Navigating U.S. Roads as an International Driver (2024)

Nadia Neophytou is a journalist based in New York City who writes for various leading American and South African publications, such as The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Deadline, Quartz, Glamour, the Mail & Guardian, the Sunday Times, Forbes Africa and more. Nadia also worked as an arts and entertainment journalist for Eyewitness News, and as the news network's US correspondent for South Africa. She has covered topics ranging from Occupy Wall Street, numerous mass shootings, the re-election of Barack Obama, Donald Trump's election and the #MeToo movement.

Navigating U.S. Roads as an International Driver (2024)

FAQs

Can I use my international driving license in the USA? ›

You may drive a car in the United States for one year using an International Driver's Permit (IDP) and a driver's license from your home country. Getting an IDP is the simplest way to be licensed to drive in the United States. You must get your IDP in your home country before arriving in the United States.

How long can I drive in Florida with a foreign license? ›

International students, scholars, and employees may legally drive in Florida for 30 days with an unexpired, valid driver's license and international driver's license issued from your home country (the international driver's license cannot be issued to non-U.S. citizens inside the U.S.).

Which states in the US require an international driving permit? ›

What US States need international driving permit?
  • State. IDP Required - YES/NO.
  • Alabama. Yes.
  • Alaska. Yes.
  • Arizona. No.
  • Arkansas. Yes.
  • California. No (unless in State for more than 90 Days)
  • Colorado. No (unless in State for more than 90 Days)
  • Connecticut. Yes.
Oct 7, 2019

Can a foreigner learn driving in us? ›

You need to take a course and pass written and road tests.

Your foreign license is valid for driving, but not for waiving the tests and course for new drivers.

How long can I drive in the US with a foreign license? ›

How long can an immigrant use a foreign license in the US? Foreigners can typically use their driver's license for 3 to 6 months 1 from entry date into the US. After this duration, the license won't be valid, and you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to keep driving.

How long can I drive in California with a foreign license? ›

Individuals who have entered the United States, other than as a tourist, who wish to drive in the state of California, must obtain a California driver's license. For non-tourists, foreign driver's licenses are valid for only 10 days.

Can international tourists drive in Florida? ›

Visitors to Florida who wish to drive while here are required to have in their immediate possession a valid driver license issued in his or her name from their country of residence. If renting a car while visiting Florida, we suggest you check with the rental car company prior to your visit to see what they require.

Does Florida honor a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit? ›

Florida honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit. Once your foreign license expires, you must apply for an FL learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license.

Which state licenses are not valid in Florida? ›

As of July 1, these out-of-state licenses are no longer valid in Florida if the driver is in the U.S. illegally.
  • Delaware.
  • Connecticut.
  • Hawaii.
  • Rhode Island.
  • Vermont.
Jul 6, 2023

Can I drive in the USA without an international license? ›

If your country doesn't issue international driver's licenses, you can still drive in the United States, but you will need to have a valid driver's license from your home country that is written in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Do I need an IDP in Florida? ›

You only need your documentation of identification, such as your driver's license from your native country, to drive in Florida. You do not need an international driving permit.

Can I drive in Europe with a US driver's license? ›

If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket).

What countries don't accept US drivers license? ›

Your U.S. driver's license isn't enough in Asia, either, with places like Japan, Thailand, and South Korea requiring an IDP. Other countries, like China, recognize none of the international permits. You will not be allowed to drive or rent a car in China without obtaining a Chinese driver's license.

Can I drive in New York with a foreign license? ›

Out-of-state and foreign driver licenses

You can drive in New York State with a valid driver license from another state or country. You don't need to apply for a New York State driver license unless you become a New York State resident.

How long can you drive with a foreign license in New York? ›

Foreign drivers may use their licenses in New York for up to 12 months. From the date of your entry into the United States or when your visa is issued, the 12-month period begins. A New York State driver's license will be required after this 12-month period.

Which countries accept international driving permits? ›

International Driving Permits are Required* in the following countries for US Licensed Drivers: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, and Thailand.

Can I rent a car with an Indian license in the USA? ›

If the driver's license is in a language other than English, and the rental is in the United States, an International Driver's Permit is recommended. In all cases, a valid driver's license issued from your home country must be provided, whether or not you possess an International Driver's Permit.

What countries require a international drivers license? ›

As of 2021, the following countries require an IDP: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Republic), ...

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