Driving in California with a foreign driver license [closed]
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I've recently moved to California as a postdoctoral researcher. I'm here with the J-1 visa (exchange visitor program) which expires after one year.
I'm planning to rent a car to visit California. So I'm wondering whether I need to get a California driver license or I can use the one issued by my home country.
From what I understood (see this related question), any foreign person can drive in California with his/her foreign driver license unless he/she is a resident of California. My problem is that I do not know if I am or not considered a resident of California.
Since I will stay in California for (at most) one year, I would say that this constitutes enough evidence to prove that I am not a resident. However, I would love to hear any experience/comment/suggestion from those of you that have been in a similar situation.
Thank you so much for your help.
Best Answer
On this page, California DMV addresses who's a resident:
If you become a California resident, you must get a California DL within ten (10) days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.
Thus, if you don't do the listed things, it looks like you can continue to use a valid drivers license from your home country. If that license is printed in a language other than English, you should obtain an International Drivers Permit (which is actually not a license, but only a translation into English of your license) to ease any interaction you might have with the authorities here.
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Can I legally drive in California with a foreign license?
People with a current valid driver's license from a foreign country can legally drive in California. They do not need to get a California driver's license or international driving permit (\u201cIDP\u201d) as long as: They are at least 18 years of age, The license was lawfully issued in the country where they reside, and.How long can you drive in California with a foreign license?
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), State of California Individuals who have entered the United States, other than as a tourist, who wish to drive in the state of California, must obtain a California driver's license. For non-tourists, foreign driver's licenses are valid for only 10 days.How long can you drive with a foreign license in the US?
The US allows all visitors to drive up to 3 months with a foreign driving license. This is from the date they make an entry into the US as per official records. Post this, your foreign license won't work. To continue driving, you must obtain an IDP.Can foreigners legally drive in the US?
People who drive in the U.S. must have a valid driver's license. If you're a foreign visitor, some states require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid license from your own country.Can I drive in California with a drivers license from a foreign country?
More answers regarding driving in California with a foreign driver license [closed]
Answer 2
As far as I can understand from this, you should be able to use your own driver's license.
"...California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident..."
You are still a resident of you own country; as long as your driver's license is valid you should not have a problem.
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