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Updated on 12.08.2019
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The US driver's license is not only a document that certifies the right to drive a vehicle in the United States, but also a symbol of mobility and freedom that is deeply rooted in American culture. For many visitors and immigrants, obtaining a US driver's license is an important step in getting around the country and living the American dream.
Whether you are a tourist, business traveler, student or immigrant, this article will help you learn everything you need to know about the US driver's license and have a safe and enjoyable drive on the roads of the United States.
The US driver's license is much more than just a permit to drive a car. It also serves as the primary identification document for citizens and residents of the United States. In most states, the driver's license is issued by the respective Department of Transportation and is an essential part of daily life, as it is often required to identify oneself in various activities, whether opening a bank account, buying alcohol or going through airport security.
From 2025, a uniform identification document known as the REAL ID will be introduced, which will set uniform nationwide standards for state driving licenses and ID cards. It was introduced to improve the security and authenticity of identification documents, particularly in connection with aviation security and access to certain federal buildings and facilities.
Prior to the introduction of Real ID, there were no uniform standards for state driver's licenses and ID cards in the US. Each state had its own rules and regulations, resulting in a variety of different documents. This led to challenges in verifying the authenticity and validity of driver's licenses in different parts of the country. There will also be slight differences in the REAL ID depending on the state, in addition to the standardized security features.
Overall, the US driver's license is not only a document that certifies eligibility to drive, but also an essential tool for identification and safety in daily life in the United States.
What would the United States be without a road trip on a motorcycle, a round trip across the country in a rental car or camping in one of the many national parks? Probably only half as beautiful!
But which driver's license is required in the USA? Below we explain whether the driver's license from your home country (e.g. German driver's license) is sufficient, whether an international driver's license is required in the USA or whether, under certain circumstances, you even need to apply for an American driver's license.
The United States has concluded an agreement with several countries that allows foreign drivers to drive a car in the USA. However, each US state can regulate itself whether foreign driver's licenses are recognized, must be rewritten or whether an international driver's license is required. It is therefore not possible to make a blanket statement on the subject of driver's licenses in the USA.
In practice, national driver's licenses are tolerated in most US states. Whether you are renting a car or being stopped by the police, your national driver's license should normally be accepted in the USA without any problems.
Although there is no legal basis for the recognition of national driving licenses - such as those from Germany - holidaymakers in the USA can drive in the USA for up to 90 days with a driving license from their home country. Under certain conditions, the German driver's license is even valid for up to one year after entering the USA.
What do the automobile club ADAC, the German Foreign Office and the US Consulate have in common? They all recommend carrying an additional international driver's license in the USA.
Presenting an international driver's license is not mandatory in all US states, but it can certainly be an advantage. An international driver's license is recommended in the USA simply because the document is multilingual. The driving license of the home country, e.g. the EU driving license in credit card format, is only issued in the respective national language and does not contain an English translation.
With regard to the recognition of an international driving license, there are differences from state to state and the providers of rental cars in the USA also require different documents in some cases. It is therefore essential that you find out which regulations apply from the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the rental car provider in the USA and your car insurance company before you start your journey. This is the only way to avoid fines and penalties for driving without a license.
Important: Please note that an international driver's license is only valid in combination with your national driver's license and is not an officially recognized document in the USA without the driver's license from your home country. Rather, an international driver's license is a type of additional document or certified translation of your national driver's license.
The international driver's license must be obtained in your home country before traveling to the USA. In Germany, this is usually done via the driving license office of the road traffic authorities in your place of residence. It is not possible to obtain a license in the USA.
To apply for an international driving license, you do not have to take a new driving test. However, you must be in possession of a valid driving license. You should have the following documents with you when applying:
The cost of applying for an international driving license is currently around 15 Euro. Depending on the version, the international driving license is valid for one or three years.
For those who are staying in the USA for a longer period of time, it is sometimes more practical to apply for an American driver's license. Fortunately, non-US citizens can also obtain a US driver's license under certain conditions. In most cases, it is important to know which visa category the US traveler has when applying for a US driver's license. This is because not everyone who is in the USA can easily obtain an American driver's license.
In principle, the following applies:
The local Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are responsible for issuing US driver's licenses. However, transportation in the United States is the responsibility of the individual US states. This means that each state has its own rules and regulations for obtaining a driver's license and also issues its own driver's license.
But: A California driver's license is still valid in Texas or New York. Although you must differentiate whether you are simply traveling to another state or whether you reside there and register your car. If you move to another US state, go back to the local Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for a new driver's license there.
Please note: In contrast to German driving licenses, which are valid for life, US driving licenses lose their validity after around five to ten years and must then be renewed.
The Departments of Motor Vehicles for all 50 states can be found at www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services.
If you have traveled to the United States visa-free with ESTA or have registered with a B visa or C-1/D visa in the USA, the following rules apply: Tourists, business travelers and crew members are generally not permitted to apply for a USA driver's license.
The requirements for applying for an American driver's license were set by the US authorities were tightened years ago. For example, even though it was still possible for B visa holders to obtain a USA driver's license a few years ago, nowadays a B-1 Visas or B-2 Visas American driver's license can no longer be applied for or renewed.
The reason for this is that the relevant authorities in the United States now require foreigners to provide proof of legal residence as a US employee. Neither a ESTA-travel authorization, nor the B visa or C-1/D visa, are required under U.S. law. Work visas. As a result, the requirements for applying for a USA driver's license are not met.
However, as described above, it is possible to rent a car with a driving license from your home country or an international driving license for a maximum period of one year.
The situation is different if you will be staying in the USA for a longer period of time and hold a work visa (E-Visa or L visa) or a Education in the USA (with an F visa or J visa).
In this case, a driver's license can be applied for at the responsible Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV for short, in the USA. The USA driver's license is applied for in the US state in which you reside.
As a rule, the following documents must be submitted when applying for a driver's license:
As a rule, the original documents must be submitted or a certified translation must be provided. Copies will not be accepted.
Further proof and requirements vary depending on the US state and visa category. For example, holders of a J-, F- or M-visa also includes the valid DS-2019 resp. I-20 Form when submitting the application.
Note: Find out in advance exactly which regulations apply in the respective US states, as each state has its own regulations for applying for an American driver's license.
Young exchange visitors in particular use their time in the United States to obtain a driver's license earlier than in their home country. The ADAC provides information on the conditions under which an American driver's license may be used in Germany, for example, and what needs to be considered when transferring a license.
Note
Find out in advance exactly which regulations apply in the respective US states, as each state has its own regulations for applying for an American driver's license.
Young exchange visitors in particular use their time in the United States to obtain a driver's license earlier than in their home country. The ADAC provides information on the conditions under which an American driver's license may be used in Germany, for example, and what needs to be considered when transferring a license.
Currently 13 US states have relaxed their regulations for applying for a US driver's license.
Most recently, a law was introduced in the US state of New York that allows driving licenses to be issued to foreign nationals without a US residence permit with immediate effect. Applicants for a driver's license will then not have to Social Security Number still have to present a US visa.
To apply for a USA driver's license in these selected states, only the following documents are required:
In New York alone, an estimated 400,000 people would benefit from this new driver's license regulation.
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