How long can you legally drive on an International license?

[sarahsmiles 0]

OK, so my husband hasn't gotten his EAD, which mean he hasn't been able to show legal presence, which means he has not been able to get a Virginia Driver's liscense. How long can one drive using an International Driver's Liscense? The DMV website for Virginia doesn't specify a limit. Could he be charged with driving without a license? That's a misdemeanor, and after Scotty's recent post, I'm feeling freaked out.

[Allie&Leo 0]

I would not advise him driving until you get info from VA DMV. I called tennessee DMV about my fiance and they advised he is not allowed to drive on his international drivers license. He can however apply for a certificate of driving rather than an Drivers Liensce ID. Not sure if VA has that or not. Best advise - CALL YOUR DMV. I would guess that he should not be driving on his International license.

[kitkat1 5]

Ask the Virginia DMV how long they allow a person to drive with their country's license accompanied by a valid international driver's license.

I read on a college website that it's good for one year - but you need to confirm that.

[Nanusia & Lukaszek 0]

This definitely varies by state. Some states do not honor the "international driver's license" I know Illinois is one of them. Maybe give your local DMW a call just to confirm... but I think it is 6 months-1 yr.

[sarahsmiles 0]

Thanks, all. I know VA allows it per the DMV website, just not sure for how long. I sure wish we could get his EAD soon!

[bebop + rocksteady 0]

In Indiana it's all about your intention, if you are in the state temporarily you can drive on an international license, but if you are in the state setting up residency, you have to get your Indiana license within 60 days to be able to drive legally.

Cass (bebop the great)

[Killer_Clown_2009 0]

I'd call them and ask, but even they might not know the answer. I don't qualify for a MA license because they require me to show certain immigration documents that I don't have, therefore I still drive with my Canadian license - seeing as it is unexpired and the MA DMV won't allow me to get one yet. I don't know if this considered "legal" or not, and no one at the DMV seemed to know the answer when I asked them that question.

[kitkat1 5]

Thanks, all. I know VA allows it per the DMV website, just not sure for how long. I sure wish we could get his EAD soon!

Pretty sure a simple phone call will get that answered.

Some states do not honor the "international driver's license" I know Illinois is one of them.

True in IL - but that just means you don't have to get an international license - it's not necessry.

Drivers moving to Illinois may use their valid driver's license from their home state or country for 90 days. You may obtain an Illinois driver's license or identification card only if you are becoming a legal resident of Illinois. If you have a valid driver's license from another state or country, you may use it to drive in Illinois throughout your stay (if you do not plan to become a permanent resident of this state).

[sarahsmiles 0]

What I would be concerned about would be him getting charged for driving without a license. But could that happen? I mean even if he was outside the time that our state specifies, that's not the same as not having a license....right?

[Miranda&James 8]

This is for AL, not Virginia, but I just called to ask about getting James a drivers license (since apparently my car insurance won't insure him without him having a US license for a year, which is insane) and the lady was telling me that he can get his US license either with a valid I-94 or with a greencard, the EAD is no good. Which makes no sense, greencards can take years, so you're telling me that people in the USA waiting for a greencard may not be able to drive for years? Anyways, she gave me another number for an immigration guy to call back tommorow so I'll report and maybe I can help out someone else in AL. I hope you get your Virginia drivers license thing resolved, they make this all such a pain for us!

[sarahsmiles 0]

This is for AL, not Virginia, but I just called to ask about getting James a drivers license (since apparently my car insurance won't insure him without him having a US license for a year, which is insane) and the lady was telling me that he can get his US license either with a valid I-94 or with a greencard, the EAD is no good. Which makes no sense, greencards can take years, so you're telling me that people in the USA waiting for a greencard may not be able to drive for years? Anyways, she gave me another number for an immigration guy to call back tommorow so I'll report and maybe I can help out someone else in AL. I hope you get your Virginia drivers license thing resolved, they make this all such a pain for us!

Really??? In VA you can definitely use the EAD, in case other VA residents are reading.

[KarenCee 3]

This definitely varies by state. Some states do not honor the "international driver's license" I know Illinois is one of them. Maybe give your local DMW a call just to confirm... but I think it is 6 months-1 yr.

In Georgia one must have the EAD before being allowed to apply for a license, regarless of what documents you have and having a current license from your country.

I'd call them and ask, but even they might not know the answer. I don't qualify for a MA license because they require me to show certain immigration documents that I don't have, therefore I still drive with my Canadian license - seeing as it is unexpired and the MA DMV won't allow me to get one yet. I don't know if this considered "legal" or not, and no one at the DMV seemed to know the answer when I asked them that question.

Have you thought about what you'll say if you get stopped by the police? Here in GA (and yes, I know this varies by state) it would be considered driving without proper licensing. Hefty fine for that.

[Miranda&James 8]

This is for AL, not Virginia, but I just called to ask about getting James a drivers license (since apparently my car insurance won't insure him without him having a US license for a year, which is insane) and the lady was telling me that he can get his US license either with a valid I-94 or with a greencard, the EAD is no good. Which makes no sense, greencards can take years, so you're telling me that people in the USA waiting for a greencard may not be able to drive for years? Anyways, she gave me another number for an immigration guy to call back tommorow so I'll report and maybe I can help out someone else in AL. I hope you get your Virginia drivers license thing resolved, they make this all such a pain for us!

Really??? In VA you can definitely use the EAD, in case other VA residents are reading.

Yeah, that seemed weird to me and from their website it looks like she may have been wrong but I can't tell. I'm gonna call the guy she recommended tommorow and I'll report back Would be good if we could have some kind of sticky thread listing DL requirments for each state!

[John & Annie 0]

In California you can use it until you establish Residency, which is when you start paying taxes, attending school, or paying bills. Anything that establishes you as a resident of this state.

[Girona40 0]

When I lived in VA, I was told by the DMV in Manassas that I could use me UK license (Didn't have an International License) for up to 6 months before I had to apply for a US one.

Hope that helps.

G.

Edited February 5, 2007 by Girona40