Fees & surcharges · Travelers

Additional driver fee

Also called extra driver fee, additional driver

The short answerA charge for each extra person allowed to drive the rental car, usually per day with a cap per rental.

What it means

An additional driver fee is what the rental company charges to add another person to the rental agreement as an authorized driver. It's usually charged per day, often with a maximum per rental. Every additional driver normally has to show their license at the counter and meet the same age rules as the main driver.

Why it matters

Only authorized drivers are covered, usually the ones named on the rental agreement. If someone who isn't listed drives and has an accident, the damage waiver can fall away.

Wording by region

Some US states, such as California and New York, don't let rental companies charge extra for the renter's spouse (in some states also a registered domestic partner) if they meet the same age and license rules.

Related terms

Also related Named driver, Unauthorized driver, Spouse / domestic partner driver, Driver's license requirements