Last Updated on February 4, 2025 by Kristin

Rental car requirements and policies can vary by state. Renting a car is an ideal way to explore Arizona’s vibrant cities, national parks and desert landscapes. Want to get the lowest price and avoid hassles during the check-in process? Here’s what you need to know about car rentals in Arizona.
Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Arizona
Major Car Rental Companies: Most major car rental companies specify that renters must be at least 21 years old, and tack on a daily “young renter fee” for drivers under 25. This fee can cost more than $25 per day depending on the rental company. One exception is Hertz, which will rent to drivers as young as 20 in Hawaii and most states. To avoid the young renter fee, consider joining an organization such as the American Automobile Association (AAA) or, if eligible, the United Services Automobile Association (USAA).
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Other Options: Car sharing platform Turo requires U.S. drivers to be at least 18 to book a trip, with one catch: drivers must be at least 21 to book a vehicle with a market value of more than $20,000. Young drivers under 21 will also have to pay a young renter fee starting at $50 per day, or $30 per day for ages 21-24. Drivers 21 and under must buy a Turo protection plan.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Arizona?
Driver’s License: To rent a car in Arizona, you’ll need to show a hard copy of a valid driver’s license. Rental car companies generally do not accept digital licenses in any state.
Credit or Debit Card: Renters also have to show a credit or debit card to cover the estimated reservation charges and a deposit, which varies depending on the rental company, location and type of vehicle. If renting with a debit card, note that some companies might request an additional form of identification or proof of return travel when renting at an airport. Some locations may not accept debit cards at the start of a reservation or to secure premium vehicles.
Good Driving Record: Rental car companies may check to verify your driving record at their discretion. Drivers with a history of drunk or reckless driving or multiple accidents should consider the possibility of undergoing a driving check before renting in Arizona or any other state.
Arizona Car Rental Insurance Laws
Liability Coverage: When renting a car in Arizona, the rental car company will provide liability insurance to at least the minimum levels required by the state:
- $25,000 for bodily injuries for one person
- $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
Additional Driver Fees For Arizona Rentals
Rental car companies can charge fees for additional drivers in Arizona. Some companies may waive the fees for spouses or co-workers. Enterprise, Alamo, Avis, Budget and National typically do not charge an additional driver fee for spouses, and Hertz waives the additional driver fee for Gold Plus Rewards members.
State Taxes and Fees for Rental Cars
In Arizona, rental cars are subject to state and local taxes.
Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax: This tax for doing business in Arizona varies depending on the location. For example, we have seen this tax total 10.6% when renting in Phoenix, 8.3% in Mesa and 8.7% in Tucson.
Pima County Rental Surcharge: Rentals in Tucson and greater Pima County carry a surcharge of $3.50 per rental.
Maricopa County Stadium Surcharge: Rentals in Maricopa County (including Phoenix and Mesa) are subject to a 3.25% surcharge per rental.
Arizona Airport Rentals
You’ll pay additional fees when renting at an airport, in addition to sales tax, local taxes and any extra charges the rental car company chooses to charge to recoup its costs of doing business.
Concession Recovery Fee: This charge equals 11.11% of your rental charges at certain facilities including airports, which helps cover the rental car company’s fees.
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Customer Facility Charge: Rental car companies may also charge a customer facility fee to maintain the rental car facility. This charge varies depending on the airport.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): $6.00 per day
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA): $3.50 per day
Tucson International Airport (TUS): $4.50 per rental
Toll Roads in Arizona
Good news — Arizona does not have any toll roads. However, the neighboring states of California and Colorado do. So, be sure to plan ahead if you intend on crossing state lines and budget extra if your route includes any toll roads.
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