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I just got a US driving license and I live in the US on a non-immigrant visa. I travel a lot to other countries, so I want to know about the applicability of my current license. The problem is that all the sources mention using a US license for US citizens.

Did anybody have a problem using an American license in a country that accepts it but who is not an American citizen/green card holder?

I'm interested in countries like Turkey, Moldova, Russia, Germany. But I will be glad to hear about any country outside of this list. Especially if you are a citizen of that particular countries but have exclusively a US license.

phoog
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Mihail
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5 Answers5

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As far as rental companies are concerned, a driving license stands on its own. You don't need to provide additional ID, prove citizenship etc.

You're typically required to obtain a local license if you become a resident in a country, but this is not a concern for tourists.

lambshaanxy
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8

It shouldn't be assumed there is a single answer to this question for all countries or even all countries that have a normal reciprocity agreement with the US state that issued your license. With that said, Germany seems to only require the license for temporary visitors and not citizenship in the country it's issued by -

  1. Using your foreign driving licence when staying in Germany temporarily

1.1 If you hold a valid

  • national driving licence or
  • an International Driving Permit in accordance with the International Convention relative to Motor Traffic of 24 April 1926, the Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968 or the Convention on Road Traffic of 1949

you may drive or ride motor vehicles of the category that is indicated on your licence in the Federal Republic of Germany

Checking with a consulate is probably the easiest way to get a reliable answer though.

IllusiveBrian
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I have a driving license as a US resident and I've used it without issues in Canada, Mexico and the EU. However when picking up a car from Avis in the Dominican Republic the guy behind the counter asked to see my proof of US residency, as I'm not a US citizen. Apparently this is the local policy for Avis in the DR, though its not mentioned on their website. I'm not sure what would've happened if I hadn't had proof of US residency on me.

So I'd say you should be fine renting a car anywhere. In developing countries like DR you might have to show proof of US residency as well.

phoog
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JonathanReez
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5

My cousin actually had a similar situation. He's got a US driver's license but isn't a US citizen. When he traveled to Germany and Turkey, he had no problems using his US license there. Same goes for Moldova and Russia. As long as you have a valid US license and you're just visiting those countries, you should be good to go. Just make sure you follow the local traffic laws.

JazzedJester
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1

AAA (Automobile Club) offers international driver permits for $20. I just got one for a trip to Germany, even though I don't technically need it. I have a regular driving license in the USA and may not need the international permit, but was told it was worth having. You are mostly likely eligible for one (since your US driver's license is valid) and it will smooth things over should you be pulled over while driving. It has some writing in every language if they can't read (or don't feel like reading) your US driver's license in English. I felt like it was worth the $20 plus photos. I was even able to use my own leftover passport photos. My husband had his photo taken there. If you have AAA membership the photos are discounted.

Here is a link to AAA information about the international permit with a list of countries which recognize the IDP so you can decide if it's right for you to add this to your valid US license even if you don't technically need it. All of the countries you mentioned were listed. https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html

Visible-Scientist-46
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