Driving in the US with a Foreign Licence
What visitors and new residents need to drive in the US on a foreign licence, the difference between an International Driving Permit and a translation, and New Jersey's exchange rules.
Reviewed by Murat Saymaz, Global Certified Translations · Facts checked 4 November 2026
The short answer
An International Driving Permit is issued in your home country before you travel; in the US, only AAA and AATA may issue IDPs, and only to holders of US licences. New residents of New Jersey must get a NJ licence; applicants from reciprocity countries such as South Korea and Taiwan may skip the tests, others usually take them. Any foreign-language document needs a certified translation for the MVC.
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| In the US, only AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance are authorised to issue International Driving Permits, and only to US licence holders. | US Department of State, Driving and Road Safety Abroad |
| New Jersey has reciprocity agreements with certain countries (including South Korea) that waive the knowledge and road tests for a class D licence. | NJ MVC, Moving to New Jersey |
| Any MVC identity document in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation. | NJ MVC, 6 Points of ID |
| New residents must transfer an out-of-state licence within 60 days of moving or before it expires, whichever is first. | NJ MVC, Moving to New Jersey |
| An IDP is a translation of the holder's licence in several languages; it is not a licence and is valid only with the licence itself. | US Department of State, Driving and Road Safety Abroad |
Visitors: IDP or translation
An International Driving Permit is a booklet that translates your licence into several languages. It is issued in the country that issued your licence, before you travel, and it is valid only together with the licence. Many rental companies and some states expect visitors whose licence is not in English to carry one. If you are already in the US and did not get an IDP at home, you cannot get one here: US issuers only serve US licence holders. A certified translation of your licence is the usual substitute, and many rental companies and insurers accept it; ask yours before you arrive.
New residents of New Jersey
Once you live in New Jersey, a foreign licence is no longer enough; you apply for a New Jersey licence. The MVC treats applicants in two groups:
- Reciprocity countries. New Jersey has agreements with a short list of countries, including South Korea and Taiwan, under which holders of a valid, non-provisional licence aged 18 or over can get a class D licence without the knowledge and road tests (other requirements still apply). Check the MVC's current list.
- Everyone else. Expect the knowledge test and, in most cases, a road test. The MVC decides on waivers case by case and does not guarantee one.
In both cases you also prove identity, residence and lawful presence under the 6 Points of ID rules, and any document not in English needs a certified translation.
What a licence translation includes
A licence packs a lot into codes: vehicle categories (A, B, C, D and subclasses), the date each category was first issued, restrictions (glasses, automatic transmission only), and the issuing authority. A useful translation explains each code and category, gives every date with the month in words, and keeps the licence number and your name exactly as printed. Translate both sides.
Other states
Every state sets its own rules and its own reciprocity list. New York, Pennsylvania and Florida each publish theirs; read the state DMV page where you will live before booking tests.
What we don't do
We translate licences and ID documents; we do not issue International Driving Permits, book MVC appointments, or advise whether a test will be waived.
Documents we translate for this
Driver's License translation
Certified translation of a foreign driver's license for a state DMV, an insurer, a court or a rental company.
Passport translation
Certified translation of foreign passports, internal passports, visas, stamps and endorsement pages for USCIS, courts and foreign authorities.
Birth Certificate translation
Certified birth certificate translation accepted by USCIS, courts and universities, with the certificate of accuracy included.
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
Can I drive in New Jersey on my foreign licence as a visitor?
Visitors can usually drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited time, ideally with an IDP or a translation. Once you are a resident, you need a New Jersey licence. Check the MVC rules for your case.
Will a translation help with a rental car?
Often. Many rental companies accept a certified translation when the licence is not in English; ask yours before you travel.
Can I get an International Driving Permit in the US for my foreign licence?
No. US issuers (AAA and AATA) issue IDPs only to US licence holders. Get one in your home country before travelling, or use a certified translation where it is accepted.
Which countries have licence reciprocity with New Jersey?
The MVC lists them on its Moving to New Jersey page; South Korea and Taiwan are among them. Check the current list before applying.
Does the NJ MVC need my licence translated?
Documents not in English must come with a certified translation under the MVC's 6 Points of ID rules.
Do I need to translate both sides of my licence?
Yes. Categories, restrictions and codes are often on the back.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
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