What Are Military Car Rental Discounts?
Military car rental discounts give active-duty service members, veterans, and their families 5% to 35% off standard rental rates at major U.S. companies. Budget currently offers the steepest discount at 35% through their WeSalute+ program, while Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Alamo, and SIXT provide between 5% and 25% savings.
Quick facts you need to know:
- Eligibility includes active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and dependents
- You’ll need a military ID, CAC card, Veterans ID, or DD Form 214 at pickup
- Most discounts apply to both personal and leisure travel
- Some companies waive underage driver fees for military members under 25
Why Military Personnel Need Rental Car Discounts
Here’s something most people outside the military don’t realize: service members move around constantly. Between PCS orders, temporary duty assignments, training rotations, and trying to visit family during leave, you’re basically living out of a duffle bag half the time.
Buying a car doesn’t make sense when you’re relocating every two to three years. Registration fees, insurance transfers, shipping costs—it adds up fast. That’s why military discounts on rental cars aren’t just nice to have; they’re financially essential.
Common scenarios where these discounts save you:
- Moving between duty stations before your household goods arrive
- Temporary assignments where you need wheels for 30 to 90 days
- Taking leave to visit family across the country
- Emergency travel when flights don’t line up with military schedules
- Spouse needing transportation while you’re deployed
Eligibility for Military and Veteran Car Rental Discounts
Most rental companies extend discounts to a pretty wide group of military-connected individuals. Here’s the breakdown:
Always eligible:
- Active-duty military (all branches)
- Reserve and National Guard members
- Retired military personnel
- Veterans with honorable discharge
- Federal civilian employees (for some programs)
Usually eligible with proper ID:
- Military spouses and dependents (with dependent ID card)
- Gold Star families (verification required)
- Veterans with general discharge (company-dependent)
Tip: Always mention the discount when booking online or over the phone. Many websites have a “Special Offers” section where you can enter a military discount code or membership number.
Top Car Rental Companies With Military Discounts
Let’s break down which U.S. car rental brands offer the best military deals, along with key perks and eligibility rules.
1. Avis Military Discount
Discount: Up to 25% off base rates for Veterans Advantage members.
Avis partners with Veterans Advantage, a program that extends benefits to active-duty members, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and family members.
Key Benefits:
- Save up to 25% on rentals within the U.S.
- Free enrollment in Avis Preferred, skipping counter lines
- Access to extra coupons and travel perks
- Eligible for government travel rates
How to Redeem:
Book through the Avis Veterans Advantage page or use your Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number.
2. Budget Car Rental Military Discount
Discount: Up to 35% off PAY NOW rates through WeSalute+ (formerly Veterans Advantage).
Who Qualifies:
U.S. active-duty personnel, National Guard, Reservists, retirees, and immediate family members.
Perks Include:
- Additional savings with Budget BCD code
- Free upgrades and unlimited mileage on select vehicles
- Usable for both personal and leisure trips
Tip: The discount doesn’t apply to specialty vehicles or taxes, but it can often be combined with other Budget promotions for bigger savings.
3. Enterprise Military Discount
Discount: Around 5% off base rates for leisure rentals.
Enterprise is a long-standing supporter of the U.S. military community and offers:
- Exclusive government rates for official travel
- Flexible policies for USAA members
- Rental options ideal for PCS moves or temporary assignments
Eligibility: Active-duty personnel, government employees, and veterans with proof of service.
Enterprise also offers discounts through USAA membership, which includes benefits like collision damage waiver and free additional drivers.
4. Hertz Military Discount
Discount: Up to 25% off leisure rentals through the Government & Military Program.
Who Qualifies:
Active-duty, veterans, and federal employees on official or personal travel.
Highlights:
- Combine Hertz military CDP codes with other offers
- Optional upgrades and vehicle flexibility
- Easy pickup from most U.S. airport locations
Pro Tip: Members of USAA or Veterans Advantage can stack benefits for deeper savings.
If your military assignment or vacation involves traveling across states, make sure to check whether your rental company allows out-of-state travel some restrict mileage or require prior approval for interstate trips.
5. Alamo Military Discount
Discount: Competitive rates for official and leisure travel.
For official government travel, Alamo offers:
- Unlimited mileage in the U.S. and Canada
- Damage waiver coverage
- A full tank of fuel at pickup
For personal trips, Alamo provides military discounts similar to Enterprise—especially valuable for retired and veteran travelers seeking low-cost rentals.
Eligibility: Federal employees, active-duty, retirees, and veterans with valid military ID.
6. SIXT Military Discount
Discount: Up to 25% off rentals for active-duty and veterans.
SIXT is known for its premium fleet (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) and flexible booking.
Requirements:
- Present a military or veteran ID (VIC, DD214, or state veteran ID)
- Discount applies automatically via the SIXT military page—no coupon code needed.
Bonus: SIXT often extends deals to military families and government contractors as part of its appreciation program.
How to Book Your Military Car Rental Discount
Booking through the right channel matters. Using third-party sites like Expedia or Priceline often means you lose access to military rates entirely.
