Do You Need an International Driving Permit in the United States?
Driving privileges for visitors are set by each state, not federally. Most states allow a visitor to drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited period, and a licence not written in English is where a translation or International Driving Permit becomes practically necessary. The United States is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention. Traffic drives on the right. Motorway limit 70 mph. Sources reviewed 2026-07-23.
Who needs an IDP in the United States
Who this applies to. Driving privileges for visitors are set by each state, not federally. Most states allow a visitor to drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited period, and a licence not written in English is where a translation or International Driving Permit becomes practically necessary
Who is treated differently. A licence issued in English is generally readable without a translation, though the state's time limit still applies and rental company policy can be stricter than state law
This question runs in two directions and they have different answers. **Driving into the United States on a foreign licence:** privileges are set by each state, most allow a visiting driver a limited period on a valid foreign licence, and the practical trigger for a translation is language — a licence not in English is one an officer or rental agent cannot read. **US licence holders driving abroad:** only two organisations are authorised by the U.S. Department of State to issue US International Driving Permits — the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. No third organisation can become authorised by describing itself as official. One rule catches people out in both directions: an IDP must be issued in the country that issued your licence. A UK licence holder cannot obtain a US IDP from AAA, and a US licence holder cannot obtain one abroad.
Which convention applies
The United States is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention. The convention determines which IDP format has a legal basis here, which is why two IDPs that look similar are not always interchangeable.
Driving facts for the United States
| Driving side | Right |
|---|---|
| Road traffic convention | 1949 Geneva Convention |
| Motorway speed limit | 70 mph (113 km/h) |
| Rural speed limit | 55 mph (89 km/h) |
| Built-up area limit | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Minimum rental age | 21 |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.08 per cent in 49 states. Utah applies 0.05 per cent — the strictest in the country. Every state applies zero or near-zero tolerance to drivers under 21 |
Is a digital IDP accepted in the United States?
Not confirmed. No US state has published a policy accepting a digital-only driving document, and the American Automobile Association states that digital IDPs are not available. Treat printed as the only reliable format.
This is the least documented question in this category. Most national authorities have not published a position on digital-only driving documents, and rental companies set their own rules. Carry a printed document and treat any digital copy as a convenience, not a substitute. See our explanation of what an IDP is for more.
What to carry
- Your original valid national driving licence — the document that grants privileges
- A translation or International Driving Permit where the licence is not in English
- Passport, which US rental companies routinely require from foreign visitors
- Proof of insurance — minimum liability cover is set by each state
- The rental agreement, which often carries stricter terms than state law
Your original national driving licence is the document that grants driving privileges. A translation-support document is presented alongside it and never replaces it.
Rental desks and roadside checks in the United States
At the rental desk. Rental policy is the binding constraint for most visitors, and it is set by the company rather than the state. Several major providers require a translation for any licence not written in English regardless of what state law says. Minimum age is commonly 21, with substantial young-driver surcharges applied below 25 and some vehicle classes excluded entirely. A passport is routinely requested alongside the licence from foreign visitors.
In a roadside check. Enforcement is by state and local agencies, and rules differ meaningfully across state lines. The alcohol limit is 0.08 per cent in 49 states; Utah alone applies 0.05 per cent. Speed limits range from 25 mph in residential areas to 85 mph on one Texas toll road — the widest spread of any country in this registry. Present the original licence; a translation supports it and never replaces it.
Specific to the United States
- The United States is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention.
- Driving privileges for visiting drivers are set at state level, not federally — there is no single national rule.
- AAA and AATA are the only two organisations authorised by the U.S. Department of State to issue US International Driving Permits.
- An IDP must be issued in the country that issued your licence, so AAA cannot issue one to a foreign licence holder.
- Utah applies a 0.05 per cent alcohol limit; the other 49 states apply 0.08 per cent.
- Speed limits are posted in miles per hour and range from 25 mph residential to 85 mph on one Texas toll road.
- Right turn on red is permitted in most states unless a sign prohibits it — a rule with almost no equivalent in Europe.
- Minimum liability insurance amounts are set by each state and differ substantially.
United States driving document questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?
It depends on the state and on your rental provider. Most states allow a visitor to drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited period. A licence not written in English is where a translation or IDP becomes practically necessary, and rental company policy is often stricter than state law.
Can I drive in the US with a UK, EU or Australian licence?
Generally yes for a limited period, and because those licences are in English no translation is normally needed. Check the specific state you will be driving in, and confirm your rental provider's own documentation policy separately.
Who issues International Driving Permits in the United States?
The American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. They are the only two organisations authorised by the U.S. Department of State. Both issue to holders of a valid US state licence.
Can a foreign visitor get an IDP from AAA while in the United States?
No. An International Driving Permit must be issued in the country that issued your driving licence. A UK licence holder needs a UK-issued IDP, obtained before travelling.
Is a digital IDP accepted in the United States?
No US state has published a policy accepting a digital-only driving document, and AAA states that digital IDPs are not available. Treat printed as the only reliable format.
What is the drink-drive limit in the United States?
0.08 per cent in 49 states. Utah applies 0.05 per cent, the strictest in the country. Every state applies zero or near-zero tolerance to drivers under 21.
What are the speed limits in the United States?
They vary by state and road type, posted in miles per hour: roughly 25 mph residential, 55 to 70 mph on rural highways and interstates, with a maximum of 85 mph on one Texas toll road. Posted signs govern.
How long can I drive in the US on a foreign licence?
The permitted period is set by each state rather than federally, so there is no single answer. Check the rules of the specific state where you will be driving, and note that becoming a resident brings separate licensing requirements.
Sources used on this page
- USAGov — International Driving Permit
- U.S. Department of State — Driving and road safety abroad
- American Automobile Association — International Driving Permit
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Drunk driving
Sources last reviewed: . Facts we could not confirm are marked as unconfirmed rather than estimated.
Before you apply
WorldIDP is an independent private translation-support service. It is not a government agency and does not replace your original national driving licence. Check the requirement for your destination first, then apply only if a private translation document fits your situation.