Is an international driver’s license mandatory in the USA?? You will not be able to get keys for your rental car in the united states if you only have a national driver’s license? A fact check.
Is an international driver’s license mandatory in the U.S?
the united states government does not require an international driver’s license. However, there are US states, in which you obligates are, one international driver’s license to have with you (as of september 2021). For example, the website of the foreign office states:
"in some U.S.-in the united states, an international driver’s license – in conjunction with the mandatory national driver’s license – is compulsory. It is also advisable to carry an international driver’s license (z. B. Also in connection with the rental of a motor vehicle)."
The third largest country on earth has a strong federal structure. This means that each state in the united states has its own latitude in national regulations and laws. Therefore, in new york and connecticut, for example, different requirements may apply at the same time that the driving license for tourists from abroad rules. Exactly this is actually the case. for connecticut you need an international driver’s license for your rental car, but not in new york.
For which states in the USA do you need an international driver’s license??
In 11 out of a total of 50 states do foreign vacationers need an international driver’s license. These include:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
While other states do not require an international driver’s license, you may have a different problem with your german driver’s license. They require a driver’s license also in english must be understandable. A driver’s license issued in germany does not meet this requirement. For it is exclusively in german language. The international driver’s license takes up exactly this gap and functions like a certified translation. It does not replace the national driver’s license, but is merely a supplement to it.
For the latest information on where you need an international driver’s license in addition to your EU license, contact the state’s motor vehicle department for each U.S. state.
How to apply for an international driver’s license
You should take care of your international driver’s license before you leave. In the USA you will not receive the document. In germany, you can obtain this driver’s license
- At DMV
- At registry of residents
- The driver’s license office in the citizen’s registration office
- Or directly at the community apply for tolls.
For your application you will need two biometric passport photos. The international driver’s license is usually valid for three years. This driver’s license is recognized in the USA according to the 1949 Geneva Convention – but ONLY in conjunction with your valid EU driver’s license. So you must always present both driver’s licenses: the EU driver’s license and the international driver’s license. Some may still have a German driver’s license in "pink" or "gray. Your German driver’s license is automatically exchanged for the new EU driver’s license in credit card format when you apply for an international driver’s license.
On the road with a rental car in the USA – we recommend to always have your international driver’s license with you
Even if US vacationers report that they have rarely been asked for this international document when being checked over or renting a car: we advise you to have an international driver’s license issued before your trip to the USA. The costs are comparatively low (approx. Between 12 and 18 euros, depending on the state) unlike the problems that may arise locally, you can not present an international driver’s license.
Do you know the pitfalls of car rental insurance in the USA??
The fact that the u.S. is a federalist country is not only evident in driver’s licenses. Depending on where you book your rental car, this also applies to rental car insurance. In germany are covered by motor vehicle liability uniform minimum coverage amounts mandatory. It amounts to 7.5 million euros for personal injuries. Coverage is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for your vehicle. In the USA apply, depending on the US state, a wide range of coverages. In the worst case, you are only insured for a low four-digit amount. read the insurance terms and conditions of the providers carefully and compare the benefits. With a clever additional insurance you can take precautions: the excess exclusion insurance, for example, will cover you in the event of an accident, should the coverage amount of the motor vehicle liability insurance of your rental car provider be too low.
Here’s what you should look out for in your travel insurance for the USA
While there are differences between U.S. states when it comes to driver’s licenses and rental car insurance, this does not apply to the U.S. health care system. The costs for
- Medication
- doctor’s visits
- operations
- Or hospitalization are everywhere in very high. There is no uniform fee schedule.
If you have not international health insurance if you have taken out an additional insurance, you will have to pay for all medical services yourself. For the treatment of a dog bite, an american clinic provided 76.000 USD in bill. In germany this would be a maximum of 12.000 euro been. Before these enormous cost risks you should insure yourself in any case, for the entire duration of your trip. A foreign health insurance does not only protect you from existentially threatening high claims, but you also travel with a good feeling. In the event of an accident or serious illness, you can receive comprehensive medical assistance, including repatriation.
Which health insurance is the right one? On our certified expert portal we constantly compare the best rates for you. always objective and always with low price guarantee.