{"id":28074,"date":"2024-11-08T21:02:07","date_gmt":"2024-11-09T05:02:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getjerry.com\/wp-site\/?p=28074"},"modified":"2025-07-14T18:06:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T01:06:20","slug":"in-which-states-do-i-need-an-international-driving-permit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/state-laws\/in-which-states-do-i-need-an-international-driving-permit\/","title":{"rendered":"In Which States Do I Need an International Driving Permit?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Question<\/strong>: My family is coming to New York City from Portugal, and we\u2019re planning to rent a car. We will tour a few states, but I\u2019m not sure about international driving permit requirements. What states require an IDP?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answer<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite lists you may see published online, it\u2019s best to contact the departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) for the states you\u2019re visiting to get their latest requirements. You can use the USA.gov website<\/a> to locate DMV contact information for any of the 50 states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get an IDP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you do need an IDP to drive in the states you\u2019re visiting, you\u2019ll need to apply for one before your trip. You can\u2019t obtain an IDP once you arrive in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to get an IDP is to contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need an IDP to rent a car?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re renting a car in the US, it\u2019s 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\u2019ll need at the check-in counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also consider an IDP if your local driver\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long is an IDP valid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you do obtain an IDP, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a citizen of a foreign country, but you live permanently in the US, you may be able to apply for a standard driver\u2019s license from the state where you live. States have different laws about noncitizen driver\u2019s licenses. However, if you\u2019re eligible for a US license, you can use it to drive anywhere in the US without additional paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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