Is a Canadian driver’s license valid in the U.S.?

Chris Kissell

Contributing Researcher

Chris Kissell is a Denver-based writer and editor with work featured on U.S. News & World Report, MSN Money, Fox Business, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Money Talks News and more.

| Updated on: Jan 27, 2023

EXPERT REVIEWED by Laura Longero

Executive Editor

Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Question: Is a Canadian driver’s license valid in the U.S.?

Answer: A current Canadian driver’s license is accepted in the United States. You may drive with your Canadian license within the borders of the U.S. for a period of six months due to reciprocal agreements that the U.S. and Canada have with each other regarding driver’s licenses.

If you plan to stay in the United States for longer than six months, check with the state where you plan to stay to ensure your license will be valid for your trip.

According to Progressive, “If you’re on vacation, you don’t need to take any extra steps — your Canadian license and insurance will cover you during your time in the U.S.”

But if you become a resident instead of a visitor to the United States, then the state where you reside will normally require you to exchange your Canadian license for a state license.

“When relocating from Canada to the United States, you’ll need to register your car with the DMV in the state where you’ll be living. Once you’ve done that, you can purchase car insurance in the U.S. and start the process of transferring your Canadian license to an American driver’s license,” Progressive notes.

Sources

Progressive. “Car insurance for non-U.S. citizens.” Accessed January 2023.