Licencia de Conducir en Estados Unidos para Expatriados
Guía completa para extranjeros que obtienen licencia de conducir
Respuesta Rápida: ¿Puedes conducir en Estados Unidos con licencia extranjera?
Sí, durante 30-90 days depending on state. Después de eso, debes convertir a una licencia de Estados Unidos. Buenas noticias: el examen oficial está disponible en inglés.
Datos Clave: Licencia de Conducir en Estados Unidos para Expatriados
| Autoridad del Examen | DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles (varies by state)) |
| Idioma del Examen Oficial | English, Spanish (most states) |
| Período de Gracia | 30-90 days depending on state |
| Examen Teórico Requerido | Sí (si no hay acuerdo de intercambio) |
| Examen Práctico Requerido | Sí (si no hay acuerdo de intercambio) |
| Examen Médico | No requerido |
| Costo Total | $20-$90 (license fee only, no driving school required) |
| Tiempo de Procesamiento | 1-2 weeks (same day in some states) |
Elegibilidad por Nacionalidad
🇪🇺 Ciudadanos UE/EEE
Must obtain a US license. Requirements vary by state. Foreign license valid temporarily.
🇺🇸🇬🇧 Ciudadanos EEUU/UK
US citizens moving between states may need to transfer license. UK citizens must obtain new license.
🌍 Otros Ciudadanos No UE
Must obtain a US license. Some states accept foreign licenses for a limited period.
🎓 Estudiantes
Most states allow students to drive with foreign license and IDP. Some states issue licenses to F-1 visa holders.
Acuerdos de Intercambio de Licencia
✅ Intercambio Directo (Sin Examen Requerido)
Canada (most states), Germany (some states), South Korea (some states), France (some states), Taiwan (some states)
❌ Sin Acuerdo (Examen Completo Requerido)
Most countries - full written and road tests required
Documentos Requeridos
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Visa or immigration documents
- ✓Social Security Number (or SSN ineligibility letter)
- ✓Proof of state residency (two documents)
- ✓Foreign driving license (if applicable)
- ✓I-94 arrival record
Desglose de Costos
| Tasa de Conversión/Examen | $20-$90 (varies by state) |
| Examen Médico | Not required for standard license |
| Traducción | Not usually required |
| Total Estimado | $20-$90 (license fee only, no driving school required) |
Consejos para Expatriados en Estados Unidos
- 💡Each state has its own DMV and rules - research your specific state
- 💡Social Security Number (SSN) required in most states
- 💡REAL ID compliant license recommended for domestic flights
- 💡Test available in English and Spanish in most states
- 💡No mandatory driving school in most states - can self-study
Recursos Oficiales
Preguntas Frecuentes
Can I drive in the US with my foreign license?
Do I need a Social Security Number to get a US license?
What is a REAL ID and do I need one?
Can I take the DMV test in a language other than English?
Do I need to take driving lessons in the US?
¿Listo para Practicar?
Comienza a practicar para tu examen de conducir de Estados Unidos en inglés.