Hertz charges $15 per day for each additional driver, with a maximum of $60 per rental period

Yes, Hertz adds a fee when you name someone else as an authorized driver on your reservation. The standard rate is $15 per day for each extra driver, capped at $60 for the entire rental — so a week-long rental with one additional driver costs you the full $60, not $105. Some locations or promotional periods may differ, so confirm the rate when you book or call ahead.

The extra driver fee applies whether the second driver is a spouse, friend, or family member. Hertz requires all drivers to present a valid driver's license at pickup, and they must be at least 20 years old (some vehicle classes require 25). If a second driver shows up at the counter without being listed on the reservation, you'll be charged the daily rate retroactively for the rental days already completed.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz charges $15 per day per additional driver, capped at $60 for the entire rental period.
  • All named drivers must be at least 20 years old with a valid driver's license and must be added to the reservation before pickup.
  • Adding a driver at the rental counter instead of during booking will result in retroactive charges for days already driven.
  • Some Hertz locations or special promotions may offer different rates, so confirm the fee when you reserve.

How to add an extra driver to your Hertz reservation

You can add an additional driver when you first book online, by phone, or at the rental counter. Adding them during booking is the cleanest approach — you'll see the total cost upfront and avoid surprises at pickup. On the Hertz website, the option appears in the "Driver Information" section before you finalize payment.

If you're booking by phone, tell the agent you need a second driver and provide their full name and date of birth. At the counter, you can request to add a driver, but you'll pay the daily rate for every day of the rental, not just the days they actually drive. For example, if you add a driver on day three of a seven-day rental, you still pay $60 (the cap) rather than $15 × 5 days.

What happens if an unauthorized driver is caught

If someone not listed on the rental agreement drives the car and is stopped by police or involved in an accident, Hertz's insurance may not cover the incident. You become personally liable for any damage, medical costs, or legal claims. Police will also cite the unlisted driver for operating a vehicle without permission from the rental company.

Even if nothing goes wrong, Hertz tracks mileage and vehicle condition. If a second driver is discovered later — through accident reports, toll records, or other documentation — you'll face retroactive charges plus potential penalties for violating the rental agreement. The $15 per day fee is far cheaper than the liability exposure.

When the extra driver fee might be waived

Hertz occasionally waives the extra driver fee during promotional periods, particularly around holidays or for members of their Gold Plus Rewards program. Gold Plus members sometimes receive one free additional driver per rental, though this benefit changes by membership tier and promotion. Check your membership status and current promotions before booking.

Some corporate accounts and travel agencies negotiate bulk rental agreements that include complimentary additional drivers. If you rent frequently through an employer or travel management company, ask whether your account includes this benefit. Otherwise, the $15 daily rate is standard across most Hertz locations.

Comparing extra driver fees across rental companies

Hertz's $15 per day cap at $60 is competitive but not the lowest in the industry. Enterprise and Budget typically charge $10 to $15 per day with similar caps. Avis charges around $15 per day, while National and Alamo often waive the fee entirely for spouses and when ready family members — a significant savings if that applies to you.

If you're renting an electric or hybrid vehicle and comparing costs across companies, factor in the extra driver fee along with mileage rates, charging fees, and fuel surcharges. A cheaper daily rate at one company can disappear once you add a second driver and other fees. Request quotes from at least two companies with the same driver configuration to see the true total.

What documents the extra driver needs at pickup

The additional driver must present a valid driver's license at the rental counter. Hertz accepts licenses from all U.S. states, Canada, and most countries with an International Driving Permit. The license must not be expired, and the driver's age must meet the minimum (20 for most vehicles, 25 for premium or specialty classes).

The second driver does not need to be present when you pick up the car, but they must be present if they're going to drive it. If you add them to the reservation but they never actually drive, you still pay the $15 daily fee — Hertz charges for authorization, not for actual use. Some renters add a driver "just in case" and end up paying for coverage they don't need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a driver after I've already picked up the car?

Yes, but you'll pay the daily rate for the entire rental period, not just the remaining days. If you're on day three of a seven-day rental and add a driver, you pay $60 (the cap), not $15 × 4 days. It's cheaper to add them before pickup if you know you'll need them.

Does my spouse have to pay the extra driver fee?

At Hertz, yes — spouses are charged the same $15 per day rate. Some competitors like National and Alamo waive the fee for spouses, so if you're comparing companies, this could be a deciding factor.

What if the extra driver is under 20 years old?

Hertz requires all drivers to be at least 20 years old. Drivers under 20 cannot be added to the reservation, regardless of whether they have a valid license. Some vehicle classes require drivers to be 25.

Do I have to name the extra driver when I book, or can I decide later?

You can decide later, but adding them at the counter costs more. If you add them during booking, you pay $15 per day for the days you actually need them. If you add them at pickup, you pay the cap ($60) for the entire rental.

Will the extra driver fee show up on my credit card right away?

If you add the driver during booking, the fee is included in your total charge and appears on your card when the reservation is processed. If you add them at the counter, Hertz will charge your card on file after you return the vehicle.