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Q: How easy is it for a chinese to obtain a international drivers license in china to drive in USA?
If a Chinese wanted to buy or rent a car to drive in the US but they needed to obtain a international drivers license in china before they visit the US How easy is it for them to get one and how long it will take? Also explain what the process is for them to get this license step by step. I am asking this from anyone who knows or has known a Chinese that has done this before in china before they visited the US
7 years 47 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
Does the Chinese person have a Chinese license? That's where he/she would need to start if not, getting the Chinese license.
cub:
Stigs, yes this person has a chinese drivers license but wants to get a international drivers license so they can drive in the US after they get here
Chinese can't get international driving permits. Why? Because China stupidly didn't sign up to it. Which also means they won't let foreigners drive here on IDP's
Now they 'might' be able to use their Chinese license in the USA. Best thing is for you to call your local DMV(?) and ask them.
most states will accept a chinese license without IDP.
california does
new york does
https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/drive-new-york-state
arizona does
http://phoenix.about.com/od/car/qt/foreigndriver.htm
kansas does
International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you have a valid driver license from your home country and do not become a Kansas resident as defined by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you may drive for up to one year from the date of entry stamped on your I-94. If you become a Kansas resident as determined by the DMV, you have 60 days to get a new Kansas driver's license. The Kansas DMV law states you become a Kansas resident 90 days after registering a child in school or registering a motor vehicle.
Although it is not required, you should also have an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP serves as an official translation of the holder's driver's license into 10 foreign languages. The purpose of an IDP is to supplement, not replace, valid government issued licenses. It serves as a translation of a driver's license and assists with understanding, but does not provide driving privileges by itself. Be wary of IDP scams. For more information on the IDP please visit: http://answers.usa.gov/system/templates/selfservice/USAGov/#portal/1012/... Driving Permit IDP
cub:
Thanks Ambivalentmace this helps a lot. This person wanted to know how easy or if it was easier to buy a car in the US after they arrive in the US i told them it shouldnt be to dificult they would need a valid DL im not too sure about insurance though. What auto insurance will they use? The one they have now that they use in china?
ambivalentmace:
foreign visitors can buy insurance just like everybody else, about 30 percent higher than for a resident since they can be sued and simply fly out on a plane and never be seen again.
Hotwater:
@Ambi, your reply about insurance intrigues me. First time I visited the US, about 8 years ago, I was visiting a friend for two weeks. She tried to get me temporary insurance for her car for two weeks. She was told it wasn't possible unless it was a rental car. When she visited me in the UK it cost me £20 to add her to my insurance.
ambivalentmace:
maybe the company, USAA allowed me to add my filipino daughter before she had a green card with a foreign license, but it had to be for 6 months minimum, temporary for 2 weeks wasn't available.
