CarInsurance.com Car Insurance
Estimates Online
> ZIP code:  Click & Quote
Get insurance now:
Car Insurance Resources:

Get Free Quotes Now

Zip Code:
Save With CarInsurance.com!
Car Insurance Learning Center  Learning Center  Auto Insurance Questions & Answers   Questions & Answers  Professional Answers   Professional Answer
I am in Texas for work for 1 year. I have a international driving license from India and valid Indian driving license. Can I drive car in TX for a year without getting a U.S license?

It is normally your foreign license and not your international driving license or permit (IDP) that allows you to drive in the United States. The international license or permit is normally a translation of your foreign license from your home country, so in this case India so can be helpful to law enforcement, etc if you are pulled over however your actual valid Indian driver's license is what allows you to drive in the US legally.

The Texas Driver's Manual states that nonresidents (at least 18 years of age) may drive any vehicle in Texas if they are legally licensed to drive such a vehicle in their home state or country, and their home state or country grants like recognition to citizens of Texas.

The TX Department of Public Safety notes that generally, a person 18 to 75 years of age with a valid out-of-country driver license in their possession may drive a private, non-commercial motor vehicle in the State of Texas for up to one year from date of entry into the United States, if their home country has reciprocity with the U.S.

The TX DPS states that in order to check for reciprocity agreement status, you may contact License Issuance at (512) 424-5089. You can also get more specific information about your situation from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and by reading the Subchapter E, of Chapter 15, Part 1 of Title 37 of the TX Administrative Code.

You can contact the Texas DPS directly to find out if it is legal for you to drive in Texas for a full year with only your Indian driver's license, and not obtaining a US license, since you are not just visiting the state but working there. Keep in mind that if you want to get insurance on a vehicle it will be difficult with only a foreign, Indian, license. Most insurance companies will require you to obtain a US license within 30 days or so of starting a policy.

Share this on: Tweet this! Add to Facebook Add Google Bookmark Digg This Windows Live Favorites Add to Del.icio.us reddit this!
StumbleUpon Save to Ma.gnolia Save to Blinklist Technorati This Submit to Propeller Furl It Seed Newsvine
Related Questions
Car Insurance RelatedI am a international student in the state of NY. I am having a driving license from India (since 2000) and an international driving permit. I also got NYS driving permit last month. Will you be consid...
Car Insurance RelatedI am citizen of India and want to obtain an International Driving Permit. Can you please give me the required information to get the IDP? Are there any agencies in India which provide IDPs?
Car Insurance RelatedIs the International Driving Permit issued outside USA by a member nation of the United Nations Conference on Roads And Motor Transport Convention On International Road Traffic, Geneva Sep 19, 1949 ho...
Car Insurance RelatedI have a green card that allows me to work in USA. I have a driver's license from India. Can I drive my son's car in USA for the first couple of months in USA until I get a fresh license in USA?
Car Insurance RelatedI 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...
Car Insurance RelatedI have a valid Indian driving license but no international license. Can I drive in the state of Texas? The license I have is in English so do I still need an International driving permit(IDP)?
Car Insurance RelatedAfter a fender bender how long does the person who has been hit have to request to have the car fixed and supply an estimate in Texas?
Rate, add comments, or add help about your situation and this question.
Help us improve the largest car insurance website!

poor 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

 excellent
Tell us why you rated this car insurance question and answer this way. You can add any helpful insurance comments to this page:
Visitor Comments
car insurance commentsI have like situation. This is very good to know since I have car from friend and licence from Turkey. I am in PA for 2 years of study. Maybe laws are different in state, but good things to think.
Question Details
This car insurance answer was last updated 2:43 PM Jan-08.
This helpful tips question was asked 6:29 PM Jan-03-2008.
Muruga requested this car insurance help from CarInsurance.com experts.
Rated 9 out of 10 based on 1 vote.
Helpful Tips
Print Car Insurance Answers Print this car insurance question and answer
Email Car Insurance Answers Email this auto insurance answer
Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided are for information purposes. They are not intended to substitute informed professional advice. These responses should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any insurance product, or to provide financial or legal advice. Please refer to your insurance policy for specific coverage and exclusion information. Please read our Terms Of Use.
©2010 CarInsurance.com, Inc. - Online Insurance Marketplace™
safe and secure auto insurance   better business bureau car insurance   Tested, Safe, and Secure Car Insurance