Can You Use an International Driving License in the USA?
If you’re planning a road trip across the United States, one of the first questions that pops up is whether your International Driving Permit (IDP) or foreign driver’s license will be accepted. The short answer is yes—but with important caveats that vary by state, length of stay, and the type of license you hold. In this post you’ll learn exactly how to drive legally in the U.S., the paperwork you’ll need, and the common pitfalls to avoid.
1. What Exactly Is an International Driving Permit?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Automobile clubs authorized by the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (most countries) |
| Purpose | Translates your home‑country licence into 10+ languages for local authorities |
| Validity | Usually 1 year from the date of issue (cannot be renewed abroad) |
| Legal Status | Never a stand‑alone licence; it must accompany a valid foreign driver’s licence |
Think of the IDP as a passport for your driver’s licence. It adds credibility, but the underlying foreign licence is still the legal document that gives you the right to drive.
2. How Long Can You Use Your Foreign Licence in the U.S.?
Each state sets its own rules about how long a visitor may drive with a foreign licence (with or without an IDP). Below is a quick reference for the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
| State / DC | Acceptance Period* | IDP Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 30 days | Yes (recommended) | After 30 days you must obtain a state licence |
| Alaska | 90 days | No | No IDP needed if licence is in English |
| Arizona | 30 days | Yes | Tourist visa holders only |
| Arkansas | 30 days | Yes | Commercial drivers need a U.S. CDL |
| California | 10 days (if not IDP) / 1 year (with IDP) | Yes | IDP extends stay up to 1 year |
| Colorado | 90 days | No | Spanish, French, German licences accepted |
| Connecticut | 30 days | Yes | Extension possible with state licence |
| Delaware | 60 days | Yes | Must have English translation if no IDP |
| Florida | 30 days | Yes | IDP required for non‑English licences |
| Georgia | 30 days | Yes | IDP + valid foreign licence |
| Hawaii | 30 days | No | English licence only |
| Idaho | 90 days | No | IDP optional |
| Illinois | 90 days | Yes | IDP recommended for police stops |
| Indiana | 30 days | Yes | IDP required for non‑English licences |
| Iowa | 30 days | Yes | Must carry both documents |
| Kansas | 30 days | Yes | IDP required for most foreign licences |
| Kentucky | 30 days | Yes | Accepts IDP + foreign licence |
| Louisiana | 30 days | Yes | IDP mandatory if licence not in English |
| Maine | 60 days | No | English licence acceptable |
| Maryland | 60 days | Yes | IDP + foreign licence |
| Massachusetts | 1 year | Yes | IDP allows full-year stay |
| Michigan | 30 days | Yes | IDP recommended |
| Minnesota | 90 days | No | English licence works |
| Mississippi | 30 days | Yes | IDP required |
| Missouri | 30 days | Yes | IDP recommended |
| Montana | 90 days | No | English licence fine |
| Nebraska | 30 days | Yes | IDP required |
| Nevada | 30 days | Yes | IDP required |
| New Hampshire | 60 days | No | English licence sufficient |
| New Jersey | 90 days | Yes | IDP recommended |
| New Mexico | 30 days | Yes | IDP required |
| New York | 90 days | Yes | IDP required for non‑English licences |
| North Carolina | 60 days | Yes | IDP recommended |
| North Dakota | 30 days | Yes | IDP required |
| Ohio | 30 days | Yes | IDP recommended |
| Oklahoma | 30 days | Yes | IDP mandatory for non‑English licences |
| Oregon | 90 days | No | English licence acceptable |
| Pennsylvania | 90 days | Yes | IDP recommended |
| Rhode Island | 60 days | Yes | IDP required |
| South Carolina | 30 days | Yes | IDP needed |
| South Dakota | 90 days | No | English licence works |
| Tennessee | 30 days | Yes | IDP required |
| Texas | 30 days | Yes | IDP mandatory if licence not in English |
| Utah | 30 days | Yes | IDP recommended |
| Vermont | 60 days | No | English licence fine |
| Virginia | 30 days | Yes | IDP required |
| Washington | 90 days | No | English licence acceptable |
| West Virginia | 30 days | Yes | IDP recommended |
| Wisconsin | 30 days | Yes | IDP required |
| Wyoming | 90 days | No | English licence works |
| District of Columbia | 30 days | Yes | IDP recommended |
*These periods are the maximum length you can drive on a foreign licence before you must obtain a U.S. driver’s licence. Rules may change, so always double‑check with the local DMV.
