Can tourists drive in New York?

Yes, tourists can drive in New York.¹

Can you drive in New York with a foreign license?

Yes, if you are over the age of 16 and have a driver’s license, your license is valid in the State of New York.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 New York, but recommended in the U.S.^1,2

How long can you drive with a foreign license in New York?

You can drive with a foreign driver’s license as long as your license is valid and you do not establish New York residency.¹

How can a foreigner get a driver’s license in New York?

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

Does New York 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 New York

Can a foreigner rent a car in New York?

Yes, you can rent a car in New York.²

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

New York is the only U.S. state with a law against age discrimination in rental companies. This means you can rent a car if you are 18 or older in New York (though rental companies often charge an extra fee).²

In New York:

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 New York

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 New York

To view the New York Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s manual, click here.