how to obtain international driving license

As in all license applications, a driver from another state will have to present proof that he or she has legal status to be in the United States as one of the conditions of licensure.

Thereafter, they must apply for a New Jersey license. People who become residents of New Jersey from other states may continue to drive under a license granted by their former states for a period of 60 days. If a person is licensed outside of the United States, and if he/she becomes a resident of the New Jersey then the rules are different.

By contrast, a foreign national who is legally in the United States and who plans to remain for one year or less may apply for a New Jersey driver’s license if he or she does not hold one from his or her country of origin. However, after one year, they will have to stop driving and they will not be able to apply for a New Jersey license because of their illegal immigration status. Thus, people who are in the United States on a visa, and who are properly licensed in their native countries, can lawfully drive during their first year in New Jersey, provided that they operate the same class of vehicle for which they hold a foreign license. However, in order to do that, he or she must be able to provide, “satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.” N.J.S.A. Presumably, after one year, a person holding a foreign license would then have to apply for a New Jersey license. The limitation is that the authority to drive under the foreign license in New Jersey is valid for a period of no more than one year. However, there is a major limitation to this policy. has taken the position that a person who has a valid license in their home country, may lawfully operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey under that license. Many times international drivers will obtain copies of these licenses in English. As per the Hague International Convention, the international driver should process and present to the police their international license, and their license from their home country. Generally speaking, an international driver’s license is issued to a person based upon he or she having a valid driver’s license in his or her native country. A driver can avoid many points, and some very high fines by obtaining an international driver’s license.

The subject of international driver’s licenses is one of my favorite subjects.

How to obtain international driving license