Driving licences in the USA: how a foreigner gets a state licence
Licences in the USA are issued by the states, and an exchange without tests is possible only under individual states' agreements with a few countries. Everyone else takes the knowledge, driving and vision tests within 10-90 days of moving.
| In short | |
|---|---|
| Who issues licences | the state motor vehicle department |
| Tourist | on a foreign licence, best with an international permit |
| New resident | 10-90 days depending on the state |
| No tests | only under state agreements with certain countries |
| Everyone else | knowledge, driving and vision tests |
| Fees | $30-100 depending on the state |
The short answer: there is no single American licence; licences are issued by state motor vehicle departments. A tourist drives on a foreign licence, ideally with an international permit. A new resident of a state must get a local licence within 10 to 90 days: 10 days in California, 60 in New Jersey and Delaware. Only licences from countries that have an agreement with that particular state are exchanged without tests, most often Germany, France, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.
Everyone else gets a state licence under the general rules: a written test on the state's traffic rules, a vision test and a driving test. The foreign licence counts as experience, and driving school is usually not compulsory for adults.
How long you can drive on a foreign licence in the USA
A tourist drives on a valid foreign licence, and an international permit helps at checks and rental counters, especially if the licence is not in English. Once you become a resident of a state, the clock starts for getting a local licence: 10 days in California, 60 days in New Jersey and Delaware and up to 90 days in other states. You are usually treated as a resident once you rent a home, take a job or enrol children in school.
Who exchanges a licence without a test
An exchange without tests is possible only under agreements between a particular state and a country. Delaware, for example, exchanges licences from Germany, France and Taiwan, and New Jersey from South Korea and Taiwan. Each state has its own list, which changes, so check it on your state motor vehicle department's website. Licences from countries without an agreement are not exchanged; their holders take the tests.
Licences from non-EU countries, including Russia
Most countries, Russia included, have no test-free exchange agreements with US states. Holders of such licences get a state licence under the general rules: a written test, a vision test and a driving test. Driving school is usually not compulsory, and the foreign licence is useful as proof of experience, including for insurance.
Documents for exchanging a licence
- a passport with a visa or a green card and documents proving lawful status;
- a Social Security number or proof that you are not eligible for one;
- two documents with your address in the state, such as a lease and a utility bill;
- the foreign licence and its translation if the state requires one;
- the official application form and the fee.
How the exchange works: steps
- Check on your state motor vehicle department's website whether there is an agreement with your country.
- Book an appointment and file the application with the documents.
- Pass the vision test and the written test on the state's rules.
- Get a learner permit and take the driving test in your own or a rented car.
- Receive a temporary licence on the spot and the permanent card by post.
How much exchanging a licence costs in the USA
The state licence fee is $30-100 depending on the state and the licence term. A translation, if needed, and optional lessons with an instructor before the driving test are paid separately. A licence that is valid for domestic flights costs the same but requires more documents.
The fee is $30-100; months without driving cost more in a country built around cars
The law does not stop you getting a US licence on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fees: missing the deadline for new residents, proof of status and address the department will not accept, a driving test taken without preparing for the state's rules and a licence that is not valid for domestic flights. Murblz specialists check your state's rules, collect the documents, book the tests and find an instructor for preparation. We guarantee professional work and a transparent process, and in most cases a result on the first application.
The cost of support depends on the state and your status; a manager will calculate it in the chat.
If your licence has expired
An expired foreign licence does not qualify for an exchange under a state agreement. In that case the state licence is obtained under the general rules: a written test, a vision test and a driving test.
This topic in other countries
Deadlines, tests and documents for exchanging a licence differ in every country, so it is best to plan the exchange before the move, together with the residence permit: that way you will not spend months on taxis or risk a fine and your insurance.
Exchanging a licence in other countries: Georgia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Turkey, UAE, Portugal, Cyprus, Paraguay, Italy.
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FAQ
Can you drive in the USA on a foreign licence?
Can a licence from a country without an agreement be exchanged in the USA?
Which countries' licences are exchanged in the USA without tests?
How much does a US driving licence cost?
Does a foreigner need driving school in the USA?
How many days does a new resident have to get a licence?
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