, you may need an international driving permit (IDP) depending on what state you plan to visit. Most US states do not require visitors to carry an international driving permit, however some do and you need to know before you arrive as you cannot arrange one on arrival, it has to be done in the country where your domestic license was issued.
State
IDP Required - YES/NO
California
No (unless in State for more than 90 Days)
Colorado
No (unless in State for more than 90 Days)
Indiana
No (unless license is not in English)
Michigan
No (unless license is not in English)
New Jersey
No (unless license is not in English)
Ohio
No (unless license is not in English)
Rhode Island
No (unless license is not in English)
South Carolina
No (unless license is not in English)
Wisconsin
No (unless license is not in English)
Travelling between states – do I need an IDP?
Yes, no matter where you start of finish your journey or collect and return your
rental car, if you drive on the roads of any state you are bound by its laws, much like
speed limits in the USA vary by state, so do its requirement for an international driving permit. For example, If you arrive into
Orlando in Florida where an IDP is not required, but plan to head north to Georgia, even if just for a day, you’ll need an IDP as Georgia is one of the 12 states in the USA where an international driving permit is required.
What international driving permit do you need to drive in the USA?
If you are driving in any of the states where an international driving permit is required, you’ll need IDP 1949. There are 3 different international driving permits available, depending on what you country you visit. Officially called the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic has been ratified in 96 countries (including the US) and is valid for 12 months with a 6 month grace period, however we recommend that your permit is valid for the duration of your planned stay in the USA.
What is the 90 day rule?
In some states, whilst an international driving permit is not generally required, if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, an international driving permit is required. This is the case for California and Colorado.
What if I don’t have an IDP when driving in the USA?
If you are renting a car in the USA, in a state that requires an international driving permit your rental agent may request sight of your IDP at collection. Failure to present may lead to the rental agent refusing to release the car. If you travel into a state where an IDP is required and you don’t have one and are requested to present it by a traffic officer and fail to present, you will likely be issued with fine and could have the vehicle seized for failing to provide a valid driving license.
You might also be interested in: