Can tourists drive in California?

Yes, tourists can drive in California.¹

Can you drive in California with a foreign license?

Yes, if you are over the age of 18 and have a driver’s license, your license is valid in the State of California.¹

For more destinations where you can drive with a foreign license, click here.

Is an International Driving Permit required for tourists?

No, an International Driving Permit is not required by California, but recommended in the U.S.^1,2

How long can you drive with a foreign license in California?

You can drive with a foreign driver’s license as long as it is valid.¹

How can a foreigner get a driver’s license in California?

You do not need to get a California driver’s license as a tourist (only if you intend to become a permanent resident).¹

Does California recognize the International Driving Permit?

Yes, the U.S. recognizes the International Driving Permit. However, the U.S. does not issue an International Driving Permit to visitors. Contact your local motor vehicle department or driver’s association to apply before traveling.²

For more destinations where you can drive with an International Driving Permit, click here.

Renting a Car in California

Can a foreigner rent a car in California?

Yes, you can rent a car in California.²

How old do you have to be to rent a car in California?

There is no state law that sets a minimum age, which means the minimum age to rent a car is determined by the rental car company you choose (and how much they will charge you for being under 25.)

In California:

Enterprise will rent cars to drivers age 21 or older for an additional fee determined by the local location where you pick up the car (on average it’s $20 per day).³

Hertz will rent cars to drivers age 20 or older for an additional daily fee, though they occasionally offer promotions and waive the fee.⁴

Budget will rent cars to drivers age 21 or older for an additional fee of $20 per day, though they occasionally offer promotions and waive the fee.⁵

For more destinations where you can rent a car, click here.

Rental Car Requirements in California

In order to actually pick up your rental car, you will need:

If you rent with Enterprise, your regular driver’s license. IF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE IS NOT IN ENGLISH and/or the letters are not English, an International Driving Permit is also required.⁶

If you rent with Hertz, you need to meet the age requirement, have a valid form of payment, and have a valid driver’s license. IF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE IS NOT IN ENGLISH, an International Driving Permit is recommended.⁷

If you rent with Budget, you need a valid driver’s license, a passport, a credit or debit card for deposit, and a clean driving record. IF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE DOES NOT USE THE ROMAN ALPHABET FOR WRITING, the International Driving Permit is also required.⁸

Driving in California

To view the California Driver Handbook, click here.