Can I drive in the United States with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on the state where you drive. GOV.UK says: “You should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1949 (GOV.UK table).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1949 | You should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP. If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP. You may need both your driving licence and an IDP to hire a car in the US. If you have a paper UK driving licence, you must take another form of photographic ID, such as your passport. You may need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you’re involved in an accident. |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for the United States: “Transport risks”
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the US. You may need to get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. IDP requirements vary in each state. For more information, consult individual states’ Department of Motor Vehicles as well as the American Automobile Association (AAA).
You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
If you still have a paper driving licence, you must take another form of photo ID, such as your passport. You can also exchange your paper driving licence for a photocard licence.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Source: FCDO travel advice: USA travel advice, page updated 18 August 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in the United States
Hiring a car in the United States? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Compare car hire in the United States
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Other licences in the United States
| Licence | In United States | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to the United States
- British passport: USA entry requirements
- Canadian passport: USA
- Australian passport: USA
- Italian citizens: Stati Uniti
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for the United States with a UK photocard driving licence?
It depends on the state where you drive. GOV.UK says: “You should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in the United States with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP.”
Which international driving permit do I need for the United States?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1949 IDP for the United States.
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.