Adding a Driver at DEN: National’s Pickup Requirements

You’re planning to split the driving after landing in Denver, but your travel partner wants to head straight to the hotel. If you’re adding a driver to your National rental at DEN, keep them with you for pickup: National’s airport location says additional authorized drivers must appear at the time of rental and meet its age and driver’s license requirements.

An authorized driver is someone the rental company approves to drive the car. Have your second driver bring their driver’s license, and confirm eligibility with the branch before your trip if there’s any uncertainty. The published requirement to meet age rules doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether a particular person qualifies.

National’s DEN page lists a $15-per-day charge for each additional authorized driver, unless other contractual conditions apply. Treat that as a daily cost to check, not a one-time paperwork fee. Ask whether your specific rental terms include an exception, and have the agent confirm the applicable charge before you accept the agreement.

Plan the airport transfer together, too. DEN says rental agencies are on airport property but require a courtesy shuttle from Jeppesen Terminal. Pickup is on Level 5, Island 4, outside doors 505–513 on the east side and 504–512 on the west side. Your additional driver should join you on the National shuttle rather than wait at the terminal.

If you’re arriving on different flights, call National’s DEN branch at +1 833-886-0712 before travel and explain the timing. Ask how to handle an additional driver who won’t be present when you collect the car. Don’t assume you can add them remotely or simply hand over the keys later; the location’s published instruction requires their presence at rental.

Before leaving the counter, ask the agent to confirm that both intended drivers are authorized and that the charges match what you discussed. These are National’s published DEN terms, not a rulebook for every airport supplier. If you choose another company, check its own additional-driver requirements before deciding who can skip the pickup trip.