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To rent an RV, no matter what state you reside in or rental company you use, you must be able to prove that you are of their required age.
So, just how old do you have to be to rent an RV?
Let’s find out, as well as, how to possibly get around these imposed age limits. Plus, we’ll even cover a few tips to help guide you through the rental process.
How Old Must You Be to Rent An RV?
The legal age to rent an RV varies between states. Most states in the US require you to be a minimum of 21 years old, while some other states require you to be at least 25 years old. That’s why you’ll see the same rental company with different age restrictions in different states.
For example, in some branches, El Monte RV requires renters to be at least 21 years, while in others, you must be 25. At Road Bear RV, renters between 21 and 24 can rent as long as they have proper authorization.
In summary, depending on the state you live, if you are at least 21, you can likely find an RV rental company that’s willing to work with you. But you might be limited to smaller RV sizes and have to pay an extra daily fee.
For those over 25, you can rent any RV in any state for as long as you want.
What Happens If I Falsify My Age?
RVs are fun, but they aren’t worth breaking the law. Even if you are a month short of being 25 in a state with a 25 years age limit, there could be severe legal consequences for providing false information regarding your age. The repercussions become more severe if there are minors in the vehicle or you drive into a different state.
In a worst-case scenario, you could end up in jail. Even if you are lucky, you could still:
- Lose your driver’s license
- Get sued or fined
How to Legally Get Around Age Limits
While RV age limits are serious business, there are legal options for working around them.
For example, you could have a parent or another adult with a valid driver’s license rent the RV on your behalf and drive you. Alternatively, you could use an RV rental company that provides drivers.
Either way, don’t take the risk of creating and providing fake documents and information to rent an RV.
Do I Have to Get a Special RV License?
Contrary to what many think, you don’t need a special license to rent or drive an RV. Your regular driver’s license is enough, regardless of the state you are in.
That said, if you can’t provide a valid driver’s license at the rental office, you won’t be able to get an RV. Temporary driver’s licenses are not acceptable.
What Documents Do I Need to Rent an RV?
In most cases, RV rental companies are ready to do business as long as you can provide a credit card and a valid driver’s license. But other rental companies ask for a bit more. In addition to your credit card and license, a rental company might ask for:
- Foreign passport (if you have one)
- Employment record
- A credit reference
Do You Need Insurance When Renting an RV?
Yes, you do need insurance. Most RV rental companies offer insurance as part of their rental policy, which means the cost of the insurance will be part of the rental fee. At other companies, you’ll have to contact an insurance company yourself for coverage.
But if your current auto insurance policy covers rental RVs, you don’t need extra insurance. Before getting additional insurance, contact your insurer to verify what your current policy covers.
Tips for Renting an RV
Now that you know everything about how old you have to be to rent an RV, here are some tips to guide you through the rental process.
Related: RV Rental for Beginners (15 Tips for First Time Renters + Checklist)
Do Your Research
Before heading to a rental company, do some research to find the right type of camper for your needs. If you are on a budget and don’t need lots of space, a pop-up camper might be all you need. For the most comfort, you might need something bigger, like a motorhome or travel trailer.
Your research should also help you find RV rental companies that offer the best prices and rental terms. To get you started, check out these important guides:
Be Careful with the Rental
If you damage the RV, you’ll lose your security deposit, which can be a significant loss, considering deposits can be $500 or more.
Learn About Maintaining an RV
If you are using the RV for a week or more, you need to learn about emptying the gray and black water tanks that hold sewage. If not, you could end up with a nasty smell in your RV… or worse.
Practice Parking Before Getting to the Campsite
RVs are large, which makes maneuvering them tougher than handling a regular car. To avoid bumping into other campers or causing other accidents, practice parking the rig in an open space before heading to the campsite.