Can I drive in California on a valid Indian driving licence?

Upvote:-4

You should get an international drivers permit. Basically it's a document that's internationally recognized. I don't know for India, but in Denmark it's issued by the same authorities who issues regular drivers' license. It takes 10-15 minutes to make and cost me around 4-5USD to get.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit

Upvote:6

California does not recognize IDPs. This Calif DMV page says:

The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license (DL). California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident.

The IDP is only a translation of information contained on a person's foreign driver license and is not required to operate a motor vehicle in California. Citations issued to a person in California who has an IDP, but does not have a California driver license will be placed on the Department of Motor Vehicle database.

Thus, presuming you have a valid driving license from your country of residence, you do not need to obtain an IDP for driving in California as a tourist.

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