How much does a second driver cost?
A rental car's additional-driver fee is usually a separate daily charge for an approved driver beyond the main renter. The amount, exemptions and driver requirements depend on the company, location and booking agreement. A free additional driver still needs to meet the rental company's rules.
| Company | Published daily fee | Important exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | $15 per additional authorized driver; $5 in New York | Qualifying spouse or domestic partner has no additional charge; other contract exceptions can apply |
| Avis | $13 in most states; its FAQ lists $3 in New York and $11–$19.99 in Nevada | Qualifying spouse or life partner has no fee; California family exemptions and other exceptions apply |
These are provider examples, not a survey of every brand. Check Enterprise's additional-driver policy and Avis's U.S. FAQ against your pickup location and confirmation.
Does a spouse or partner drive free?
Both providers above publish a spouse or partner exemption, with conditions. Enterprise requires the same age and license qualifications as the renter. Avis's FAQ specifies a valid license and age 25 or older for its spouse or life-partner exemption. Do not assume the rule also covers a friend or another relative.
For a family trip, make a list of everyone who may drive before booking. Ask the desk which people must appear in person, which must be named on the agreement and whether any booking benefit removes the fee. Get the final list confirmed before leaving with the car.
What does it add to the trip?
FeeHQ calculation: a four-day trip
At Enterprise's published $15 daily fee, one chargeable additional driver for four billable days adds $60 before any applicable taxes or other charges. Two chargeable drivers would add $120 on the same assumptions. An exemption changes the calculation; it does not remove the need for driver approval.
Compare the full booking total with the driver included. A car that looks $30 cheaper initially could cost more after this add-on. Ask whether a cap applies to your particular rate and what happens if the extra driver joins halfway through the trip.
Paying with a debit card changes the questions
Enterprise says a spouse or domestic partner is the only permitted additional driver when a rental is secured with a debit card. Confirm payment-method restrictions before choosing a car for a group. A lower fee is of little use if the intended second driver cannot be approved.
If the receipt includes an unexpected driver fee
Compare the approved-driver section with your confirmation and any written exemption. Ask the location to identify the number of charged days, the daily rate and why the exemption was not applied. If someone was removed during the rental, keep the amended agreement. Never solve a fee problem by letting an unapproved person drive.
Sources and review notes
- Enterprise: additional drivers, fees and exceptions ↗
- Avis: U.S. additional-driver fees and exemptions ↗
We checked these primary sources on October 29, 2026. Published provider prices are examples, not a national average or an endorsement. Availability, scope, taxes and terms may change. FeeHQ calculations are labeled illustrations. How we research fees.