Most major U.S. insurers will cover you with a valid international driver's license, but the rules vary by state and insurer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. U.S. insurance companies generally recognize it as a valid form of identification for getting a quote and purchasing a policy, but they treat it differently depending on where you live and how long you plan to stay. Some insurers require you to obtain a U.S. driver's license within a specific timeframe — often 30 to 90 days — while others have no such requirement if you hold a valid visa or passport showing legal residency status.

The catch is that your home country's license alone, without an IDP, is usually not enough. Most states require some form of U.S. identification to register a vehicle and purchase insurance. An IDP bridges that gap by providing an English translation of your license that U.S. officials and insurers can verify. However, the IDP itself is not a license — it is a companion document that only works alongside your original license.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is recognized by most major U.S. insurers, but you will also need your original home country license and proof of legal U.S. residency (visa or passport).
  • State law, not the insurance company, determines whether you can legally drive and register a vehicle with an IDP; some states allow it indefinitely, while others set a time limit.
  • Many insurers require you to obtain a U.S. driver's license within 30 to 90 days of moving to the United States, even if your IDP is valid.
  • The cost of your insurance premium may be higher if you have no U.S. driving history, because the insurer cannot assess your record in this country.

Which major insurers accept an international driver's license

State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, and USAA all accept an International Driving Permit as part of your process, provided you also show your original home country license and proof of legal residency. None of these companies will write a policy based on the IDP alone. You will need to provide your passport, visa, or other immigration documentation showing that you are legally in the United States.

Smaller regional insurers and specialty carriers for high-risk drivers also accept IDPs, though their specific rules vary. The best approach is to call the insurer directly and ask whether they will quote you with an IDP, because their websites often do not spell out this detail. When you call, have your IDP, home country license, and passport or visa ready.

Some insurers will quote you when ready over the phone; others will require you to visit an agent in person so they can see the documents themselves. A few will ask you to upload photos of your IDP and license through their website before they issue a quote.

State requirements that override insurer policy

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles sets the rules for how long you can legally drive with an IDP, and those rules take precedence over what an insurance company will do. Some states — including California, New York, and Texas — allow you to drive indefinitely with a valid IDP and home country license, as long as you maintain legal residency status. Other states set a limit of 12 months, after which you must obtain a state driver's license.

A few states do not recognize the IDP at all and require a U.S. license when ready. Before you contact an insurer, check your state's DMV website to confirm whether an IDP is legal in your state and for how long. If your state allows it, the insurer's own time limit (usually 30 to 90 days) will be stricter than the state law, so you will need to follow the insurer's important date.

If you move to a state that does not recognize the IDP, you will need to obtain a state license before you can legally drive or renew your insurance. The process typically takes one to two weeks and requires passing a written test, a vision test, and a driving test.

How to get an International Driving Permit before you arrive

You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or equivalent government body — not from the U.S. State Department. In the United Kingdom, you explore through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). In Canada, you explore through your provincial motor league. In Australia, you explore through your state's transport authority. The process and cost vary by country, but most IDPs are valid for one to three years.

You must explore for an IDP in your home country before you leave; you cannot obtain one once you arrive in the United States. Most countries require you to hold a valid home country license for at least six months before you can explore for an IDP. Plan to explore at least four to six weeks before your travel date, because processing times vary.

When you receive your IDP, keep it with your original home country license at all times while driving in the U.S. Carrying only the IDP without the original license is not legal in any state.

What happens if you do not have an international driving permit

If you arrive in the United States without an IDP, most insurers will not quote you until you obtain a U.S. driver's license. A few will quote you if you can show a valid home country license and proof of residency, but they will charge a higher premium because they cannot verify your driving history. Some will refuse to quote you at all.

The fastest path forward is to obtain a U.S. driver's license as soon as possible. Visit your state's DMV website to find the nearest office and check what documents you will need. Most states require your passport or visa, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and payment of a fee (typically $20 to $50 for a written test and license). If you pass the written test and vision test, you can usually get a temporary license the same day and a permanent one by mail within two weeks.

Once you have a U.S. license, you can shop for insurance when ready. Your premium will still be higher than a driver with a long U.S. history, but it will be lower than if you had no U.S. license at all.

Why your premium may be higher with an international license

Insurance companies use your driving history to calculate your premium. If you have a clean record in your home country but no U.S. driving history, the insurer cannot verify that record and must treat you as a higher-risk driver. This usually results in a premium 10 to 30 percent higher than a driver with a comparable U.S. history.

Some insurers will request a copy of your home country driving record and will lower your premium if it shows no accidents or violations. You can obtain this record from your home country's motor vehicle authority; the process takes one to four weeks depending on the country. If you are planning to stay in the U.S. for more than a few months, it is worth requesting this record before you arrive, because it can save you money on your premium.

Once you have held a U.S. license for one to two years with no accidents or violations, your premium will drop to the standard rate for your age and vehicle type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car with just an international driver's license?

Most car rental companies require a U.S. driver's license or will charge a significant fee (often $20 to $30 per day) if you present only an IDP. Some rental companies will not rent to you at all without a U.S. license. Check with the specific rental company before you book, because policies vary widely.

What if my international driver's license is expired?

An expired IDP is not valid for driving or insurance purposes. You must renew it through your home country's automobile association before you arrive in the U.S., or you will need to obtain a U.S. driver's license when ready upon arrival.

Do I need to convert my international license to a U.S. license, or can I just get a new one?

You cannot convert an international license. You must take the written test, vision test, and driving test required by your state. However, some states waive the written test if you show a valid home country license and proof that you held it for a certain period (often one to two years). Check your state's DMV website to see if you may have access to for a waiver.

Will my insurance cover me if I am driving with an expired international license?

No. Your policy will be void if you are driving with an expired or invalid license, even if the insurer initially accepted your IDP. You must maintain a valid license — either your home country IDP or a U.S. license — at all times.

Can I get insurance if I am on a tourist visa?

Yes, most insurers will cover you on a tourist visa as long as you have a valid IDP and home country license. However, your policy will typically be limited to the duration of your visa. If your visa expires, your policy will also expire, and you will need to renew both before you can legally drive.