Key Takeaway: In most states you can stay legal for 30‑90 days. If you plan a longer stay, you’ll need to apply for a state licence—often after establishing residency.
3. Step‑by‑Step: Getting Ready to Drive in the U.S.
- Obtain an International Driving Permit (if you don’t already have one).
- Contact your home country’s automobile association (e.g., AAA in the U.S., AA in the UK).
- Provide a recent passport‑size photo, a copy of your valid foreign licence, and the fee (usually $15‑$25).
- Carry Both Documents at All Times.
- Keep the original foreign licence, the IDP, and your passport together in the vehicle.
- Check the Destination State’s Rules.
- Use the table above or visit the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
- Purchase Insurance.
- Your rental car company will typically offer coverage, but you can also use a policy from a U.S. insurer that extends to foreign drivers.
- Know the Road Laws.
- Speed limits are posted in mph.
- Most states require seat belts for all passengers.
- Texting while driving is illegal in many states.
- Plan for the End of the Acceptance Period.
- If you’ll stay longer than the state allows, start the state licence application early (often 30 days before the deadline).
4. Common Situations & Quick Tips
- Renting a Car: Nearly all major rental agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis) accept a foreign licence plus an IDP for drivers from non‑English‑speaking countries. Some may ask for a credit card in the driver’s name.
- Driving in Multiple States: The most restrictive state’s rules generally apply. If you travel from California (1‑year IDP allowance) to Texas (30‑day limit), you must stop driving after 30 days unless you obtain a Texas licence.
- Commercial Driving: An IDP does not replace a U.S. Commercial Driver’s Licence (CDL). You’ll need a CDL for any employment‑related truck or bus driving.
- Student Visas: Many universities advise international students to obtain a state licence within 30‑90 days of arrival.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need an IDP if my foreign licence is in English? | Not always. States like Alaska, Colorado, and Texas may accept an English licence alone, but an IDP eliminates doubt and is required in most jurisdictions. |
| Can I convert my foreign licence to a U.S. licence without testing? | Some states have reciprocity agreements (e.g., Canada, Germany, South Korea). Check the specific state’s DMV. Most states still require a written and driving test. |
| What happens if I get a ticket while using a foreign licence? | The ticket will be issued to you just like any other driver. You’ll need to pay the fine or contest it in the appropriate court. Your home country may be notified, affecting insurance premiums. |
| Is an International Driving Permit valid for motorcycles? | Yes, if your foreign licence permits motorcycle operation and the IDP lists the motorcycle class. |
| Can I drive in the U.S. with a temporary visa? | Yes, as long as the visa is valid and you stay within the state’s acceptance period for foreign licences. |
| Do I need to register my own car if I bring it from abroad? | Absolutely. You must register the vehicle with the state’s DMV, obtain U.S. insurance, and meet emissions/safety inspections. |
| How do I renew an IDP while I’m in the U.S.? | You can’t. The IDP must be renewed in your home country before you return. Plan for the 1‑year expiry date. |
6. Final Thoughts
Driving across the United States is one of the best ways to experience the country’s diverse landscapes—from the Pacific Coast Highway to the rolling hills of Kentucky. By understanding the role of the International Driving Permit, respecting each state’s limits, and keeping the right paperwork handy, you can enjoy the open road without fear of legal trouble.
Remember: The IDP is a translation tool, not a licence. Keep your original foreign licence with you, verify state-specific rules before you set out, and purchase adequate insurance. With those bases covered, you’ll be ready to hit the highway and explore all that the U.S. has to offer. Safe travels!