📍 7789 Othello Ave., Kearny Mesa, San Diego CA 92111 — 10 miles north of SAN Airport  ·  Mon-Sat 9am–6pm☎ 858-560-1919  |  rent@cmwcarrentals.com
Home Vehicles
18+ Drivers Under 25 — No Fee Cash & Debit Student Rentals Military Rentals Int’l License Weekly Rentals Monthly Rentals Economy Cars Sedan Rentals SUV Rentals Insurance Replacement Near SAN Airport Kearny Mesa San Diego to LA
Destinations Reviews FAQ ☎ 858-560-1919
CMW Car Rentals · San Diego

Car Rental for 18-Year-Olds in San Diego

CMW Car Rentals welcomes drivers 18 and older — no under-25 surcharge, no age penalty, ever. Cash and debit accepted. Unlimited mileage.

18+
Minimum driver age
$0
Young-driver surcharge
75+
5-star Google reviews
20+
Years family-owned
Drivers Age 18+
No Mileage Limits
Cash · Debit · Credit
Roadside Assistance
After-Hours Support
International Licenses
🎂

No Under-25 Fee — Ever

Most national chains charge $25–$35/day extra if you're under 25. CMW charges a flat rate regardless of age.

💳

Cash & Debit Welcome

CMW accepts cash, debit, and credit. A refundable deposit is required for cash/debit rentals.

🚗

Unlimited Mileage

No mileage caps on any rental — daily, weekly, or monthly.

Why 18-Year-Olds Choose CMW

National chains like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis all require drivers to be 21+ or tack on a $25–$35/day surcharge for under-25. On a 7-day rental that's $175–$245 extra just because of your age.

CMW has been renting to San Diego drivers 18 and older for over 20 years with no age penalty whatsoever.

  • Valid driver's license required (US or international)
  • Refundable deposit for cash/debit rentals
  • Auto insurance required — we offer coverage at pickup
  • Minimum rental period: 3 days

What You'll Need

Renting at 18 is straightforward at CMW. Bring these items to our Kearny Mesa location:

  • Valid government-issued driver's license
  • Credit card, debit card, or cash (deposit required)
  • Proof of auto insurance or purchase at pickup

We're located at 7789 Othello Ave. in Kearny Mesa — open Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm. Call 858-560-1919 to check availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to rent at CMW? +
CMW rents to drivers 18 and older. There is no under-25 surcharge — ever.
What documents does an 18-year-old need to rent? +
You need a valid driver's license, a credit, debit, or cash deposit, and valid auto insurance or you may purchase coverage at pickup.
Do you charge a young driver fee? +
No. CMW charges zero young-driver surcharge regardless of your age. National chains charge $25–$35/day extra — CMW does not.
Can I pay with a debit card or cash? +
Yes. CMW accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. A refundable security deposit is required for cash and debit rentals.
Is there a mileage limit? +
No. All rentals include unlimited mileage within the San Diego and greater Los Angeles area.

Ready to Reserve?

Call, email, or fill out the form. No credit check — cash and debit welcome.

READY TO HIT THE ROAD? LET'S GO.

A real person answers Monday–Saturday, 9AM–6PM. No hold queues, no automated menus.