A driver’s license in the United States holds a lot of value. It serves as an important proof of identification, and we recommend receiving one as soon as you’re able. The requirements for receiving a license vary by state, but all states require some form of a written theoretical exam and a driving test behind the wheel of a vehicle. Some states may not require a driving test, while others mandate it.

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 permit - HERE.Links to an external site.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. 

Obtaining a Driver’s License

To begin the process of receiving a license, visit the department of motor vehicles 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.

Using a License from Your Home Country or an International Driver’s License

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’s time. 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 U.S. driver’s license, the better. Most credible car insurance companies will not provide coverage until a U.S. driver’s license is obtained, and all cars are required to have insurance. 

State-Specific Resources

• Arizona Motor Vehicle DepartmentLinks to an external site. - Driver Services
• Kansas Department of Revenue Division of VehiclesLinks to an external site.
• Louisiana Office of Motor VehiclesLinks to an external site.
• Pennsylvania Department of TransportationLinks to an external site. - Driver Services
• North Dakota Department of TransportationLinks to an external site.
• South Carolina Department of Motor VehiclesLinks to an external site.
• Texas Department of Public SafetyLinks to an external site.
• Wyoming Department of TransportationLinks to an external site. 

General Driving Rules in America

While driving laws in states may vary, there are many commonalities in regulations here in the United States. Here are a couple of important details:

• We drive on the right side of the road
• PLEASE ensure everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt at all times! There are strict and expensive fines for individuals not wearing a seatbelt in almost every state; and seatbelts save lives! 
• Children under 8 years of age are by law required to ride in a car seat or booster seat (in most states). Please visit these links for more information on the car seat laws in your state, and suggested car seats based on your child’s age and size: 

1) https://saferide4kids.com/car-seat-laws-by-state/Links to an external site. 

2)https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspxLinks to an external site. 

• Drinking alcohol and driving in the U.S. is illegal, and comes with severe consequences. The legal blood alcohol limit while driving is .08%, and anything over that is illegal. 
• This link provides detail about the laws from state to state: https://dui.findlaw.com/dui-laws-resources/comparing-state-dui-laws.htmlLinks to an external site. 
• Learn about the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) here: https://www.bactrack.com/blogs/expert-center/35040901-how-many-drinks-does-it-take-to-reach-0-08-bacLinks to an external site. 

• Most importantly, any nurse cited with a DUI or DWI will lose their nursing license. It is a very serious issue in the U.S., so please be careful and weigh the risk when drinking. A loss of license, and your job, will result in a breach of contract, and severe contractual consequences on top of legal consequences.