You need to have a driver’s license of some sort to drive in the United States. This may mean a U.S. driver’s license, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and/or a driver’s license from a foreign country.
In some cases, you may not even need to have a U.S. driver’s license. You may be able to use your foreign license for a short period of time, typically three months. After three months have passed, you will most likely need an IDP.
Since every state is different, the three-month foreign driver’s license rule depends on your place of residency within the U.S. It is imperative that you check the laws in the state you are driving in if you are only driving with your foreign driver’s license; some states require an IDP in addition to a foreign license. This principle applies to the state you live in and to any states you intend to drive through during your time in the U.S.
If you plan on staying in the U.S. for more than six months, it’s advantageous to apply for a U.S. driving license. If you are eligible to apply for an immigrant driver’s license in the U.S., it may be in your best interest to do so. That way, you can drive in all 50 states for a longer period of time than you could with just an IDP and/or foreign driver’s license.
International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a type of permit that allows you to drive legally in 150 countries. An IDP is important because some U.S. states require one in addition to a valid foreign license to legally drive in the United States.
An IDP is valid for one year. You can apply for one at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) equivalent in your home country. If you are in the United States, you can apply through AAA.