Driving in the United States: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors driving in the United States need a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document alongside their valid foreign driving licence to drive legally. The United States is a Geneva-only country — a Vienna Convention International Driving Document will not be accepted. The US drives on the right. Speed limits vary by state, typically ranging from 25 mph in urban areas to 85 mph on rural highways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% in most states, with some variation.
the United States at a glance
- Permit type
- Geneva Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Right (same as mainland Europe, China)
- How long it is valid
- 1 year from issue
- Minimum driving age
- 16 for learner's permit; 16–18 for full licence by state
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.08% — standard nationwide
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, ambulance, fire)
How to get your permit for the United States
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
United States + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document for the United States — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
the United States driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Right (same as mainland Europe, China)
- Minimum driving age
- 16 for learner's permit; 16–18 for full licence by state
- Speed limit — urban
- Typically 25 mph; varies by municipality
- Speed limit — rural
- Typically 55–70 mph; up to 85 mph in some states
- Speed limit — expressway
- Typically 65–80 mph; varies by state
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.08% — standard nationwide
- Blood alcohol limit — Utah
- 0.05%
- Blood alcohol limit — under 21
- 0.00%–0.02% zero tolerance in most states
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for driver and front passenger; all seats in some states
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free in many states
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Right turn on red
- Permitted in most states after stopping, unless posted
- Headlights
- Required at night and in poor visibility
Documents required to drive in the United States
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class you plan to drive
- 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving DocumentMust be carried alongside your foreign licence
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Valid US visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities travel under the Visa Waiver Program
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- Proof of insuranceRental companies provide minimum liability coverage
When you need a permit in the United States
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
Renting a car
Yes — all rental companies require it — Major chains enforce the requirement at pickup
Driving a private vehicle
Yes — police request it at checkpoints** — Carry it alongside your foreign licence
Short tourist visit (up to 1 year)
Yes — carry alongside your foreign licence — Permit valid for 1 year from entry date
Staying longer than 1 year
Depends — you may need a US state driving licence — Check with the state DMV where you reside
Frequently asked questions
Driving in the United States with a foreign licence, answered.
More for your the United States trip
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.