Question: My family is coming to New York City from Portugal, and we’re planning to rent a car. We will tour a few states, but I’m not sure about international driving permit requirements. What states require an IDP?
Answer:
Some US states, but not all, require visitors from abroad to have an International Driving Permit while driving on their trip. If you need to drive a vehicle outside of your home country, an IDP is a specialized license that lets you do so legally in almost 180 countries.
Despite lists you may see published online, it’s best to contact the departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) for the states you’re visiting to get their latest requirements. You can use the USA.gov website to locate DMV contact information for any of the 50 states.
How to get an IDP
If you do need an IDP to drive in the states you’re visiting, you’ll need to apply for one before your trip. You can’t obtain an IDP once you arrive in the US.
The best way to get an IDP is to contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver’s license. That department can tell you more about the cost and requirements for your IDP and how long it will take to get it. That means it’s best to check on this early when planning your trip. If the process is affordable and easy, you may consider getting the IDP just in case.
Do I need an IDP to rent a car?
If you’re renting a car in the US, it’s possible that the rental company will require you to have your IDP and a local license. Each rental company has its own policies, so consider contacting customer service ahead of time to find out what you’ll need at the check-in counter.
You should also consider an IDP if your local driver’s license is not in English. An IDP translates the text of your license so that rental companies, police or other law enforcement can read it in their own languages.
How long is an IDP valid?
If you do obtain an IDP, you’ll be set to drive in the U.S. for one year using it in conjunction with your normal license. Keep in mind that your normal license must not expire during this time.
If you’re a citizen of a foreign country, but you live permanently in the US, you may be able to apply for a standard driver’s license from the state where you live. States have different laws about noncitizen driver’s licenses. However, if you’re eligible for a US license, you can use it to drive anywhere in the US without additional paperwork.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She\’s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.
