Can You Drive in California With a Foreign License?

Can you drive in California with a foreign license?

Yes, you can drive in California with a valid foreign license if you’re visiting the Golden State, as long as the license is either in English or translated into English. The easiest way to get a translation of your license is to get an international driving permit (IDP), which translates a foreign driver’s license into multiple languages.^[1]

If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver’s license within 10 days.^[2] The state considers you a resident if you intend to live there for six months or more over a 12-month period.

You may be able to get a California license even if you’re not a U.S. citizen. If you live in California and are a legal permanent resident or have temporary legal status, you can apply for a REAL ID driver’s license. Be sure to check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other state resources for the latest licensing requirements, as regulations can change.

Here are some key California driving requirements foreign drivers should know before driving in the state.

Requirement	California Rule
Foreign license validity	Valid for tourists
IDP required?	No
Translation required?	Yes
Recognized countries	All
Governing agency	California DMV

How long can you use a foreign license in California?

If you enter the U.S. on an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a B-2 tourism visa, you can use your foreign license for the duration of your trip to California.^{[3] [4]} But if you plan to stay for more than six months within a 12-month period, the state considers you a resident, and you must get a California license.

If you come to California on an F or M international student visa and plan to drive, you should get a valid driver’s license as soon as possible to avoid the risk of a citation. Your school can provide a tenancy verification form as proof of California residency.

New California residents must get a state driver’s license within 10 days to drive legally in the state. The Golden State considers you a resident if:

• You register to vote in California.

• You work in California.

• You pay resident tuition at a California college or university.

• You have dependents who attend school in California.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in California

Liability rates start as low as $65 per month

Enter your ZIP codeView My Quotes

Excellent

4.7 out of 5 based on 15,283 reviews

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.

Steps to drive legally in California with a foreign license

If you’re an international driver who plans to drive in California during your visit, you’ll need to ensure you’re doing so legally. Here’s how to make sure you follow the state’s laws.

1. Check that you have a valid license. California recognizes a valid foreign driver’s license as long as it’s translated into English. You can drive with your foreign license during a temporary stay.

2. Consider your residency. The Golden State considers you a resident if you intend to live in the state for more than six months in a 12-month period. As a California resident, you’ll need a California driver’s license within 10 days.

3. Make sure you have insurance. California requires drivers to have proof of financial responsibility in the form of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. If you plan to rent a car, you can buy auto insurance through the rental car agency.

4. Follow the rules of the road. California law requires drivers to wear a seat belt, follow traffic laws, and refrain from driving while impaired or using a cell phone. The California Driver’s Handbook outlines the state’s traffic laws and safe driving practices. If you don’t follow these rules, you could face penalties like fines or license suspension.

Insurance requirements for foreign drivers in California

California requires all drivers, including foreign visitors and residents, to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. The following table lists California’s minimum requirements.

Coverage Type	California Minimum Requirement
Bodily injury liability	$30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
Property damage liability	$15,000 per accident

If you plan to rent a car during your trip, the rental company will offer insurance coverage. You may also be able to get temporary coverage or short-term car insurance to cover you during your visit.

Unlike no-fault states, where drivers typically turn to their own insurance after an accident, California is an at-fault state. In California, the driver who causes the accident is liable for property damage and injuries.

If you cause an accident during your visit, the other driver can file a claim with your insurer to cover the cost of repairs and medical bills. That’s why carrying adequate insurance coverage is important.

When do you need a California driver’s license?

You need a California driver’s license if you plan to live in the state for more than six months over a 12-month period, which is when the state considers you a resident.

Once you become a California resident, you must get a state driver’s license within 10 days if you plan to drive. Failure to obtain a California driver’s license could result in a traffic citation.

If you can’t provide proof of legal presence but can provide proof of California residence, you may qualify for an AB 60 driver’s license. This type of license lets undocumented immigrants drive legally in the state, regardless of their immigration status.

How to get a California driver’s license

Follow these steps to get your California driver’s license:

1. Create an account on the California DMV website and set up two-factor authentication.

2. Gather your documents, including your Social Security number (if applicable) and proof of California residency.

3. Complete an online application, which takes about nine minutes.

4. Visit a local DMV office to finish your application. You may need to take a written test and a driving test.^[5] International drivers may need to provide additional documents depending on their immigration status.

Shop for Auto Insurance in California

Compare quotes from top insurers in minutes

Enter your ZIP codeView My Quotes

Excellent

4.7 out of 5 based on 15,283 reviews

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.

Tips for safe driving in California as a foreign driver

California has a wide variety of terrain, from curving mountain roads to sprawling highways and congested city streets. Whether it’s your first or 50th trip to the Golden State, these tips can help you stay safe while on the road:

• Maintain a safe distance, especially on busy freeways like Interstate 5 between Los Angeles and Santa Ana and popular tourist routes like the Pacific Coast Highway.

• Be weather aware. Much of California experiences dry conditions, which can increase wildfire risk.^{[6] [7]} Other weather events to be aware of include earthquakes, flash flooding, landslides, and extreme temperatures.^[8]

• Watch out for wildlife. You probably won’t see much wildlife in big cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. But if you head out into the mountains, you might see deer, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, coyotes, and foxes. Drive carefully to avoid hitting wildlife.

Driving in California with a foreign license FAQs