Can tourists drive in US?

Short answer: yes.

Can I drive in the US with a foreign license?

It depends on the state. Click to choose a state

You can drive in these states with a foreign license:

Can I drive with my International Driving Permit in USA?

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 for an international driving permit before traveling.¹

An international driving permit is required (or strongly recommended) to drive in these US states:

How long can you drive with a foreign license in the US?

In the states which allow you to drive with a foreign license, you can drive for anywhere between 30 days to one year. In the states which require an International Driving Permit, you cannot drive for any length of time with a foreign license.

Renting a Car in the US

Can I rent a car in the US with a foreign license?

Yes, you can rent a car in the US.¹ However, you should check with the rental car company you are going to rent from to see if they require the International Driving Permit. Usually, it depends on whether your license is in a language which uses the Roman alphabet. If not, then an International Driving Permit is required to rent their cars.

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

There is no federal 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 the state where you are renting the car. Rental car companies often charge a fee if you are under age 25.

For example, in most US states:

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).²

Hertz will rent cars to drivers age 20 or older for an additional daily fee, though they occasionally offer promotions and waive the fee.³

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.⁴

In Michigan and 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.²

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.⁴

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

Rental Car Requirements in US

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.⁵

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.⁶

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.⁷

Is driving easy in the USA?

Each state has their own driving manuals and specific recommendations depending on where you are traveling. Click here to choose a state to read about.

Click to read about the state you are visiting