# Can I drive in the USA with a foreign drivers license?

Each state sets its own rule for a foreign drivers license in the USA. California lets a visitor over 18 drive on a valid license from their home country[1], and New York lets visitors drive with a valid license from another country[2]. Once you become a resident you need a state license, within 10 days in California[1] and 30 days in Washington[3].

## Rules in New York, California and Washington

*Checked on November 2, 2026, against each state's own DMV pages*

| Rule | New York | California | Washington |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Visitors with a foreign license | May drive with a valid license from another country[2] | Over 18, may drive while the home license stays valid[1] | Not covered on the page we checked |
| Visitors aged 16 or 17 | Not covered on the page we checked | Up to ten days, longer with a nonresident minor's certificate[4] | Not covered on the page we checked |
| New residents | Need a New York license once they become residents[2] | Within 10 days of becoming a resident[1] | Within 30 days of moving[3] |
| Translation | For the road test, an IDP or a translation certified by a consulate, the State Department or another government agency[2] | Not covered on the pages we checked | Not covered on the page we checked |
| Tests for a new license | Written test, five-hour course and road test[2] | Knowledge test, vision exam and, if necessary, a driving test[1] | Driver test depending on where you move from[3] |

Other states set their own rules. Look up the DMV of the state where you will drive, and read its page for drivers from other countries before you rent a car or move.

## Can I drive in the US with a foreign license as a visitor?

In New York and California, yes. The New York DMV says you can drive in New York State with a valid driver license from another country, and that you do not need a New York license unless you become a resident[2]. California's DMV says a visitor over 18 with a valid license from their home state or country may drive without a California license as long as that license stays valid[1].

Younger drivers have a shorter window in California. A 16 or 17 year old with a valid license from another country may drive there for a maximum of ten days, unless they get a nonresident minor's certificate and file proof of financial responsibility[4].

## When do I need an IDP and when a translation?

The New York DMV specifies these options for the road test. If your license is not in English, you must bring an International Driving Permit or a certified translation of your license to the road test[2].

New York requires a consulate, the US Department of State or another official government agency to certify the translation. It must show your name, date of birth, license expiration date and the types of vehicles you can drive[2]. A translation by a private translator, or by you, does not meet that rule.

- **Who certifies it**: A consulate, the US Department of State or another official government agency[2]
- **What it must show**: Name, date of birth, expiration date and the vehicle types allowed[2]
- **When you need it**: At the road test, if the license is not in English[2]

## What does the DMV need to convert a foreign license?

New York requires a new license. You must pass a written test, complete a five-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test. After you pass, hand your foreign license to the road test examiner[2].

In California, the knowledge test, a vision exam and, if necessary, a driving test, along with identity, residency and Social Security documents[1]. You get three attempts at each knowledge test. An accompanying driver must take you to and from the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you need a new appointment and pay a $7 retest fee[4].

Washington gives you 30 days after moving to get a license. You may need a driver test, depending on where you move from[3].

## Do I need a translation to rent a car?

Ask the rental company before you travel. The DMV pages cited here do not cover car rental. If your license is not in English, an IDP or an official translation from your consulate is the version a DMV such as New York's names[2].

## Can I use a LoreAI translation at the DMV?

Not as the certified translation New York asks for, because that has to come from a consulate, the State Department or a government agency[2]. LoreAI is none of these and is not a certified translation service.

A LoreAI translation helps you read your license and check what the official translation should say. It reads a photo or scan of both sides and returns an English Word file with the name, dates and license classes as written. You can then compare it with the consulate's translation before your road test. The [driver license translation guide](https://www.loreai.org/drivers-license-translation) covers the translation itself.

If you are moving to the US, you may need other documents translated too, such as a birth certificate. See [birth certificate translation](https://www.loreai.org/birth-certificate-translation).

## Questions people ask

### Can I drive in the US with a foreign license?

In New York and California, yes, as a visitor. New York allows a valid license from another country[2], and California allows visitors over 18 to drive while the home license stays valid[1].

### How long can I drive on a foreign license after moving to the US?

It depends on the state. California gives new residents 10 days to get a California license[1], and Washington gives 30 days[3].

### Does the DMV accept a translation of my foreign license?

New York accepts one at the road test only if it is certified by a consulate, the US Department of State or another official government agency[2].

### Do I have to take a driving test to convert a foreign license?

In New York, yes, plus a written test and a five-hour course[2]. In California, a knowledge test, a vision exam and, if necessary, a driving test[1].

## Sources

1. [California DMV: Fast Facts FFDL 5, Requirements for a California driver's license (PDF, rev. 6/2020)](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/fast-facts-5-requirements-for-a-california-drivers-license/), accessed November 2, 2026
2. [New York DMV: Drivers from other countries](https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/drivers-from-other-countries), accessed November 2, 2026
3. [Washington State Department of Licensing: Moving to Washington, get a driver license](https://dol.wa.gov/moving-washington/get-driver-license), accessed November 2, 2026
4. [California DMV: Driver's licenses](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/driver-licenses-dl/), accessed November 2, 2026

By Matt Mountain · Updated November 2, 2026