Driving Permit for United States
Driving in the United States on a foreign license? An IDP is not federally required but some states and rental firms may expect one. Learn US IDP rules, the 1949 Convention, and rental tips.
- Drive on
- Right
- Convention
- 1949 Geneva
- IDP validity
- 12 months
- Processing time
- 24-48 hours
Do you need an IDP to drive in United States?
The United States drives on the right and recognises the International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, to which it is a party. There is no single federal rule requiring an IDP: a valid foreign driver's licence generally lets a visitor drive lawfully, and how long you may do so depends on the individual state and your residency status. Because driving law is set state by state, the official USAGov guidance advises checking with the department of motor vehicles in each state you plan to drive in, since not every state requires an IDP and citizens of some countries do not need one at all. An IDP is not a stand-alone licence — it is an official translation of your home licence and is only valid when carried together with it.
In practice, an IDP is worth having, and it is especially useful if your licence is not printed in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet. Some states and car-rental companies will expect an accompanying IDP or certified translation in that case. The permit must be obtained in the country that issued your licence before you travel: the U.S. does not issue IDPs for foreign licences, and you cannot buy one for your foreign licence once you arrive. Under the 1949 Convention, an IDP is generally valid for one year from its date of issue.
At the rental desk the reality is consistent: you must present your physical home-country licence plus a passport in the same name, and, for non-English licences, an IDP can help staff read your details. Major firms such as Hertz recommend an IDP for non-English licences but will not rent on an IDP alone, and Avis notes that renters with a foreign licence may be required to present one — so travellers with a non-English licence should carry both. Police who stop you may also ask to see the licence and IDP together, making the permit a low-cost safeguard against roadside confusion even where it is not strictly mandated.
United States recognises the IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
United States is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention. In practice, an IDP issued by another signatory country is recognised for your permitted visitor stay — in United States, plan on 12 months.
What you need to drive in United States
Have these ready before you pick up the keys.
Be at least 18 years old and hold a full valid license.
Carry original license; provisional permits not accepted.
Obtain 1949 IDP if license is not in English.
Vehicle insurance meeting state minimums.
An IDP is an official translation of your national driving licence, not a licence in its own right — you must always carry your original foreign licence alongside it.
The IDP must be issued in the same country that issued your driving licence, and must be obtained before you arrive; the United States does not issue IDPs for foreign licences.
Under the 1949 Geneva Convention, an IDP is generally valid for one year from its date of issue.
At U.S. rental desks you typically need your physical foreign licence plus a passport in the same name; an IDP is recommended or may be required when the licence is not in English.
The standard minimum car-rental age is 21 in most states, and drivers aged 21 to 24 almost always pay a daily young-driver surcharge.
New Hampshire is the only state with no seat-belt requirement for adults; every other state requires adult front-seat occupants to buckle up, and handheld phone use while driving is banned in many states.
What to know before you turn the key
United States drives on the right — the driver sits on the left, and roundabouts flow anti-clockwise.
Carry your IDP and your original license together — rental desks and police checks will ask for both documents.
IDP valid for 12 months with original license.
Georgia, Massachusetts, Arizona often mandate IDP.
Rental agencies commonly request IDP.
The drink-drive limit is generally 0.08% blood alcohol for drivers aged 21 and over (0.05% in Utah), with zero-tolerance limits of 0.00-0.02% for drivers under 21 in every state, and DUI offences carry heavy fines, licence action and possible jail.
Local rules to watch in United States
Low-emission zones, tolls, and city-specific rules that catch visiting drivers out.
Some states may require an IDP or a certified translation for licences not written in English, particularly at the DMV — verify the current rule with each state's department of motor vehicles before you drive.
Utah applies a stricter drink-drive limit of 0.05% blood alcohol, below the 0.08% used in the rest of the country; it is currently the only state at 0.05%.
Signs you'll meet on the road
Eight internationally recognised signs — including which side of the road United States keeps.
Common questions about driving in United States
Drive United States, confidently.
Apply online in minutes and get instant digital access to your IDP translation — with an IDP PVC card option if you want one in your wallet.