1. Is my German driver's license valid in the US?

It depends. In general, for temporary visits to the US of up to 6 months, a German traveler should obtain an International Driver’s license (Internationaler Führerschein).  A German national who drives in the US should carry his/her International Führerschein along with his/her German driver’s license.

Likewise, travelers should become familiar with the law of each US state in which they intend to drive.  Unfortunately, each of the 50 US states has its own set of statutes and regulations governing the operation of motor vehicles.  Therefore, travelers should contact the relevant US state’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) for additional details.  Below, we have included a list of DMV web sites for several states. Please note that some of the information in these FAQ relates to Florida law only; other states’ laws may differ.

In addition, when renting a car, travelers should determine the relevant car rental company’s requirements.

2. Why is the application process for foreign nationals so complex?

Following 9/11, the US Department of Homeland Security implemented stricter requirements governing the issuance of drivers’ licenses.  Most importantly, in order to obtain a valid license, when applying for a license, each non US citizen applicant must provide proof of his/her immigration status in most states.

3. How do I obtain information on the requirement of the state I am planning to visit?

Foreign nationals should contact the relevant state authorities to obtain further information. Below are links to Department of Motor vehicles (DMV) of a few states:

• California
• Florida or http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/dlnew.html
• Georgia
• New York
• Texas

4. What do I have to do to acquire a US driver's license?

Even though each state's requirements may differ, it is generally easier for German citizens to acquire a driver's license in the US than for American citizens to do so in Germany. Either an applicant can claim the driver license reciprocity agreement between a US state and Germany (if the US state has one) and pay the administrative fees or apply as a first time driver. Applying as a first time driver generally requires passing a short written and driving test, both of which can usually be performed within a few hours and for under $50. In addition, some states require applicants to complete a traffic law substance abuse education class.

As there is no uniform requirement for all 50 US states, please contact the local US state authorities for the details. In the USA driver's licenses are regulated exclusively by each US state (Texas, California, etc.) not by the federal government as is the case in Germany.

5. Who is required to have a Florida Driver's License?

Generally, Florida requires anyone driving a motor vehicle on public streets and highways to have a valid Florida driver’s license.  A driver who moves to and establishes residency in Florida must obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident, even if the driver previously held a valid license in another state.  Otherwise, a new resident who is stopped by the authorities and found driving without a valid Florida license may be subject to fines.

6. When am I considered a Florida resident?

With regard to the license requirement, the Florida DMV will treat a driver as a Florida resident if the driver:

1. Enrolls his/her children in public school;
2. Accepts employment;
3. Resides in Florida for more than six consecutive months;
4. Registers to vote; or
5. Files for a homestead exemption.

7. Who does not need a Florida Driver's License?

There are few situations when one can drive in Florida without a Florida driver’s license provided that the driver has a valid license from another state or country.  For example, a non-resident college student or a foreign national serving in the US Armed Forces and stationed in Florida may drive in Florida legally provided that such a driver holds a valid foreign driver license.  In any event, each German national who becomes a resident of Florida must obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency.

8. What are the test requirements in Florida for Germans?

Persons holding a German license are required to take the vision, hearing and written exam (concerning road signs and rules).  The DMV may waive the driving test unless the applicant’s driving ability is questionable.

9. Can I apply by mail?

In Florida, certain applicants are eligible for renewal by mail.  However, all first time applicants and all non U.S. citizen license holders must apply for driver’s licenses (and renewals) in person at a local driver license office.

10. What type of documents do I need to submit as a non-immigrant?

Non-immigrants who apply for a Florida driver’s license must provide a Proof of Social Security Number, two Proofs of Residential address and proof of legal immigration status.

11. Can I bring copies of the documents?

No, all required and supporting documents must be original or certified.  Documents must be valid for more than 30 days from the date of issuance.

12. I don't have a social security number.

An applicant who does not have a social security number will need to present (in Florida) at least one proof of ID, such as an identification card from the District of Columbia, US Territories, or one of the 50 US states or other very limited types documents from the USA.  Thus, a German citizen who has never resided in the US is unlikely to have any of the documents listed, and will need to obtain a social security number first.

13. How do I obtain a social security number?

Information on how to obtain a social security number can be found at www.ssa.gov . Each  principal visa holder should visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) and fill out Form SS-5 (Application for Social Security Number) and provide the SSA a certified copy of his/her visa and I-94 card along with a certified copy of his/her German passport.  On occasion, a spouse of E-1/E-2, L-1 or H-1B visa holder may have problems obtaining a social security number.  Under certain circumstances, the Florida DMV will accept a letter from the SSA stating that the SSA has yet to issue the applicant a social security number.

14. How long will the license be issued for?

The Florida DMV will issue the license for the period of time specified on the US BCIS document, up to a maximum of one year.  So, even if an applicant is admitted to the US under an E-1/E-2 or other nonimmigrant visa for a period of 2 years, the driver’s license will be issued for one year only. 

For further information regarding this FAQ, or any immigration related matter, you can contact Ellen von Geyso, an attorney at Law in Miami admitted to the practice of law in Germany and Florida.

Mrs. von Geyso can be reached at
E    info(at)vongeyso.com
T   +1 305 3650325
W www.vongeyso.com

© Ellen von Geyso, P.A. 2010
Updated October 2010

Georgia: Bill removing driver’s license burden for foreign nationals -  effective as of January 1, 2009

Senate Bill 488  allows allows foreigners that are in Georgia legally to retain their foreign driver’s license, when applying for a driver’s license in Georgia. Previously, when foreigners wished to obtain a Georgia driver’s license or identification card, they were forced to forfeit those credentials from their native jurisdictions. The bill also changed verification requirements for foreign nationals.

Read the full text of the press release here.