For drivers under 25, renting a car almost always comes with an extra cost known as the young driver fee. It is a surcharge applied simply because of age, and nearly every major rental company includes it. Sixt is no exception. The fee often comes as an unwelcome surprise since the total price ends up being much higher than the rate first advertised online. Over the course of a longer trip, those daily charges can quickly add up to several hundred dollars.
There are, however, ways to reduce or even avoid the fee. After digging into the fine print and testing a few options, I discovered some strategies that make a real difference. One approach is particularly effective because it applies right at the time of booking and lowers the overall price immediately. More on that later.
Cut the Young Driver Surcharge
Most under-25 drivers pay far more than they expect. There is a simple booking path that often includes the fee upfront and also adds a free additional driver.
What Is the Sixt Young Driver Fee?
When renting from Sixt for the first time, it is not always clear that the listed rate does not reflect the final cost. On top of the base rental price, a daily surcharge is applied to anyone under 25. The amount varies depending on the state and the type of car selected.
The rationale is simple. Younger drivers are considered a higher risk, with accident rates significantly higher in this age group. Rental companies offset that risk by charging an additional fee. At Sixt the minimum rental age is typically 21, although there are exceptions. In New York and Michigan drivers can rent as young as 18, but the surcharge in those states is higher. Renters under 21 are also restricted from certain vehicle categories. High-end cars and large SUVs are usually reserved for drivers 25 and older.
Without knowing this in advance, many customers are caught off guard when they arrive at the counter and discover that the final bill is far higher than expected. Factoring these fees into the budget early can prevent an expensive surprise.
How Much Is the Sixt Young Driver Fee?
The cost of the surcharge depends on the state and the type of vehicle. Research and personal bookings show that the fee typically ranges between 25 and 40 dollars per day. On paper that may not look dramatic, but on a two-week rental it adds several hundred dollars to the final bill.
In New York and Michigan, where the minimum rental age is 18, the fee is often much steeper. For drivers under 21 it can easily exceed 50 dollars a day. Prices drop once renters turn 21, but the surcharge does not disappear completely until the age of 25.
Booking Hack: How to Cover the Young Driver Fee with a Special Travel Rate
One of the easiest ways to reduce or even eliminate the young driver surcharge is to book through a special Sixt partner page. The process is straightforward, but there are a few details worth paying attention to.
Step 1: Open the dedicated Sixt partner page
https://www.sixt.de/partners/wdmobility-comfort/
Step 2: Switch to English if needed
If the page automatically loads in German and you do not want to navigate in that language, use your browser’s translation function. In Chrome, for example, you can simply right-click and select “Translate to English.”
Step 3: Enter your rental details
Fill in the search form just as you normally would. Choose pickup location, return location, and your rental dates.
Step 4: Start your search
Submit the form and wait for the list of available vehicles.
Step 5: Check the offer details carefully
Look at the description for each car and make sure to confirm the following points:
- Is the young driver fee explicitly included in the price?
- Is an additional driver included at no cost?
- Which insurance or service options are covered, and which extras could still be charged separately?
Step 6: Compare the total price
Once you have the full quote, including taxes and all fees, compare it to the cost of a direct booking through the standard Sixt website or through a third-party comparison site. The special travel rate is not always the cheapest on paper, but it often comes out ahead once you factor in the young driver surcharge.
Comparing Young Driver Fees Across Rental Companies
The chart below highlights the most important details about young driver surcharges at three of the major rental companies.
| Rental Company | Minimum Age / Restrictions | Young Driver Fee (Daily, approx.) | Special Notes / Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixt | Minimum age is usually 21. In New York and for government renters it can be as low as 18. Luxury and premium vehicles are typically restricted until age 25. | Roughly $14.99 to $35 per day, depending on location and vehicle category. The maximum fee can also vary by rental agreement. | The fee is automatically added when the renter is under 25. Student discounts may be available. |
| Hertz | Rents to drivers under 25, usually starting at 20 or 21 depending on the state. Access to certain vehicle classes may be restricted. | About $25 per day in many locations for drivers under 25. In some states such as New York and Michigan the surcharge can be significantly higher. | AAA members may qualify for reduced or waived fees under specific terms. |
| Avis | Minimum age is usually 21, but this can vary by state. Vehicle class options are often limited for younger drivers. | On average $25 to $30 per day for renters between 21 and 24. In New York and Michigan fees are generally higher. | The exact surcharge varies widely by state and rental terms. Avis typically discloses the full fee only at the final pricing stage. |
FAQs About the Sixt Young Driver Fee
Is the young driver fee the same everywhere at Sixt?
No, the amount varies by state. In New York and Michigan, the fee is much higher because drivers can rent starting at 18. In most other states the surcharge drops once you turn 21, and it disappears completely at 25.
Can you see the young driver fee when booking, or does it only appear at the counter?
If you book online and enter your age, the fee shows up right away. That way you know the real cost upfront, instead of being surprised at the counter.
Which car categories can drivers under 25 rent?
Smaller cars like economy, compact, and midsize models are usually fine. Premium models, large SUVs, and luxury vehicles are almost always off-limits until 25.
Are there ways to avoid the young driver fee?
Yes. Some booking portals include the surcharge in the total price, which can make the overall cost noticeably lower than booking directly on the Sixt site. We highlight one of the best options in the booking hacks section.
What happens if you enter your age incorrectly?
That’s something you really want to avoid. I’ve seen cases where renters ran into serious issues at pickup because they were younger than the age on the contract. In the end, they had to pay the surcharge anyway and almost lost the rental.