Last Updated on February 9, 2025 by Kristin
Requirements to rent a car vary by state. Renting a car in North Carolina is the perfect way to escape into the Great Smoky Mountains. Or perhaps you’d like to zip between universities in the state’s famous Research Triangle region. Here’s what you need to know about car rentals in North Carolina.
Minimum Age to Rent a Car in North Carolina
Major Car Rental Companies: Major rental car companies generally require renters to be at least 21, and charge a “young renter fee” to drivers under 25. That fee can cost more than $25 depending on the rental company. However, there are some exceptions. Hertz rents cars to 20-year-olds in North Carolina and most other U.S. states. To avoid paying the young renter fee, consider joining the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) if eligible.
Other Options: Car sharing platform Turo requires U.S. drivers to be at least 18 to book a trip. However, 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 North Carolina?
Driver’s License: To rent a car in North Carolina, drivers 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. That amount varies depending on the rental company, location and type of vehicle. Some companies might request an additional form of identification when renting with a debit card. Others may require proof of return travel at airport locations. 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 a driving check before renting in North Carolina.
North Carolina Car Rental Insurance Laws
Liability Coverage: In North Carolina, rental car companies provide the minimum liability coverage required in the state in the price of the car rental.
The minimum coverage requirements are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 to cover property damage
Additional Driver Fees For North Carolina Rentals
Rental car companies typically charge additional fees for additional drivers, although some waive the fees for spouses. Enterprise, Alamo, Avis, Budget and National typically do not charge an additional driver fee for spouses, and Hertz waives it for Gold Plus Rewards members.
State Taxes and Fees for Rental Cars
North Carolina has an array of state, county, and even city taxes that can significantly increase the base rental price. These taxes differ depending on where you pick up the car. Here are some of the most common additional taxes you may encounter, depending on where you plan to rent.
City Gross Receipt Tax: North Carolina renters may pay this tax depending on the pickup location. In Charlotte, for example, this tax is 1.5% when picking up from the airport.
County Gross Receipt Tax: This county tax is typically 1.5% as well.
North Carolina Highway Use Tax: North Carolina charges a highway use tax of 8%.
U-Drive-It Tax: Renters in Raleigh, Charlotte and other locations will see this 5% tax, which is designed to support capital investments for transit projects.
Transit Authority Tax: Some locations may charge a transit authority tax. In Raleigh, this tax is 5%.
North Carolina Airport Rentals
You’ll pay additional fees when renting at North Carolina airports. Expect to pay sales tax, local taxes and any charges the rental car company chooses to charge to recoup its business expenses.
Concession Recovery Fee: This fee equals 11.11% of the rental car charges at facilities including airports, which helps cover the rental car company’s airport fees.
Customer Facility Charge: Rental car companies may also charge a customer facility fee to maintain the rental car facility. This charge varies between $4 and $6.50, depending on the airport.
Toll Roads in North Carolina
North Carolina uses an electronic tolling system throughout the state. This means there are no toll booths, so figuring out how to pay for any tolls you encounter before your trip is crucial to avoid extra fees.
Toll Locations: Toll roads in North Carolina include the 36.8-mile Triangle Expressway near Raleigh. There are also two roads in the greater Charlotte area: the 19.8-mile Monroe Expressway and the 26-mile I-177 Express Lanes.
How to Pay: Rental car companies typically provide transponders for an added fee on top of any tolls you will pay. These charges vary. For example, Alamo’s TollPass program in North Carolina costs up to $5.35 per day you use a toll road, or up to $26.75 for the rental period.
However, you can save money by directly opting to use the state’s toll payment service, NC Quick Pass. Create an account and add a rental car as a temporary vehicle by adding the start and end date. When you are done, simply delete the rental car from the account.
If you plan to drive a rental car frequently in North Carolina, buying your own NC Quick Pass transponder might be the best option. This transponder now works in 19 states.
While North Carolina does send toll invoices in the mail, be warned that this option will incur additional charges from the rental car company. When the company receives the bill, it will typically add a large administrative fee. For example, those who opt out of Hertz’s PlatePass tolling system without making plans to handle the tolls on their own will have to pay a $9.99 fee for each day you incur tolls. So, be sure to either avoid tolls or settle on a payment method well before your trip to avoid unnecessary charges.
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