Driving in USA with European license?

[eav123 0]

How long can someone with an EU license drive in the USA before he/she HAS to get a license? We live in Maryland and wondering if anyone has any info? Are there any hoops to jump through?...I'm totally expecting there to be hoops and fees and taxes and ####### to deal with instead of just studying for a test, passing it, and getting a U.S. license...

[Ozz777 23]

http://www.mva.maryland.gov/

Have you looked on the Maryland DMV site or called them? Every state is different, so generic advice won't work. Generally, you need documents proving your right to be in the US, documents that prove Identity and documents that provide your Maryland address. After you have all that, you'll take a written, then driving test. Of course there are fees, doesn't your home country charge fees to get a license?

Edited July 28, 2013 by Ozz777

[Ozz777 23]

Apparently, you have 60 days to change over your foreign license.

From the Maryland DMV site;

Exchanging an Out-of-Country License for a Maryland License, Please Bring:

Proof of age/identity, lawful presence, verifiable social security number or proof of ineligibility, Maryland residence, Out-of-Country license(s), and the appropriate fee for each license for which you apply. Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

• You must pass a vision screening, knowledge test, and driving test.
• An Out-of-Country license may be valid or expired. The license cannot be suspended.
• If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland Provisional License.
• If you have never been licensed in the U.S., you must complete a 3-Hour Drug & Alcohol Education Program.
• A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or federal/MVA waiver (if applying for a Commercial Driver’s License) is needed. Note: Maryland will only transfer a Canadian CDL. No other out-of-country CDLs are accepted.
• An Out-of-Country license may be required to be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator.
• If you are from Out-of-Country, and have never held a license, you must obtain a learner’s permit.

Note: Knowledge and skill tests are NOT required if you are converting a valid license, or a license that expired less than 12 months ago, issued by one of the following countries or U.S. Territories:

1. Countries: Canada, Yukon Territory, or France.
2. U.S. Territories: American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands. Also, the Panama Canal Zone, if the applicant was born prior to September 30, 1979.
3. The driver's license from Canada must be surrendered to the MVA before the MD license is issued.
4. Countries: Republic of Korea (south), and the Federal Republic of Germany must be valid, NOT EXPIRED or "ALL" tests (Vision, Knowledge & Skills) are required.

Notes:

1. France: License must be Valid or Expired less than one (1) year or ALL tests are required. Can transfer Class ""B" license (equivalent to Maryland noncommercial class "C" license) from France, to a Maryland noncommercial Class "C" only. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses. Effective: December 16, 2010. Note: The driver's license from France must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued. The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in France to advise them that the customer now holds a Maryland driver's license.
2. Republic of Korea (South): License must be VALID, NOT EXPIRED or ALL tests are required. Can transfer Republic of Korea noncommercial license equivalent to a Maryland noncommercial Class A. B, or C license. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits or commercial driver's licenses. Effective: December 16, 2010.
3. Federal Republic of Germany: License must be VALID, NOT EXPIRED or ALL tests are required. Can transfer Federal Republic of Germany noncommercial class "B" (equivalent to Maryland noncommercial class "C" license). The customer must be 18 years of age or older, and be eligible for a Maryland Provisional or Full noncommercial class "C" license only. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses. Effective: May 10, 2011. Note: The driver's license from the Federal Republic of Germany must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued. The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in the Federal Republic of Germany to advise them that the customer now holds a Maryland driver's license.
4. Taiwan (Republic of China): Taiwan License must be VALID, NOT EXPIRED or ALL tests are required. Can transfer Taiwan (Republic of China) noncommercial class "B" (equivalent to Maryland noncommercial class "C" license). The customer must be 18 years of age or older, and be eligible for a Maryland Provisional or Full noncommercial class "C" license only. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses. Effective: June 17, 2013.

[Julchen 1]

Do you have an international driver's license too? I was allowed to drive on my EU driver's license combined with my international driver's license for 1 Year in Maryland.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

**** Moving from CR-1 spousal visa forum as not visa related to Moving Here and your New Life *****

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

It depends on the state California gives you 10 days after you become a resident in the state before you need a Calfornia licience