Can tourists drive in Michigan?

Yes, tourists can drive in Michigan.¹

Can you drive in Michigan with a foreign license?

Yes, a foreign license is valid in the State of Michigan.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 Michigan, but if your home country’s driver’s license is not in English, you should have a translation of the license (which is what the International Driving Permit is).¹

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

You can drive in Michigan as long as your license is valid.¹

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

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

Does Michigan 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 Michigan

Can a foreigner rent a car in Michigan?

Yes, you can rent a car in Michigan.²

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

In Michigan, the law requires companies to make renting a car available to anyone 18 years or over.²

In Michigan:

Enterprise will rent cars to drivers age 18-20 for a higher additional fee than drivers 21-24 who are charged an average of $20 per day.³

Avis will rent cars to drivers age 18-20 for a higher additional fee than drivers 21-24 who are charged an average of $35 per day.⁴

Budget will rent cars to drivers age 18-20 for a higher additional fee than drivers 21-24 who are charged an average of $20 per day.⁵

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

Rental Car Requirements in Michigan

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 Avis, your regular driver’s license, an Avis-honored credit card (click here to view the list), an acceptable driving record and meet the age 21 driver requirement. DOUBLE CHECK YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE IS ENOUGH. Avis requires the International Driving Permit and a secondary form of ID if your driver’s license is not issued by the U.S., Canada, any country with a reciprocal agreement with the U.S., or any of these countries (click here to view list).⁷ In other words, if your license is not issued by the U.S., Canada, and you can’t find it on the linked list above, it is recommended you have an International Driving Permit to rent from Avis.

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 Michigan

Click here to view some helpful driving tips from the Michigan Secretary of State.