Similar to a Social Security Card, a license is a central identification document. If you do not want a driver’s license, either because you’ll be taking public transportation or you’re not ready for a driving exam behind the wheel, it is possible to apply for an alternative identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
While you work on acquiring a US driver's license, we suggest our nurses acquire an international driver's permit - HERE. To qualify for the International Driving Permit you must have a VALID Driver Permit from your home country. You must have both of these documents to be legally allowed to drive in the US. Once you are settled, you must then obtain a US Driver License.
To begin the process of receiving a license, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for your state (see below for a list). We recommend giving them a call, explaining that you’re new to the United States and need to secure a driver’s license, and asking for details about what you will need to order to do just that. Typically, the state’s website will include study materials for the exams, which you are encouraged to review prior to testing.
There are fees associated with obtaining a driver’s license, and those fees will vary from state to state. Some states charge a one-time fee, anywhere from $30 to $90, while other states may charge a small sum on an annual basis.
If you have a driver’s license from your home country, it is valid for up to 3 months from arrival in the US. It will be expected that everyone applies for a state DL within the first (3) months to continue driving.
If you have an international driver’s license, you will have the opportunity to use it for a certain amount of time as well. While driving with an International license, it is wise to also carry a passport with a matching name at all times, just in case there are questions about the validity of the license.
As a general rule, 12 months is the maximum amount of time you can use an international license, as that’s how long you are able to rent a car as a foreigner in the states, but -- Surprise! Each state has different requirements around how many days a new resident in the state can drive on an international license before receiving their U.S. license. In some states, it’s 90 days, in others, it’s closer to a year. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the rules for your state by visiting the state-specific links below.
As a general rule, the sooner you can obtain a US driver’s license, the better. Most credible car insurance companies will not provide coverage until a US driver’s license is obtained, and all cars are required to have insurance.
While driving laws in states may vary, there are many commonalities in regulations in the United States. Here are a couple of important details:
2) Care seat information for families