United States

Driving in United States on a foreign licence

Choose your country of licence

Whether you need an International Driving Permit in United States depends on where your licence was issued. Pick your country of licence below for the exact verdict, the 1949 Geneva Convention format United States accepts, and what to carry. An IDP is a certified translation of your national licence carried alongside the original, not a government-issued permit.

Get my IDP for United States Full United States guide

By country of licence

Where is your licence from?

Tap your country of licence for the verdict for United States.

Common questions

Can I drive in United States on a foreign licence?

Visitors can usually drive in United States on a valid foreign licence, and an IDP is recommended — especially if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. An IDP is a certified translation of your licence carried together with the original, not a government-issued permit. United States recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Choose your country of licence for the exact verdict.

Which country of licence does this cover?

We answer driving in United States for 15 different countries of licence: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, NZ, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Philippines, UAE, UK. Each page gives the verdict, the convention basis, the rental-desk rule, and what to carry.

How fast can I get an IDP for United States?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you travel to United States.

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