Can you use foreign drivers license usa

Here's a full list of participating countries. Notably absent from this list is the People's Republic of China. To drive legally in China, you must have a driver's license issued by China.

You don't have to be a member of AAA to obtain an international driver's license from that organization. You can apply in person at your local AAA branch. You can find your local AAA office here. Alternatively, you can mail the application and supporting documentation to the AAA. If you are a permanent resident of the United States and have a driver's license issued in the United States, you can obtain your international driver's license officially referred to as "international driving permit" or IDP from either the AAA.

However, some branches may not accept cash or certain credit cards, so you want to be sure you have a valid form of payment before you go. To start the application process, you will need to complete an "Exchanging a Driver's License from A foreign Country" application DL 7 and submit it to DMV with a legible copy of your foreign license.

The validity of your license will be verified electronically at the DMV customer service center. Make an appointment for in-person service by visiting www. If you do not hold a driver's license from a country listed above, you must meet all knowledge and road skills testing requirements.

If you can prove that you held a driver's license, you may not be required to hold a learner's permit. If you choose not to take advantage of this driver's license reciprocity program, you must pass the two-part knowledge exam and road skills test.

However, you may not be required to show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 60 days if you provide satisfactory evidence that you hold a foreign license. The fastest and easiest way to have your document s processed is by submitting them online. However, some countries have reciprocity agreements with the US that allows their citizens to simply exchange their original license to the American one. The majority of expats that wish to obtain a driving license in the US will have to go through the full application process.

The details of the procedures, like the documents you need to present and fees you need to pay, will differ from state to state but the general steps are usually the same. Before you go to the local branch of Department of Motor Vehicles, make sure you have all the right documents on you. Typically, at least some of the following documents are required for application:. The legal age for driving varies throughout the country, so make sure that you are eligible to apply for a license. However, if you are 21 or older, this will not be a problem.

Some states charge a one-time fee that can be anything from 30 to 90 USD, while others might charge you a small sum 5 USD or so every year. Depending on the state this step can also come in later, as in some places you are charged for application and in others, for issuing the document.

Written tests include 20 to 50 questions about the traffic rules and regulations of the state. The tests might be timed or not and you might have an option to take the test in your native language as well. Once you passed the written test, you will have to schedule your practice exam. Apart from driving, expect to be asked to show your parking and reversing skills and the knowledge of vehicles and its controls. And that can be your passport.

You can also read our previous post to learn how you can get a U. Most car insurance providers require a U. And car insurance is mandatory in most states. We previously wrote a thorough guide on how to get car insurance in the U. Be sure to read that before finishing your research and car purchasing process.