Driver’s licence USA

A road trip through the USA is a real highlight for many – vast landscapes, famous highways and absolute freedom on four wheels. Do you want to visit the USA or even immigrate there? Then you are probably wondering if you can drive in the USA with your EU driver’s licence. You can find out this and more in our article.

Are you planning a trip to the USA and want to drive there? Can you just go ahead and drive in the US with your EU driver’s licence? In short, there is no official regulation. EU driver’s licences are unofficially accepted by the U.S. authorities, but you could still run up against problems. An International driver's licence is therefore recommended for some states.

These states are:  

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington

In all other states, an EU driving licence is usually sufficient, but it is advisable to carry at least a certified translation of your driver's licence with you.

You could well need an International driver's licence or a certified translation of your driver’s licence in particular when renting a vehicle. As a tourist, you can drive a vehicle for up to 12 months with an international driver's licence– this period can vary from state to state as there is no uniform regulation nationwide. Please note: the international driving licence is only valid in combination with your national driving licence and must always be carried together with it.

The regulations are a little different if you want to emigrate to the USA. Your EU driver’s licence is only valid for 30 to 90 days once you register residence in the United States. After that, you will need to apply for a U.S. driving licence in the respective state.

You can apply for your licence to be converted to a U.S. driver’s licence at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  

You will usually require the following documents:

• Proof of residency in the respective state (lease, utility bill, etc.)
• Driver’s licence (valid for at least another 60 days)
• Passport
• Proof of legal residence status in the USA (green card, visa, etc.)
• Social Security Number or confirmation from the Social Security Administration that there is no entitlement to this sort of number
• A recent eye test
• A recent passport photo

In many states, there is no need to take an additional test to convert your driver’s licence, but this varies. In the following states, an additional test is required or at the discretion of the agency:

• Rhode Island
• Maine
• Connecticut (discretion of the agency)
• Vermont (discretion of the agency)

Good to know: In the USA, a driver’s licence often also serves as an official form of identification. This makes having a US driver’s licence also practical in everyday life.

If you want to drive in the USA, there are a few things you should keep in mind, as the traffic regulations sometimes differ greatly.  

• Turn right on red: this is generally allowed in the US, unless it is explicitly prohibited by a “no turn on red” sign. You do have to stop before you turn, however.
• No right-before-left at intersections: at intersections, the rule is whoever is there first, is allowed to drive first. Otherwise, you simply communicate with hand signals as to who drives first.
• Overtaking on the right is allowed: unlike in Germany, overtaking on the right is allowed and also common.
• Do not overtake school buses: as soon as a school bus switches on its hazard lights, you are no longer allowed to pass it.

The following speed limits also apply on the roads in the USA:

• Highways (Interstates): 88-120 km/h (55-75 mph)
• Outside built-up areas: 88-105 km/h (55-65 mph)
• Built-up areas: 40-55 km/h (25-35 mph)
• In front of schools: 24 km/h (15 mph)

Please note that in the event you are pulled over for a traffic check, you must remain calm, keep your hands visible on the steering wheel and remain seated until the police officers are with you.