Foreign Driver's License in the US: Converting or Starting Over

Visitors can often drive in the U.S. on a valid license from their home country, sometimes with an International Driving Permit. But once you become a resident, you need a state license, and in most of the states covered here that means passing the written and road tests like a new driver. A few states, such as Texas, let holders of licenses from certain countries skip the tests.

There is no single national rule. Each state sets its own. This guide explains how it works in four of the largest states and how to prepare.

Key takeaways

• Licenses are issued by states, not the federal government. A state license lets you drive anywhere in the U.S.
• Visitors: many states let you drive on a valid foreign license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be needed, and you must get it in your home country.
• New residents: New York and California require a road test for foreign-licensed applicants. Texas waives tests for license holders from France, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan who surrender their license.
• Plan for the road test. Even skilled drivers benefit from a lesson or two on local rules.

Visiting vs. living here

The first question is not "what license do I have?" but "do I live here now?"

• Visitors in the states covered below may drive on a valid home-country license, subject to each state's rules.
• Residents must get a state license within the state's deadline. Taking a job or enrolling children in school may make you a resident in the state's eyes.

Florida, for example, says you are considered a resident if you enroll children in public school, register to vote, file for a homestead exemption, accept employment, or live there more than six consecutive months, and then you must get a Florida license within 30 days.

The International Driving Permit

According to USA.gov:

• Visitors may need an IDP as well as a driver's license from their country. Citizens of some countries do not need one.
• The U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. You must get it before you arrive, from the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your license.
• IDPs for U.S. use are valid for 1 year.
• Not every U.S. state requires an IDP, and rental companies may have their own requirements.

USA.gov describes the IDP as a form of identification that many countries recognize. It goes with your home-country license, so carry both.

New residents: four large states

New York: written and road test

New York's Driver's Manual says a visitor with a valid license from another country can drive legally in New York. But a new resident with a license from another country must:

1. pass the vision test
2. complete the safe driving course (the 5-hour pre-licensing course)
3. turn in the foreign license
4. pass a written test and a road test

DMV says that unless you ask otherwise in writing, the foreign license will be destroyed after you pass the road test. If you want to keep it, put that request in writing.

Canadian licenses are the exception: New York treats Canadian provinces and territories like U.S. states.

For details on the course and certificate, see New York 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course: What to Know.

California: road test required

California DMV says holders of a license from another country also need to pass a driving test to obtain an original California DL, along with the knowledge test. Someone with a valid license must come with you to and from the drive test.

Two other California points:

• New residents must get a California license within 10 days.
• Drivers aged 16 or 17 with a foreign license may drive in California for a maximum of ten days.

Texas: reciprocity with four countries

Texas has the clearest "reciprocity" list among the four states. DPS says it recognizes licenses from France, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan:

• Holders can skip the exams if they surrender the foreign license. Keep it, and you must pass all required exams.
• The agreement covers passenger vehicles only, not commercial vehicles or motorcycles.
• Licenses not in English or Spanish need a translation.

Holders of licenses from other countries must pass both the knowledge and skills exams.

Texas also requires a six-hour adult driver education course for applicants ages 18 through 24 getting their first Texas license, with a waiver for new residents who surrender a valid out-of-state license. If you are in that age range and hold a foreign license, ask DPS whether the course applies to you before you book the test.

Florida: check before you go

Florida says visitors must have a license issued in their name from their country of residence and carry it while driving. New residents must get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency. The pages we reviewed do not spell out which tests apply to foreign-licensed residents, so call FLHSMV or your local service center before your appointment.

Quick comparison

State	Visitor with valid foreign license	New resident with foreign license
California	Visitors over 18 may drive while home license is valid	Knowledge test and driving test
Florida	Must carry a license from country of residence	Get a FL license within 30 days; confirm tests with FLHSMV
New York	May drive legally	Vision test, 5-hour course, written and road test; surrender license
Texas	Not covered on DPS new-resident page	France, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan: exams waived if license surrendered; others take both exams

How to prepare for a U.S. road test

Road tests check local rules as well as car control. A few areas worth studying in your state's handbook:

• Stop signs and four-way stops. Full stops, and who goes first.
• Right turn on red, where allowed, and when it is not.
• School buses with flashing red lights.
• Speed limits in miles per hour, and school zones.
• The test format. Some states include parallel parking or a set of maneuvers.

One or two lessons with a licensed local instructor can be a smart investment, especially to practice the exact maneuvers on your state's test. For what happens on test day, see The Road Test: What to Expect and Why People Fail.

When you choose a school, check that it is licensed by the state. In RoadVerified's directory, schools with a verified check mark have confirmed their details with us.

FAQ

Can I drive in the US with my foreign driver's license?

As a visitor, often yes, but it depends on the state. You may also need an International Driving Permit, which you must get in your home country before you arrive. Once you become a resident, you need a state license.

Is an International Driving Permit a driver's license?

USA.gov describes the IDP as a form of identification that many countries recognize. Carry it together with your valid home-country license.

Which states have reciprocity for foreign licenses?

Each state decides. Texas, for example, recognizes licenses from France, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan, and waives the exams if you surrender the license. New York and California require a road test for foreign-licensed new residents.

Will I get my foreign license back?

Not always. New York says it destroys the surrendered foreign license after you pass the road test unless you request otherwise in writing. Ask your state agency before you hand it over.

Do I need a driving school to convert my license?

Some states require a course in certain cases (Texas has an adult course for first-time applicants 18 to 24, for example). Otherwise it is optional, but a lesson focused on local rules and your state's test format can help you pass the first time.

Find a verified driving school

A short lesson on local rules can save a failed test. Find a verified driving school near you in our directory.