What Do I Need to Rent a U-Haul? Requirements & FAQs

Do you have what it takes to rent a U-Haul®?

Is renting a U-Haul truck (or trailer) something you’re considering for an upcoming move? Before deciding, let’s go over U-Haul’s rental requirements and some questions you may have about the process. 

From age requirements to insurance options, here's what you need to rent a U-Haul, plus why it may not be the best fit for every move.

U-Haul truck rental requirements 

While each independently owned location might have additional requirements or slightly different procedures, these are the general requirements for renting a truck from U-Haul.

• Be 18 or older with a valid driver's license
• Have a second form of ID
• Provide proof of an accepted payment method
• Smartphone (required only when using Truck Share 24/7)

Are the requirements for U-Haul trailer rental the same?

To rent a U-Haul trailer, you must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license and have a vehicle capable of towing. You’ll also need additional identification and an accepted payment method.

How old do you have to be to rent a U-Haul? 

U-Haul requires you to be 18 or older to rent a truck and 16 or older to rent a trailer.

What types of secondary ID are accepted?

 According to U-Haul, acceptable forms of secondary ID include:

• An alternate contact (someone who can be called or verified)
• Credit or debit card
• Employer identification
• Military ID
• U.S. passport

Other forms of ID might be accepted. Contact your local U-Haul rental location for details.

Do you need a CDL to drive U-Haul trucks? 

To drive or haul U-Haul equipment, you must have a valid regular driver’s license* from the U.S., Canada, the military or a foreign country.

*For 26-foot U-Haul trucks rented in Quebec, Canada, you must have a Class 3 Driver’s License (similar to a Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL). 

Can someone else drive the vehicle?

If you want to share driving responsibilities, U-Haul allows additional drivers at no cost, but you have to let them know. Don’t just let someone else drive! All drivers have to meet the same rental requirements.

Do you need a credit card to rent a truck?

To reserve equipment online or over the phone, U-Haul requires a major credit or debit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa). 

Can you pay for a rental with cash?

Not everyone wants to use a credit or debit card, and that’s okay with U-Haul. Participating locations will let you reserve equipment in person and pay cash with a deposit of $100 plus the rental rate for one-way moves. Depending on the location, you might also need additional identification, like a utility bill or check stub, to make a reservation with cash. 

Most locations will allow you to pay in cash when the truck is returned, but a temporary hold must be placed on a credit or debit card.

Does U-Haul charge a deposit? 

No deposit is due if you’re paying with a credit card or a qualifying debit card. Cash payments at truck pickup require a $100 deposit plus the rental rate for one-way moves. For cash payments, trailer and towing equipment deposits range from $60 to $75, plus the rental rate. 

Is damage coverage included in the rate?

No, but U-Haul recommends purchasing optional damage coverage since most credit cards and auto insurance policies don’t cover rental trucks or trailers. If you decline additional coverage, you’ll be financially responsible for the equipment and any damages during your move. 

Do you have to visit a counter to pick up the rental?

U-Haul Truck Share 24/7® allows you to pick up rental trucks without visiting the counter, even after hours, after proper identification. Trailer rentals require safety checks, so you must visit a counter while the location is open to pick up your equipment.

What’s needed for U-Haul Truck Share 24/7?

If you plan to use U-Haul Truck Share 24/7, you’ll need a smartphone and a U-Haul account. You must also verify your identity with a photo that matches your driver’s license.

Can you rent from U-Haul without a reservation?

You can rent directly from a U-Haul location, but they recommend a reservation to ensure equipment availability.

Do U-Haul long-distance moves sound like a hassle? Choose U-Pack instead

Unlike U-Haul, U-Pack® offers seamless long-distance moves without having to drive a moving truck. With U-Pack, you still get the savings and benefits of a DIY move with no deposits, no driving a large truck and no extra fuel charges. Plus, we include standard liability coverage in your rate! 

Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant or use our free online quote form. If you have questions about how U-Pack works, let us know in the comments. We’re here to help!

U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.