Can tourists drive in Wisconsin?

Yes, tourists can drive in Wisconsin.¹

Can you drive in Wisconsin with a foreign license?

Technically yes, a non-Wisconsin license is valid in the State of Wisconsin if it is issued from a country that signed either the 1943 Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Traffic or the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.¹ Instead of worrying about international treaty status (because for some countries one treaty terminated the other, etc.), save yourself the research (you have more fun trip planning to do), and get an International Driving Permit.

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

Is an International Driving Permit required for tourists?

Yes, it is required, especially if your license is not from a country that signed either the 1943 Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Traffic or the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.¹ Save yourself the research (you have more fun trip planning to do), and get an International Driving Permit.

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

You can drive in Wisconsin with your license and an International Driving Permit for one year after your arrival into the U.S.¹

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

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

Does Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

Can a foreigner rent a car in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can rent a car in Wisconsin.²

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

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 Wisconsin:

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 Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin

The main tip recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is “treat others the way you would like to be treated” while driving. To view their full list of tips, click here.