I am going to work in Parsippany, NJ, USA for around 1 year. I have my Indian driving license with me. Do I need to apply for an International Driving License (IDP)? If yes, how much it costs in India and what are the necessary documents I need to prepare?

According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) foreign motorists with valid driver licenses from qualifying countries are free to drive personal or rental cars while visiting the United States as a tourist and are advised to carry an International Driving Permit.

Qualifying countries from United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva (1949), Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Motor Vehicle Traffic, Washington, D.C., (1943) and Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968). India is part of the International Convention on Road Traffic.

In addition to having a valid foreign driver license, NJ international visitors are advised to carry an International Driving Permit or attach an English translation to their country's national driver license prior to their arrival in the United States.

The MVC though goes on to say that you are considered a visitor or tourist if you are visiting the United States for a period not exceeding one year and are not authorized to work or attend school in the country.

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Since you are working, the NJ MVC may require you to obtain a New Jersey driver's license. You will need to contact them to find out for certain.

The NJ MVC site does give information on how non-citizens can obtain a NJ license. Here it states you may use your country's driver license as proof of driving experience if you have an International Driver License issued by your country or if your country is a member of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic and your license is translated into English by a consulate or an MVC approved translator.

As for obtaining an IDP in India it appears that you can apply and pay the fee for the permit at Regional Transport Office in India. You need to bring supporting documents of: valid driving license, attested copy of birth certificate, valid passport and visa, attested copy of address proof and two passport-size photographs. You must apply in person because you will be interviewed and need to pass an international road signs test. It typically takes two working days to process the application. You will need to check to see how long the IDP is good for; once it expires you will need to apply again.

The Indian Automobile Associations are also authorized to issue IDPs to their member. Check with the IAA or Regional Transport Office to find out the exact costs of the International Driving Permit.