What are all the mandatory requirements for a foreigner for the short term rental driving in USA.(i.e. DL IDP etc.)
Driving in other countries
· By: Jack Nerad for Driving Today
· Date: 2004-11-10
Are you planning to drive in Greece in the near future, now that the crowds have dispersed following the Olympic Games? If so, you should be aware that you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before leaving if you plan to drive a car on your journey. Greece requires all foreign drivers who are legally licensed to drive in their home country to carry an IDP.
"Greece is one of a few countries to require an IDP for foreign drivers, but it's a good idea to obtain an IDP if you're planning to drive anywhere abroad," says Rose Rougeau, spokesperson of AAA Texas. "The Auto Club d'Italia has notified AAA that U.S. drivers must carry either an IDP or an Italian translation of their U.S. driver license issued in Italy by the Auto Club d'Italia or the U.S. Consulate."
In addition, AAA strongly recommends that U.S. drivers in Spain carry an IDP for translation purposes. Some U.S. motorists, without an IDP or an official Spanish translation of their U.S. driver license, have been stopped by police and fined 300 euros, about US$360. Only holders of valid driver licenses can purchase an IDP. AAA Texas sells IDPs to members and non-members for $10. (See our warning on Drivers.com about scams involving IDP sales.)
"With these new developments it makes sense to obtain an IDP before you depart if you are planning to drive while abroad," Rougeau says.
International Driving Permits were authorized in 1949 when the United States, one of 100 countries, signed the United Nations Convention on International Road Traffic. International Driving Permits are available at AAA locations throughout the U.S.
- US and International licensing information
- Travel and Driving
- Great Drives and destinations
- Warning about IDP scams
- Overview of IDPs
Comments
sameer, on Monday, 07. August 2006 at 06:34 AM
Frank, on Tuesday, 08. August 2006 at 11:20 AM
Sameer, I'm not 100% certain of this but I believe you can drive for 60 - 90 days on your home driving license. If you intend to stay longer get an IDP (International Driving Permit) through your local auto club
Rob, on Wednesday, 13. December 2006 at 12:52 PM
My wife is Armenian, and would like to obtain a driver's license while we're stationed in Slovakia. All driving instruction here in Slovakia is in Slovak. However, my wife only speaks Armenian, Russian, and English. Any ideas?
samer, on Friday, 26. January 2007 at 09:50 AM
i am erom sudan
ishak, on Saturday, 24. February 2007 at 05:03 AM
i need to drive in uae as temp. but ihave in dian license. do u have any idea for getting me uae driving licns. pls give me ur advice update me how can i get it.
kind regard
ishak.
ishak.sinu@gmail.com
kev, on Saturday, 24. February 2007 at 02:16 PM
You need an international driving permit from your own country. that's a start!
William, on Saturday, 14. April 2007 at 09:43 AM
As US citizen with valid Texas DL, do I need a IDP to drive in Argentina. If so, is it possible to have obtain onlinne or have another person go to local AAA office in Texas to fill out necessary paperwork (i'm already in Argentina).
Thanks.
wkendall@mailtlc.com
PIYUSH, on Tuesday, 03. July 2007 at 08:46 AM
Hi
I would be joining a job in Greece & i'm an Indian & want to know how do i apply for an International Driving Licence which would be valid in Athens Greece & most parts of europe
Thanks
ekele, on Tuesday, 03. July 2007 at 11:28 PM
Piyush, you have to apply in India for your IDP
Tim, on Tuesday, 10. July 2007 at 10:12 AM
I am now in UAE (Dubai) with a UK drivers license. Can I get an international drivers license here ( to support my new job) or do I have to fly back to the UK to do this. Any advice will be welcomed
rgds Tim
Admin, on Tuesday, 10. July 2007 at 12:16 PM
Tim, You CAN apply for an IDP by mail but it takes a while (they say about 10 days).
Here's what the UK Automobile Association Web site (www.theaa.com)says --
"You can obtain an IDP over the counter at many post offices.
You must apply IN PERSON (no third-party applications). You must complete an application form, available from the post office. You must also produce one of the following ORIGINAL valid documents:
* your UK driving licence (if photocard licence: photocard and counterpart), or
* your UK pass certificate (certificate of competence to drive, valid for two years from the date of your test), together with your provisional driving licence"
"By post
If it's not convenient for you to get to a post office, you may apply by post to the AA. However, please note that your application may take at least 10 working days to be processed from the date of receipt.
Print off an application form and complete the details. Then send it to the address shown on the form, including your payment and the relevant documents (see the IDP checklist on the form). "
Rene, on Thursday, 19. July 2007 at 10:31 AM
I have found the most convenient and less expensive place to get an IDP is with Triple A (AAA--the automobile club). You can walk in any office and they'll take your pics. there for a fee ($7--member, $10--non-member) or you can bring 2 passport type pics in with you. The IDP costs $15 and you walk out with it then. No waiting weeks to get it thru the mail. You can get office locations and phone #'s on line. I've heard of people getting scammed sending off for IDP's. Be aware! Triple A is a reputable company to deal with.
bart, on Saturday, 01. September 2007 at 05:03 AM
Do US citizen require international driving license to drive in Italy, if he is holding US driving license.
