Can I obtain an International Drivers license whilst abroad?

Can I obtain an International Drivers license whilst abroad? - Crop unrecognizable person demonstrating British passport

I am currently in the U.S and I won't be able to leave the country soon and I really need to drive. I am an exchange visitor and I've been here for 2 years. I do have a Colorado license but it will expire in mid June and I won't be able to renew it because my J1 visa will expire as well. I will be married by that time but I can't wait To get my temporary green card to start driving again. That might take months. I do have a Greek license which expires in 2055 and it has my name and last name in Latin and the dates (birth, expiration) are easy to understand, but the rest is in Greek, that's why I'm asking if I can just translate that somewhere in the U.S. Will I be able to translate my a Greek drivers license somewhere in the U.S or get an international drivers license without going back to Greece?



Best Answer

The short answer is Yes, your license is valid in the USA for a tourist visit, because both Greece and the USA are signatories to the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic. The longer answer is that if the license is entirely in Greek, it will probably not be accepted when you need it: at a rental car office, or talking to a policeman. If there is an English translation on the license, you should be good to go. If there is a Latin-alphabet version but the translation is in another language (e.g., French), your success will be in between.

You will not be able to get an International Drivers Permit if already in the USA.




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Can I apply for an international driving permit online UK?

They cannot be obtained online, only at selected Post Offices. Personal applications for IDPs can be made at selected Post Office branch offices. You must apply in person (this means that third party applications will not be accepted) and complete the application form available from the Post Office.

How long does it take to get an international driving Licence?

How long will the process take? Getting an IDP over a Post Office counter takes around five minutes on a turn-up-and-go basis.



International Drivers Permit: 2021 Guide




More answers regarding can I obtain an International Drivers license whilst abroad?

Answer 2

I am not sure of Greece, but to get an international license, all you need is your license & 2 passport size photo. I guess you can get it made if you can courier it to Greece. But I do not know if its illegal or will they issue the license without seeing the applicant in person.

Answer 3

Each state has its own driving laws. This official website gives an overview: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Foreign-Visitors-Driving.shtml

It also provides a link to this page that will let you check the law in any of the 50 states: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Motor-Vehicles.shtml

It also says, "The residency requirement for obtaining a U.S. driver's license is different in each state. Check the department of motor vehicles in the state where you live to see the requirements" and links to the page above.

It also says, "Once you receive your U.S. driver's license from a state motor vehicle department, you can drive in all U.S. states."

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