are the tips that elevate your rental from a transaction to a seamless part of your journey.
- Join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For Free. Seriously, do this now. It's free to sign up and it allows you to skip the counter entirely at major airports. Your license and credit card are on file, you just walk to the garage, find your name on the board, and drive away. It's the single best thing you can do to save time.
- The "I Made This Mistake" Tip: Pre-Pay for Fuel. It seems convenient when they offer you the "Fuel Purchase Option." My mistake was accepting it on a short trip where I used less than half a tank. You pay for a full tank upfront and get no refund for unused gas. It's almost always cheaper to decline this and fill up the tank yourself right before you return the car. Use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas near the airport.
- Document Your Vehicle's Condition. Before you even put your luggage in the trunk, walk around the car and take a video with your smartphone. Pay close attention to any existing scratches, dings, or scuffs. Do the same for the interior. This 60-second task creates a timestamped record that can save you from being blamed for pre-existing damage.
- Understand Tolls Before You Drive. Many areas in the US use all-electronic tolling. Hertz offers a service called PlatePass that automatically pays these tolls for you. It's convenient but comes with a daily service fee *on top* of the toll cost. For a long trip, this adds up. Research your route; it might be cheaper to bring your own transponder or adjust your GPS to avoid toll roads altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really rent a Hertz car in the US with a debit card?
Yes, at most major airport locations, but with strict conditions. You will likely face a credit check, a much larger hold will be placed on your bank account funds, and you may need to show proof of a return flight.
What is the typical Hertz Under 25 fee in 2026?
The "Young Renter Fee" generally ranges from $19 to $35 per day, depending on the location. This fee is in addition to the standard rental rate.
Do I absolutely need to buy Hertz's insurance coverage?
No, it is not mandatory. You can decline it if you have sufficient coverage from your personal auto insurance policy or a premium credit card that offers rental car benefits. Always verify your existing coverage before you rent.
Can my spouse drive the Hertz car for free?
In most cases, yes. The additional driver fee is typically waived for a spouse or domestic partner, especially if you are a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member. They still must be present at the counter with their valid license.