Do you need an International Driving Permit in the United States?

United States and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in the United States

United States applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in the United States

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in the United States

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted in United States.

Emergency services

general 911

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for United States, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in the United States

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in the United States?

Up to 1 year. United States joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 30 August 1950 by ratification, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in the United States on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the US." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with United States's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in the United States?

Reach general on 911. The Government of Canada publishes these numbers for United States. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in the United States?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.