I just moved to the US on an L-1 visa. Can I keep driving with my home country driver's license, and for how long? Someone told me an International Driving Permit makes it legal everywhere indefinitely.
You can drive using your home country license and an ,[object Object], initially, but not indefinitely. Your driving is subject to a limited grace period determined by your specific state.
You do not need a state license on day one. You can use your foreign license and IDP for a short grace period while you settle in and gather your paperwork.
Someone told you an IDP makes it legal everywhere indefinitely, but this is incorrect. An IDP is only a translation of your foreign license for use alongside it. It does not independently authorize driving after your state's grace period expires.
IDPs issued for use in the US are valid for one year, but they do not exempt you from state residency rules.
Because the residency requirement for obtaining a U.S. driver's license is different in each state, your exact grace period depends on where you live. For example, states like Massachusetts and Ohio allow 30 days for new residents.