Txn, on Monday, 10. September 2007 at 11:05 PM
We were just told by Avis that an IDP is required for rentals in Italy... this is the first I had ever heard of such!
cammee4u2, on Wednesday, 19. September 2007 at 03:52 AM
I have an IDP from Trinidad and Tobago, what is the time period do I have to drive in the state of Texas, USA?
DK, on Wednesday, 19. September 2007 at 01:25 PM
IDPs are valid for 12 months
Miller, on Thursday, 04. October 2007 at 12:40 AM
I'm from malaysia and i have just got my IDP. But the problem is, UAE is not stated as the country that i'm permitted to drive. Please assist me as i will be working there and would like to know how could i than drive my company's car.
Steven, on Tuesday, 09. October 2007 at 05:47 AM
Hi, I am an Australian travelling the USA, if I rent a car can I use my Australian license to drive or do i need to apply for a IDP?
Thanks
DK, on Tuesday, 09. October 2007 at 11:14 AM
Steven, your license is in english so it might work with the rental companies. However, I'd apply for an IDP by Mail if you're spending much more time.
YOu will find the link here, and perhaps more precise advice
http://www.drivers.com/article/207/
Nikhil, on Wednesday, 10. October 2007 at 07:08 AM
I have an IDP from India. Can I drive in U.K/Scotland as I am planning to relocate.
vijesh, on Thursday, 25. October 2007 at 01:37 PM
i have uae driving license, i will settle at uk or australia soon can make the test for get lisense at these countries is dubai lisense is valid at these countries
vijesh
vijeshvisa@yahho.co.in
patty, on Sunday, 27. January 2008 at 12:20 AM
are there any states that don't cross check to see if ones lisence is suspended so that a lisence can be obtained?
sudip, on Monday, 18. February 2008 at 10:53 AM
i am sudip here on m1 visa of 2 month but i want to have car and driving lisance what do i need to have to obtain class c driving lisance
sudip_17@hotmail.com
Anil, on Wednesday, 19. March 2008 at 11:46 PM
I am going to Italy for 1 year on a international assignment. I need to drive on my own. How much does it take to get an IDP from RTO's in maharastra.
Admin, on Thursday, 20. March 2008 at 11:11 AM
Anil, India is a signatory to the international convention. The authority to issue an International Driving Permit is usually given to a national Motorists Associations. Try the Western India Auto Association
http://www.cybersteering.com/wiaa/services/idp.html
Amar, on Tuesday, 15. April 2008 at 09:33 PM
Hello, I am new to USA. I come from India.
I am having an IDP. Is it possible to give drive test at DMV office on the basis of an IDP? And upto what time this IDP remain valid?
DK, on Wednesday, 16. April 2008 at 09:55 AM
If you are in the USA it depends on which state you are in. For example if you are a foreign driver the test will be waived in South Carolina but not in Tennessee.
Amar, on Wednesday, 16. April 2008 at 06:35 PM
Thanks for answer. I am in North Carolina.
In this state it is valid to give test drive on rental car?
Prashant, on Monday, 05. May 2008 at 09:19 AM
Hi, I am in US (South Carolina) on L1B Visa, I got IDP and the photocopy of my Indian driving licence,can I drive legally in SC.
Saurabh, on Thursday, 08. May 2008 at 01:21 PM
Hey
I am currently holding a license in Bahrain and would like to drive in USA. Is it possible for me to do this? If yes, how long can I rent and drive cars in USA?
Feel free to post your comments. I would appreciate your help.
Thanks
ADAM, on Friday, 09. May 2008 at 06:07 AM
If you are from Bahrain you should be able to drive but check with each state. They're all different in how they accept foreign licenses
ben, on Monday, 12. May 2008 at 07:52 PM
can i drive in uk
jeremy, on Wednesday, 21. May 2008 at 08:11 AM
can i drive in spain with my US dl?
albert, on Tuesday, 27. May 2008 at 01:36 AM
I'm going to Ontario, Canada. Do I need to report to their transport authority, or any government agency before I can drive using my International Driving Permit issued in the Philippines?
Natalie, on Wednesday, 11. June 2008 at 08:04 PM
I have my trinidad drivers licence can i drive and rent a car new york
Xoe, on Monday, 16. June 2008 at 08:23 PM
Hello,
If I have a Internation Driving Permit from my home country, can I get a Driver License in the state of California?
Stefan, on Thursday, 26. June 2008 at 02:32 AM
I hold a Malaysian drivers license. Do I need an IDP to rent a car in the USA for less than one week's use?
