How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Georgia?
10 May 2026

How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Georgia?

The minimum age to rent a car in Georgia is 21 years old. However, age requirements vary depending on the rental company, the vehicle category, and whether you are a local or international driver. Some car types like SUVs and premium vehicles may require the renter to be 23 or older.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of everything related to age requirements for car rental in Georgia in 2026.

Minimum Age Requirements by Vehicle Category

While 21 is the general minimum across most rental providers in Georgia, specific vehicle categories often have higher age thresholds:

 

Economy and compact cars (Hyundai i10, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Spark): Minimum age 21. These are the most accessible vehicles for younger renters.

 

Midsize sedans (Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra): Minimum age 21, though some companies require 22.

 

SUVs and crossovers (Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson): Minimum age typically 23. These vehicles are more expensive and insurance risk is higher for younger drivers.

 

Minivans (Toyota Sienna and similar): Minimum age 23 in most cases, as these are larger vehicles requiring more driving experience.

 

Premium and luxury vehicles (Mercedes-Benz, BMW): Minimum age 25 with many providers. Some also require a minimum of three years of driving experience.

 

At Star Car, the standard minimum age is 21 for most vehicle categories. Check specific requirements for your chosen car when booking.

Young Driver Surcharge

If you are between 21 and 24 years old, some rental companies in Georgia charge a young driver fee. This surcharge typically ranges from $5 to $15 per day and is applied on top of the standard rental rate.

 

Not every company charges this fee. Star Car, for example, does not apply a young driver surcharge for drivers aged 21 and above on economy and compact vehicles. It is worth comparing policies across providers to find the most cost-effective option if you are a younger renter.

Driving Experience Requirements

Beyond your age, rental companies also consider how long you have held a valid driving license. The standard requirement is:

 

  • Minimum one year of driving experience for economy and compact cars
  • Minimum two years for SUVs, minivans, and larger vehicles
  • Minimum three years for premium and luxury cars

 

This means that even if you are 25 years old, you may be unable to rent certain vehicles if you only received your license recently. The date of issue on your driving license is what companies check.

Documents You Need Regardless of Age

Every renter in Georgia must present:

 

  • A valid driving license from their home country
  • A passport or government-issued ID
  • A credit or debit card for the security deposit
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Latin script

 

Your driving license must be valid for the entire duration of your rental period. Expired licenses, even by one day, will result in the rental being refused.

Can Drivers Under 21 Rent a Car in Georgia?

In almost all cases, no. The standard minimum age of 21 is applied consistently across the Georgian car rental market. Unlike some countries where 18 or 19-year-olds can rent economy vehicles, Georgia maintains 21 as the floor for all rental categories.

 

If you are under 21 and visiting Georgia, your transport alternatives include:

 

Maximum Age Limits

Georgia does not have a widely enforced maximum age for car rental. Most companies do not set an upper age limit as long as the driver holds a valid license and can present the required documents. Some international chains may have policies for drivers over 70 or 75, but local Georgian providers are generally flexible.

 

If you are a senior traveler concerned about age restrictions, contact your chosen provider directly before booking to confirm their policy.

International vs. Georgian Licenses

If you hold a Georgian driving license, the same age rules apply — 21 minimum for standard vehicles, older for premium categories.

 

For international visitors, your foreign license is valid for driving in Georgia for up to one year from your date of entry. After that period, you would need to obtain a Georgian license or have your existing one converted.

 

Key points for international license holders:

 

  • Licenses from EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, and most Asian nations are accepted without additional validation
  • Licenses in Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, or other non-Latin scripts require an accompanying International Driving Permit
  • Some rental companies may photocopy your license and passport for their records — this is standard practice

Tips for Younger Renters in Georgia

Book economy cars for the best rates. Younger drivers find the most availability and lowest prices in the economy segment. A Hyundai i10 or similar vehicle is more than adequate for city driving and shorter trips.

 

Consider full insurance coverage. If you are a less experienced driver, full coverage with zero excess gives you peace of mind. The extra cost per day is small compared to a potential damage bill.

 

Avoid peak season if possible. During July and August, both prices and demand rise. Booking in May, June, September, or October gives younger renters more vehicle options at lower prices.

 

Add a second driver if traveling with someone older. If your travel companion is over 25, adding them as an additional driver can give you access to vehicle categories that might otherwise be restricted by age.

 

Book in advance. Walk-in rentals are possible but less predictable. Booking online ensures your age and license details are verified before you arrive, avoiding any surprises at the pickup point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 20-year-old rent a car in Georgia?

No. The minimum age is 21 across virtually all rental companies in Georgia. There are currently no providers offering rentals to drivers under 21.

Is there a young driver fee at Star Car?

Star Car does not apply a young driver surcharge for drivers aged 21 and older on standard vehicle categories. Specific premium vehicles may have different terms.

Can I rent a car in Georgia with a provisional or learner's permit?

No. A full, unrestricted driving license is required. Provisional licenses, learner's permits, and expired licenses are not accepted.

Does my age affect the security deposit amount?

With some companies, yes. Younger drivers may face a slightly higher deposit, especially for more expensive vehicles. This deposit is refunded in full when the car is returned undamaged.



Ready to rent? If you are 21 or older with a valid license, browse Star Car's fleet and book your rental in Georgia today.

 

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