Step 1: Go directly to the rental company’s military page
Don’t just search “Budget rental” and hope for the best. Look for their specific military or veterans page:
- Budget: Search “Budget WeSalute military”
- Hertz: Look for “Hertz Government Military Program”
- Avis: Find “Avis Veterans Advantage”
- SIXT: Navigate to “SIXT military discount page”
Step 2: Enter your AWD, BCD, or CDP code
These are corporate discount codes specific to military programs. Many companies list them right on their military page. Enter this code during your search, not at checkout—it affects the rate calculation from the start.
Step 3: Select your vehicle and add-ons
Standard stuff here. Pick your car class, add GPS if needed, consider insurance options. Your military discount usually applies to the base rate but not taxes, fees, or optional coverage.
Step 4: Complete booking and save confirmation
Screenshot or print your confirmation showing the military discount applied. I’ve had rental agents claim they didn’t see the discount in the system—having proof on your phone saves arguments.
Step 5: Bring required ID to pickup
This is non-negotiable. No ID, no discount. Even if you booked online with a membership number, the rental agent will verify your eligibility in person.
And if you’re renting the car specifically for licensing purposes like a state road test after a PCS move double-check whether the rental will be allowed for a driving test before you book.
Military Car Rentals Near Major U.S. Bases
If you’re stationed at or visiting one of these installations, here’s what rental options look like locally:
Fort Liberty (formerly Bragg), North Carolina: Enterprise and Avis both have locations right outside the main gate on Bragg Boulevard. Enterprise tends to have better availability for extended rentals during PCS season.
Naval Base San Diego, California: Budget at San Diego Airport offers 30% military discount with advance booking. SIXT downtown location has premium vehicles if you want something nicer for leave.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington: Hertz operates an on-base location that honors military rates without airport fees. Great option if you’re flying into SeaTac and heading straight to base.
Fort Cavazos (formerly Hood), Texas: Enterprise has three locations in Killeen, all offering military rates. Summer weekends book fast—reserve early if you need a car for family visiting.
Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia: Alamo and Budget both at Norfolk Airport (30 minutes from base). Budget usually has better SUV availability for family pickups during deployment returns.
Are Military Car Rental Discounts Worth It?
Absolutely but you have to use them correctly. The companies offering these programs are genuinely trying to show appreciation for military service, not just checking a PR box. Budget’s 35% discount, SIXT’s premium vehicle access, and Avis’s skip-the-line benefits are legitimate money-savers.
The key is understanding that “up to 35% off” is the ceiling, not the floor. Your actual savings depend on booking smart, choosing the right company for your situation, and having proper documentation ready.
If you rent a car even twice a year, taking ten extra minutes to book through military portals instead of regular consumer sites will save you hundreds of dollars annually.
FAQ
Does Enterprise offer a military discount?
Yes. Enterprise offers around 5% off base rates for military and government personnel. Active-duty members, veterans, and their families can access discounts for both official and leisure travel with valid military identification.
What documents are required to claim a military rental car discount?
You’ll need a valid military ID, veteran ID card, or DD Form 214. Some companies also accept VA cards or proof of active-duty status, like a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
How much can you save with military/veteran car rental discounts?
Military and veteran car rental discounts typically range from 5% to 35% off standard rates, depending on the company, rental duration, and vehicle category. Some brands also include perks like free upgrades or extra mileage.
Are there special rates for military leisure vs official travel?
Yes. Official travel often receives government contract rates with insurance and fuel benefits, while leisure travel offers percentage-based discounts for personal trips. Always specify your travel type when booking to get the correct rate.
Can you combine a military discount with other coupons or promo codes?
Usually, military discounts can’t be combined with other coupons or promotional offers. However, some companies allow stacking with loyalty programs or upgrade promotions. Always check the specific rental company’s terms before booking.
What vehicle types or locations are excluded from military rental discounts?
Discounts typically exclude specialty vehicles like luxury, exotic, or large vans. Certain airport or franchise locations may also opt out. Review the fine print on each company’s site before reserving.
Are one-way rentals or airport locations excluded from military discounts?
Not always, but some companies limit discounts on one-way or high-demand airport rentals. Additional drop-off fees may apply, so confirm eligibility and pricing directly with the rental location before booking.
Are adaptive vehicles or disabled veteran–friendly rentals included under military discount programs?
Yes. Major companies like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise offer adaptive vehicles—such as hand-control or wheelchair-accessible cars—at no extra cost. Disabled veterans can also combine accessibility options with military discount rates.
Which rental companies offer the best veteran car rental discounts?
Top-rated companies include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, and SIXT. Discounts range from 5%–35%. Veterans Advantage members often receive the highest savings and added perks like free upgrades or extra drivers.
Do taxes, fees, and add-ons get discounted when applying a military rate?
Generally no. Military discounts apply to base rental rates only. Taxes, insurance, fuel, and optional add-ons (like GPS or child seats) are usually excluded, though some companies occasionally waive minor service fees.
