Albania is a country filled with winding coastal roads, mountain villages, ancient ruins, and quiet beaches, which often lie far beyond public transport. As a result, many travellers look for car rental deals in Albania to see more of the country. Before doing so, it’s important to understand the car rental age requirements. This guide breaks down the minimum age to rent a car in Albania, young driver surcharges, driver’s license requirements, and possible age limits for older drivers.
Car rental regulations in Albania include specific age requirements. Knowing the lower and potential upper age limits will help you avoid surprises at the rental counter.
In Albania, the minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 years old. This applies to most international and well-known rental agencies, especially those operating at Tirana International Airport. Drivers are also usually required to have held a valid driving licence for at least one year. If you meet these conditions, renting an economy or standard car is generally straightforward.
Some companies set higher minimum ages of 23 or 25 years old for specific vehicle categories such as SUVs, luxury cars, or high-performance models, mainly for insurance reasons. Drivers under 21 will find very limited options. A few local agencies may rent to 18 to 20-year-olds, but this usually involves stricter conditions, such as full insurance coverage, a high deposit, and a young driver surcharge.
Albania does not have a legal maximum age for renting a car. However, individual rental companies may apply their own upper age limits for insurance purposes. Many set an unofficial cap of around 70 to 75 years old. Some companies may refuse rentals for vehicles above this age, while others may require additional insurance or documentation.
Drivers in their 60s or early 70s usually have no issues renting a car, provided they hold a valid licence and meet experience requirements. If you are over 70, it’s best to contact the rental company in advance to confirm their policy. In summary, the age range for renting a car in Albania is 21 to 70 years old.
Many visitors in their early twenties can rent a car in Albania, but they fall under “young driver” policies. This section explains what a young driver fee is and how it affects your rental.
A young driver fee in Albania is an additional charge applied by car rental companies to drivers under a certain age, usually 25. In Albania, most rental agencies classify drivers aged 21 to 24 as young drivers, meaning they pay a daily surcharge on top of the base rental price. This fee exists because insurance providers consider younger drivers to be statistically higher risk, and rental companies pass on the higher insurance cost to customers.
The exact amount varies by provider and sometimes by age bracket. On average, you can expect a young driver fee of around €5 to 10 per day. In certain cases, the total surcharge is capped at €80 to 100 per rental.
Age thresholds can differ slightly. Some companies apply the fee until you turn 25, while others stop at 23 or 24. A few local agencies even use tiered pricing for different age groups. As a rule of thumb, assume you’ll pay extra if you’re under 25, and always review the terms before booking.
If you fall into the young driver category, there are several practical impacts on your car rental experience that are important to understand in advance.
Higher overall cost is the most noticeable factor. A young driver surcharge is usually applied per day, so it adds up quickly. For example, a €7 daily fee over a one-week rental adds up to nearly €50 extra. Some booking platforms charge it when you enter your age, but others charge it at pickup, so always budget conservatively.
Another common effect is limited vehicle selection. Young drivers are often restricted to economy, compact, or standard cars. Larger SUVs, luxury vehicles, sports cars, or vans are frequently unavailable due to insurance risk. In Albania, some agencies require drivers to be 23+ for SUVs and 25+ for premium cars, with stricter rules for high-performance or 4x4 models.
Higher deposits and insurance requirements are also common. Younger drivers may face larger security deposits or higher insurance excesses. Some local agencies even require full insurance for under-21 or under-23 renters, tying up more credit on your card during the rental. Overall, young drivers can rent cars in Albania. Just expect extra costs, fewer car options, and stricter terms.
Meeting the age rules is only part of the equation. You also need the correct driver’s license and paperwork to rent a car in Albania. Rental companies in Albania have specific requirements regarding how long you’ve held your licence and whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
To rent a car in Albania, a valid driving licence is essential. It must be a full licence, not a provisional or learner’s permit. Most car rental companies require that you have held your licence for at least one year. This means that even if you meet the minimum age requirement, you may still be refused if your licence was issued only a few months ago.
That one-year rule is the standard, but it is not universal. Some rental companies apply stricter experience requirements, particularly for younger drivers or for certain vehicle categories. For example, drivers under 23 may be required to show two years of driving experience, and a handful of local Albanian agencies go even further.
Read the licence requirements carefully in the rental terms. If the policy says “minimum two years,” and you only have 18 months, the counter staff will almost certainly refuse the rental. Large international brands are usually more flexible and stick to the one-year minimum, provided all other conditions are met.
Your licence must also be valid for the entire rental period. If it expires during your trip, even by a few days, the rental will be denied. Only physical, official licences are accepted. Digital licences, photos, temporary papers, or apps are not sufficient. You must present the original document at pickup.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is essentially an official translation of your driving licence. Whether you need one in Albania depends on where your licence is issued and the script it uses.
If your licence is printed in the Latin (Roman) alphabet, you generally do not need an IDP to rent a car in Albania. Licences from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are widely accepted on their own, as rental companies are familiar with these formats and languages. In most cases, your national licence plus passport is sufficient.
However, if your licence is written in a non-Latin script, such as Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese, you will need an IDP. In this case, the IDP acts as a translation so rental staff and authorities can read your details. The IDP must always be brought together with your original licence, not as a replacement.
There’s also a grey area for non-EU drivers. Even if your licence is in English, some rental companies have internal policies requiring an IDP for drivers from outside Europe. This isn’t common, but it does happen.
Hiring a car in Albania isn’t complicated, but it’s not something you want to go into blind either. A quick look at the age and licence rules before you book can save you from surprises, extra charges, or being turned away at the counter. With these tips, the rest of the rental process is usually smooth and predictable.
Rent a car in Albania with Final Rentals to enjoy clear terms, fair pricing, and no last-minute surprises. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select Tirana International Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
