Turning 18 in Montréal opens a lot of doors, but the door of most car rental counters is not one of them. The majority of rental agencies in Canada set their minimum age at 21, and drivers under 25 usually pay a daily young driver surcharge on top of the rate. If you are 18, 19 or 20, the usual answer is simply no. That leaves many students and young workers without wheels exactly when they need them most: moving into residence, starting a first job, or visiting family outside the city.

The U-Lease difference: rent from age 18, with no age premium

U-Lease rents to drivers 18 and older, and there is no age premium. If you are 18 with a valid driver's licence, you can rent, and you pay the same rate as everyone else. That applies across the whole fleet, from compact sedans to SUVs and vans. You can browse the fleet online and see what fits your plans and your budget.

What you need to rent at 18

• A valid driver's licence. In Québec, licences are issued by the SAAQ. If you want to check the licence classes or the steps to get yours, the official reference is the SAAQ driver's licence portal.
• A piece of identification.
• A security deposit. A credit card is never mandatory at U-Lease: the deposit can be paid by debit card, cash, Interac e-Transfer, or credit card if you happen to have one. Our no credit card rental page explains exactly how it works.

One important note: a learner's licence is not enough. In Québec, learner drivers must be accompanied at all times, so driving a rental alone is not permitted until you have moved past that stage.

How long can you rent?

From one day to several months. For a school semester or a first work contract, a longer rental often beats owning an aging car: no repair surprises, no depreciation, and one predictable payment. Our monthly and long term rental page covers those options in detail.

Tips for a smooth first rental

• Book early online. Weekends and end of month dates go fast, especially for vans and SUVs.
• Do the walkaround. Take a minute at pickup to note the vehicle's condition together with the team.
• Think about distance. If you are planning a longer trip, mention it when you book so the rental is set up correctly from the start.

Ready to drive?

Book online in a few minutes or call us at 1 (866) 725-2131. Pickup is at 10200 avenue des Récollets in Montréal-Nord, and the paperwork takes only a few minutes.