International drivers permit in the USA ?

[malmacdowall]

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me, from your experience, will I need an international drivers permit when hiring a car in America? Or will the Aussie lisence be suitable?

Thanks, Mal

 

[Mal]

Not legally required (but please check the state's road authority for your own protection).

One member here has had issues with a trooper not trusting his licence though... But legally, you do not require an IDP.

 

[Boof1]

Whilst Mal is correct about the legal side, I found it handy to have when renting last year in both the US and Canada. The rental people seemed more interested in the IDP than my Aus Drivers Licence.

For the $20 or $30 from the local RAC it is worth it, if only to give you a bit more in your favour with the locals.

Cheers,

Boof

 

[Mal]

Whilst Mal is correct about the legal side, I found it handy to have when renting last year in both the US and Canada. The rental people seemed more interested in the IDP than my Aus Drivers Licence.

Yeah, an IDP can assist in certain situations (ie who has time to study every single licence on issue around the world - an IDP may be more recognisable !), but I've rented in Honolulu, Hilo, Los Angeles, Houston, Orlando, San Francisco, Las Vegas and probably more places I've missed - and never been asked for one. My "Video store membership card" Queensland licence was acceptable in all cases.

Even the lovely copper pulling me over in Everett (but deciding to not fine me ) didn't have an issue with my licence. Haven't had any other "law enforcement" interactions to know how well AU licences are accepted.

 

[drron]

Have never needed one and rent ~ 5 times a year in the USA over the last 10 years Not a problem when I was rear ended in a hotel car park overnight and the perp left.The police were fantastic.

 

[kpc]

My "Video store membership card" Queensland licence was acceptable in all cases.

...altho. Aussie Immigration Officers were a bit suspicious

 

[straitman]

I have to agree that it is not necessary. The one time I had one (many years ago) the rental company also needed to see my 'real' licence.


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[kpc]

I always bring an IDP, not because the rental companies ever want to see one but in case I come across a law enforcement agent or have an accident and need to involve an insurance company....don't want to get into trouble for the few dollars ($31 at NRMA in Sydney to get one, if member; otherwise $46) it costs or have insurance voided.

 

[pshepvic]

I've rented cars in the US and Canada regularly for the last 6 years, in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Honolulu, LA, San Fran, Dallas, Miami, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Peurto Rico and even the USVI, and have never needed it. Had one the first time I went and it never came out of the travel wallet. There is no legal requirement to have one.

Haven't been pulled over by the police, but friends have who live there and use an AU license (including the Qld library card licenses). Their view is that you are better off with an AU license, because the cops are more likely to let you off because the paperwork is too hard.

 

[malmacdowall]

Their view is that you are better off with an AU license, because the cops are more likely to let you off because the paperwork is too hard.

I think Aussies get away with a lot of things overseas... Is it just the larrakin nature?

Thanks all for your replies... I feel much more comfortable going without the IDP....

 

[sr81]

Never needed one.

Just ensure you have your passport with you especially if you are in Navada or New Mexico.

Been pulled over a few times but only for speeding 10ish over the limit. Just get behind a 'sweeper' and enjoy the ride.

For those that don't know a sweeper is a car speeding (usually a large black SUV) that you get in behind. The trooper will pick up that car and you can sail on.

 

[serfty]

...
For those that don't know a sweeper is a car speeding (usually a large black SUV) that you get in behind. The trooper will pick up that car and you can sail on.

Unless the Trooper is driving that large black SUV! :shock:

 

[UP4014]

Don't worry about it, never needed one after 20 years of state side visits. My NSW license more then enough.

In fact, once I arrived in San Francisco from Sydney to find I had left my license behind in Sydney.

I had a car booked with Avis, they said they couldn't do anything themselves to help but phoned some secondary off airport car rental companies for me and found one who accepted a rental using my passport, the company was fine, new cars etc and great service. They did insist I take all their insurances which I couldn't argue with.

Matt

 

[NM]

You will not be asked for one when renting a car. Just your regular drivers licence.

However, I was once pulled over in Maryland and the police officer insisted that I did need an IDP as he claimed only US, Canadian or Mexican licences were valid for driving anywhere in the USA. He was incorrect but insisted his version was right and I was driving illegally. If he had arrested me he would have soon found out that he was wrong. As I was driving back to DC for a flight departing the USA the following day (had to show him my ticket) he "let me off with a warning".

I generally do take an IDP with me, but my previous one had expired and I didn't bother with a new one for that trip. If I had one, it would have saved a lot of argument and grief with that particular ignorant officer.

 

[pshepvic]

I guess the key to it all is "don't get pulled over!"

Definitely follow the "sweepers" - agree they are usually black SUVs or quite often pickup trucks (Ford F750's, Dodge Rams, Chevy Silverados and the like).

I followed a sweeper most of the way from LA to Vegas at about 90-100 mph ... Including going past a couple of cops, and we weren't pulled over.

The police policy seems to be "as long as the traffic is moving in the same direction and at the same speed then it's ok". They seem to book people either going much faster than the rest of the traffic, or those below the minimum.

 

[JohnM]

An IDP is not needed. I've been travelling to the US almost annually for the last 20 years and always renting a car in quite a few different states.

Never been asked for an IDP by any rental car company and have been pulled over by the cops with no issues at all showing my WA license.

Same experience (without any cop interaction) in Britain, Ireland, all parts of W Europe and Scandinavia, Iceland, Canada, Chile, S Africa, Mauritius, Argentina (cop interaction there twice with no problems).

 

[dfcatch]

An IDP is not needed. I've been travelling to the US almost annually for the last 20 years and always renting a car in quite a few different states.

Never been asked for an IDP by any rental car company and have been pulled over by the cops with no issues at all showing my WA license.

Same experience (without any cop interaction) in Britain, Ireland, all parts of W Europe and Scandinavia, Iceland, Canada, Chile, S Africa, Mauritius, Argentina (cop interaction there twice with no problems).

I agree.

Been flying to the States pretty much every year for the last 11 or so and Aus licence is fine everywhere.

I have a Californian licence too, but I always carry/use/show my Australian licence

 

[MikedOut]

Different states seem to have different laws, maybe not so much for hiring a car but for driving one. A couple of years ago I thought I'd just check with state authorities(Indiana) about whether I'd need a IDP or just my licence, they were very ardament that I needed an IDP. Got one because I didn't want to chance having to show one and end up getting sued to death or locked up in LOTFAP. Didn't end up using it anyway, just relied on my local chauffer (brother).