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expatLicense.hero.countryTitle
expatLicense.hero.countrySubtitle
expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.title
expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.yesFor expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.afterThat expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.testInEnglish
expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.title
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.testAuthority | DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles (varies by state)) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.officialTestLanguage | English, Spanish (most states) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.gracePeriod | 30-90 days depending on state |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.theoryTestRequired | expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.yesIfNoExchange |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.practicalTestRequired | expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.yesIfNoExchange |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.medicalExam | expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.notRequired |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.totalCost | $20-$90 (license fee only, no driving school required) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.processingTime | 1-2 weeks (same day in some states) |
expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.title
🇪🇺 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.euEea
Must obtain a US license. Requirements vary by state. Foreign license valid temporarily.
🇺🇸🇬🇧 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.usUk
US citizens moving between states may need to transfer license. UK citizens must obtain new license.
🌍 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.nonEu
Must obtain a US license. Some states accept foreign licenses for a limited period.
🎓 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.students
Most states allow students to drive with foreign license and IDP. Some states issue licenses to F-1 visa holders.
expatLicense.countryPage.exchangeAgreements.title
✅ expatLicense.countryPage.exchangeAgreements.directExchange
Canada (most states), Germany (some states), South Korea (some states), France (some states), Taiwan (some states)
❌ expatLicense.countryPage.exchangeAgreements.noAgreement
Most countries - full written and road tests required
expatLicense.countryPage.requiredDocuments.title
- ✓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
expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.title
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.conversionFee | $20-$90 (varies by state) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.medicalExam | Not required for standard license |
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.translation | Not usually required |
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.totalEstimated | $20-$90 (license fee only, no driving school required) |
expatLicense.countryPage.tips.title
- 💡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
expatLicense.countryPage.officialResources.title
expatLicense.sections.faq.title
Can I drive in the US with my foreign license?
You can drive temporarily with a valid foreign license and International Driving Permit (IDP) in most states. The grace period is typically 30-90 days after establishing residency, depending on the state.
Do I need a Social Security Number to get a US license?
Most states require an SSN. If you are not eligible for one (e.g., on certain visa types), you can obtain an SSN ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration to present at the DMV.
What is a REAL ID and do I need one?
REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. Starting in 2025, you need a REAL ID compliant license (or passport) to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. It is recommended when applying for a new license.
Can I take the DMV test in a language other than English?
Most states offer the written test in Spanish, and some states offer additional languages including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others. Check your state DMV for available languages.
Do I need to take driving lessons in the US?
Most states do not require formal driving lessons for adults (18+). You can self-study for the written test and practice driving with a licensed driver before taking the road test.
expatLicense.cta.hubTitle
expatLicense.cta.hubDescription