If you visit New York, you might plan to drive yourself around. Luckily, people with a valid driver’s license from most countries can legally drive on New York roads.
Here’s how driving with a foreign license works in New York, when it makes sense to get an international driving permit (IDP), and car insurance requirements for all drivers in the state.
If you have a valid driver’s license from another state or country, you can drive in the state of New York. You won’t need to apply for a New York State driver’s license unless you choose to become a legal resident of New York.
Visitors without a valid driver’s license from their home country can pursue a New York State driver’s license. Obtaining this license involves a written test, a pre-licensing course, and a road test. Drivers don’t need U.S. citizenship to pursue this option.1
Although you can use your foreign driver’s license, obtaining an international driving permit might come in handy. Unlike your home country’s license, the permit is verified in several languages, which can prevent any misunderstandings from complicating your driving experience.2
If you plan to drive in New York, you can check the current regulations through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website.
How long you can use your foreign license varies based on the situation. Although the following information offers guidelines, take the time to check out the details for your unique situation.3
New residents: If you move to New York and become a resident, you must obtain a driver’s license issued by New York State within 30 days.
Students: Typically, international students and students from other states don’t qualify as residents. With that, students usually don’t need to exchange their current driver’s licenses.
Visitors: For temporary visitors, you’ll likely have visa documentation issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If you choose to obtain a New York State driver’s license with this documentation, the expiration date on your license will match the expiration date on your DHS records.
Tourists and business travelers: If you’re only spending a few days or weeks in New York, you can use your foreign license for the entire time frame.
If you plan to drive in New York with a foreign license, use the following steps as a guide:
All drivers on New York roads must carry a minimum amount of car insurance. These are the minimum-coverage limits for drivers in New York:
$10,000 for property damage for a single-car accident
$25,000 for bodily injury liability insurance and $50,000 for death for a person involved in an accident
$50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more people in an accident
Up to $50,000 in personal injury protection coverage
$25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage
If you plan to rent a car in New York with a foreign license, you’ll need to show your credentials at the rental car counter. Although an international driving permit isn’t required, having one can quicken the rental process.
Be prepared to provide the following documents to a rental car company before driving off the lot:
A valid, unexpired driver’s license from your home country
An international driving permit (IDP), if your home country’s license doesn’t have English characters
When finalizing your rental, confirm you have the appropriate insurance coverage or purchase it through the rental car company before driving off the lot.
As you navigate the streets of New York, use the following tips to stay safe:
Review the road rules. Road rules can vary from country to country and state to state. Taking a few minutes to get familiar with local road signs before driving might help alleviate some stress.
Be patient. When driving, try to be patient with the traffic situation and make calm decisions on the road.
Use your blinkers. When changing lanes or turning, use your blinkers to give other drivers a warning.
If you have questions about driving in New York with a foreign license, consider the questions and answers below.
If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you technically don’t need any specialized documents to drive in New York. But having an international driving permit (IDP) can make for a smoother experience.
Yes. You can rent a car in New York with a foreign license. In some cases, having an international driving permit (IDP) is helpful, especially if your home country’s license isn’t written in English.
If you’re visiting New York, you can use your international license for the length of your stay. If you’re moving to New York, you must obtain a driver’s license from the state of New York within 30 days.
If you get a traffic ticket in New York with a foreign license, you can appeal or pay the ticket.
Yes. A foreigner with a valid license from their home country can drive a car in New York.
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