Can you rent a car for someone else?

Why can't you just rent a car and give it to someone else?

The rental agreement is a contract with the person who signs it. The company checks that person's license, age and card, and their insurance or damage cover is tied to the named drivers. If someone who isn't on the agreement drives the car, any damage or accident may not be covered at all.

How do you add another driver to a rental?

Add them at the counter when you pick up the car. In most cases:

• they must be there in person;
• they must show a valid driver's license;
• they must meet the same age rules as the main driver.

You can sometimes add a driver later at a branch, but they'll still need to go there with their license.

Do extra drivers cost money?

Usually, yes. Most companies charge a daily fee for each extra driver, which can add a lot to a long rental. Some companies waive it for a spouse or domestic partner, and some states require them to. Some loyalty programs and corporate rates include free extra drivers. Check the fee before you book.

What if the other person is booking for themselves?

If they'll be the only driver, they should book in their own name, with their own card. That's the cleanest way. You can help them search and compare, but the booking, license and card at the counter should all be theirs.

If you pay for the booking online with your card but don't drive, the counter may still ask the driver for a card in their own name for the deposit. Expect that and plan for it. See booked by someone else.

Who is responsible if the other driver damages the car?

The person who signed the agreement is usually responsible for the car, including damage, tolls, tickets and fuel charges, even if someone else was driving. Before you add a driver, check whether your own auto insurance or credit card covers them, or whether you'll need the rental company's damage waiver.

Can I rent a car for my child or parent?

The same rules apply. A young driver must meet the company's age rules and will often pay a young-driver fee. A parent who doesn't have a credit card may struggle at the counter, because most airport locations want a credit card from the main driver. Talk to us before booking so there are no surprises.

How OneCall helps when you're renting for someone else

Tell your agent who's driving, their age and how they'll pay. We'll find a company and location whose rules fit, check the extra-driver fee, and make sure the booking is in the right name before anyone gets to the counter. If the counter turns them away, call us and we'll help sort it out on the spot. Advice is free, and if anything costs money, you hear the price first.

Questions people ask

Can I book a rental car in my name for my friend to drive?

No. Only drivers named on the agreement can drive. Your friend should book in their own name, or you should add them as a driver and be there at pickup.

Is my spouse free as an extra driver?

At some companies and in some states, yes. Elsewhere you'll pay a daily fee. Check before you book.

Does the extra driver need a credit card?

Usually not. The main driver's card covers the rental and the deposit. The extra driver needs a valid license.

Related help

• Picking up a car someone else booked
• What you need to rent a car
• Card declined at the counter
• Under 25: refused or charged extra

Written and checked by the OneCall Rental team on 1 November 2026. Our team includes people who've worked car-rental reservation calls. Rules differ by company and location, so check your own rental agreement too.

OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.