DK, on Thursday, 26. June 2008 at 09:39 AM
If your Malaysian license is in english then you probably don't need an IDP. However, the IDP is cheap and easy to get so it's worth doing it just in case. Also check with the car rental company in advance.
Natski, on Thursday, 03. July 2008 at 07:02 PM
I hold an Australian drivers license and will be living in North Carolina for 12 months - is it enough just to get an IDP or will I need to apply for a US license after 3 months? Thanks
olu b, on Saturday, 05. July 2008 at 09:09 AM
I currently hold irish driving licence which is a member of european union,do i need IDP if am to live in the states of maryland for 12 months
wali, on Sunday, 06. July 2008 at 02:02 AM
i have uae driving licence and going to Austrila, for toureist only so can i drive or i need to do soemthing before?
DK, on Sunday, 06. July 2008 at 04:03 AM
Olu b -- your Irish license will be recognized for one year in Maryland but it must be accompanied by an IDP. You can get yoru IDP from
Royal Irish Automobile Club (R.I.A.C.)
34, Dawson Street, DUBLIN 2
Tel : (353) 1 677 5628, Fax : (353) 1 671 0793
www.motorsportireland.com
Supplies IDPs to members at £4.50
Not sure of non-member price.
Roshan Gosai, on Monday, 11. August 2008 at 03:24 AM
Hi i am Roshan from india and i want car draving job have indian Licence so send me visa i will came ther thx
Regard
Roshan Gosai
id - rrgosai1@gmail.com
mobail no -09326772150
Mataka, on Thursday, 14. August 2008 at 02:59 AM
Can a foreigner learn how to drive in the USA....to go into driving school.....does not have a license yet...?
Walter, on Thursday, 14. August 2008 at 09:12 AM
To learn to drive you need a learner's permit and I think you have to have an address in the U.S. and be a resident to get this.Each state is different
Kenneth Davies, on Saturday, 23. August 2008 at 05:18 PM
I live in the UK. Can I rent a car in Canada and drive it into the USA then back again into Canada.w$
Admin, on Thursday, 28. August 2008 at 09:57 AM
Kenneth,
Budget car Rental tell us it's no problem to rent in Canada and drive to U.S. as long as the car is dropped off in Canada at the end of the rental period.
Wei Yun, on Wednesday, 03. September 2008 at 07:31 PM
Currently I'm having a Malaysia driving license and working in US. Is it possible to apply for an IDP in US? And how long the license is valid to drive in US? Thanks!
ian h, on Monday, 15. September 2008 at 11:19 AM
if i have a valid south african licence can i hire a car and drive around in colorado, usa (without an international drivers licence)?
Ronnie, on Tuesday, 16. September 2008 at 12:53 AM
I believe in Colorado your SA license is recognized. Don't know how long you can use ot for though. Usually it's 60 - 90 days ...check www.DriversHandbook.com
Mikka, on Sunday, 21. September 2008 at 01:20 PM
Hi!
I will be visiting the US(Washington State)for two weeks. I have a EU license(from Poland)but will be leaving for the US in 2 days,and I am currently already out of the country, so I do not have time to obtain a IDP. Can I drive in Washington State(also plan on driving over the border into BC)without a IDP?
Your response is much appreciated.
Thanks
Admin, on Sunday, 21. September 2008 at 10:19 PM
Mikka,
Almost all U.S. states and Canadian provinces accept the EU license. However, if your license is in Polish then you should get an English Translation. I believe some consulates may do this.
jason, on Wednesday, 01. October 2008 at 09:49 AM
i have a trinidad driving license, am i eligibe to drive in the uk with my driving permit?
Emrlondon, on Tuesday, 14. October 2008 at 02:33 PM
I have a UK license and an International drivers license from Australia. Do we still have to sit the MD car licensing process as I cant quite make out if we are exempt from sitting the paperwork and practical required including the alcohol and drug test. Would appreciate if this is clarified
Ryan Ramdeen, on Tuesday, 21. October 2008 at 11:30 PM
I am visiting New York from Trinidad & Tobago. And would like to drive my mom's car, while i am here.But my driver's permit isn't international, can i still use my driver's permit? And for how long?
Your's sincerely
RR
Admin, on Wednesday, 22. October 2008 at 12:35 PM
Ryan
Most states have a grace period of at least 60 days, some up to a year. We've been told by car rental companies that if a license is in English they normally don't require an international permit.
You can check rules for New York here:
http://www.drivers.com/topic/160/
and here
http://www.drivershandbook.com/topic/45/
Nick, on Wednesday, 29. October 2008 at 10:56 AM
I am going to switzerland for 5 months, can i drive on my California license there?
DK, on Wednesday, 29. October 2008 at 04:38 PM
You should be able to drive in Switzerland for a year n your California license. However, check out our travel section page for more info or to confirm?
http://www.drivers.com/topic/200/


