international driving license in california

For example, in the United States, only two organizations are authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs to U.S. Very important!Īlso, be very careful with scam websites selling fake IDP's which can get you in serious trouble. An IDP is NOT a replacement for your state-issued driver's license. driver's license, do NOT use your international driving permit as proof of your ID or license to drive. An formal Chinese-to-English translation of the driver's license also helps. Note that China is not part of the UN convention and therefore does NOT issue international driving permits! However, Chinese visitors are allowed to drive in many states, including California and New York, with their own driver's licenses issued in China. It cannot be used as your identification card. So it's a multi-page booklet that contains official translation of your government-issued driver's license in 10 languages, intended to minimize language barriers.Īn IDP can not be used as a substitude for a valid, government-issued driver's license. Your home country must be a party to the UN Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 1949) that allows residents of one country with a valid driver's license to drive a motor vehicle in another country who also participates in the Convention.Ī Sample California Driver's License (not an international driving permit).Īn IDP is essentially just a translation of your own driver's license. IDP must be issued by your home country - not the United States. Some states don't recognize international driving permits. What's complicated is that each state has its own regulations with regard to foreign visitors and driving, so please consult with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before making your travel plans. In case your driver's license is not accepted in the U.S., you may still be able to drive with your license AND an international driving permit (IDP). driver's license, you may be able to rent a car and drive legally using your own driver's license issued by your home country. International Driver's License for Foreign Visitors

International driving license in california