Destinations / United States
Driving in the United States as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Foreign visitors may drive on a valid home licence; an IDP provides a certified translation many rental desks and police prefer.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What United States expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 55–85 mph depending on state |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 16. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in USD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Traffic laws vary by state. |
|---|---|
| Right of way | Right turn on red generally permitted after stopping. |
| Local practice | School-bus stop laws strictly enforced. |
| Alcohol | Alcohol limit 0.08% (lower for commercial/under-21). |
On the road in United States
At the pump
Petrol ('gas') is sold by the US gallon (3.78 L) as Regular 87, Mid 89 and Premium 91-93 octane, plus diesel; stations are nearly all self-serve. Pay at the pump by card, though some require a US ZIP code, so prepay inside if a foreign card is declined.
After a crash
Call 911 for any injury or serious crash. Move vehicles out of traffic only if safe, exchange insurance and licence details, photograph the scene, and file a police report (required in most states above a damage threshold); notify the rental company promptly.
Sources: carandrentals.com · enterprise.com · esim.holafly.com · booking.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in United States?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Foreign visitors may drive on a valid home licence; an IDP provides a certified translation many rental desks and police prefer.
Which translation format is used for United States?
United States uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in United States ask for a translation?
Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget and National recommend an IDP for non-English licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for United States?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in North America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.