Obtaining a driver’s license in the USA is a fundamental step towards mobility and independence, since the country is all connected by roads.
Although the process may seem complicated at first, getting a license isn’t as difficult as it seems – whether you’re a tourist or already living in the country.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about getting a driver’s license in the USA. Stay with us to learn all about it!
How the driver’s license process works in the USA: understand
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to understand how the driver’s license process works in the United States. Here are some important details:
Minimum age allowed
The minimum age to apply for a driver’s license varies depending on the region, but is generally 18.
However, many states allow you to obtain a learner’s permit from the age of 16.
How long is a driver’s license valid for in the USA?
Driver’s licenses in the USA are generally valid for 4 to 8 years, depending on the state. Just like in Brazil, it is essential to renew them before they expire.
See below for the validity of driver’s licenses in each US state:
- Washington: 6 years;
- Connecticut: 7 years;
- Maryland: 5 years;
- New York: 8 years;
- Oregon: 8 years;
- Massachusetts: 5 years;
- New Hampshire: 5 years;
- Florida: 8 years;
- Nevada: 4 years old;
- Montana: 8 years;
- Arkansas: 8 years;
- Delaware: 8 years;
- North Carolina: 8 years;
- West Virginia: 5 years;
- Oklahoma: 4 years;
- Rhode Island: 5 years;
- Alabama: 4 years;
- Pennsylvania: 4 years;
- Wisconsin: 8 years;
- California: 5 years;
- Louisiana: 6 years;
- Georgia: 8 years old;
- Iowa: 8 years;
- Vermont: 2 years;
- Virginia: 8 years old;
- Idaho: 4 years;
- Illinois: 4 years;
- Kentucky: 4 years;
- Maine: 6 years old;
- South Dakota: 5 years;
- Tennessee: 8 years;
- Colorado: 5 years;
- Minnesota: 4 years;
- Arizona: 12 years old;
- Michigan: 4 years;
- Texas: 6 years;
- Utah: 5 years;
- Mississippi: 4 years;
- New Jersey: 4 years;
- Kansas: 4 years;
- Ohio: 4 years;
- Nebraska: 4 years;
- Alaska: 5 years;
- Hawaii: 4 years;
- Wyoming: 8 years;
- New Mexico: 4 years;
- Indiana: 6 years old;
- North Dakota: 4 years;
- South Carolina: 5 years;
- Missouri: 3 years.
Is the Brazilian driver’s license valid in the United States?
The answer is no. A carteira de motorista brasileira não é válida para dirigir nos Estados Unidos, a menos que você esteja apenas visitando temporariamente o país.
Therefore, if you intend to drive legally in the USA, you need to obtain a local driver’s license.
In the case of tourists visiting the United States and wishing to drive during their stay, it is possible to use the Brazilian CNH together with an official English translation.
However, it may be necessary to obtain an additional document called an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is a standardized translation of the internationally recognized CNH.
It’s important to check the specific rules of the state you intend to visit and talk to an expert before you travel.
How to get a driver’s license in the USA?
The process of obtaining a driver’s license in the USA varies according to the state in which you live. However, it is possible to simplify it and summarize it in a simple step-by-step process.
Here’s how to get a driver’s license in the USA:
- Establish residency in the state where you want to apply for a driver’s license, i.e. have a fixed address and prove your residency in the state;
- Present the required documentation, which may include your passport, valid visa, authorization to be present in the USA, proof of residence and, in some cases, even your Brazilian driver’s license;
- Take a theory test for knowledge of traffic laws and a vision test to assess your ability to drive safely;
- Depending on the state, you may need to take practical driving lessons and then pass a driving test to demonstrate your skills behind the wheel;
- Pay the necessary fees for the driver’s license application and processing;
- After passing the exams and completing the steps in the process, you will receive your state driver’s license.
Remember that some specific details and exact requirements vary from state to state, so it is essential to consult an expert for more precise information on the requirements.
Check out the content on: Minimum wage in the USA: how does it work and why does it vary?
How much does it cost to get a driver’s license in the USA?
The cost of obtaining a driver’s license in the United States also varies according to the state.
Each state has its own fees and expenses associated with the process, which means that some of them, like Missouri, charge $10, while others, like Washington, charge $89.
Here’s how much it costs to get a driver’s license in each US state:
- Washington: $89
- Connecticut: $72
- Maryland: $72
- New York: $64.25
- Oregon: $60
- Massachusetts: $50
- New Hampshire: $50
- Florida: $48
- Nevada: $42.25
- Montana: $40.50
- Arkansas: $40
- Delaware: $40
- North Carolina: $40
- West Virginia: $40
- Oklahoma: $38.50
- Rhode Island: $38.50
- Alabama: $36.25
- Pennsylvania: $35.50
- Wisconsin: $34
- California: $33
- Louisiana: $32.25
- Georgia: $32
- Iowa: $32
- Vermont: $32
- Virginia: $32
- Idaho: $30
- Illinois: $30
- Kentucky: $30
- Maine: $30
- South Dakota: $28
- Tennessee: $28
- Colorado: $26
- Minnesota: $25.25
- Arizona: $25
- Michigan: $25
- Texas: $25
- Utah: $25
- Mississippi: $24
- New Jersey: $24
- Kansas: $23
- Ohio: $23
- Nebraska: $21.50
- Alaska: $20
- Hawaii: $20
- Wyoming: $20
- New Mexico: $18
- Indiana: $17.50
- North Dakota: $15
- South Carolina: $12.50
- Missouri: $10
How do I get a driver’s license in the USA as an immigrant?
Obtaining a driver’s license in the United States as an immigrant is an important process for those who wish to drive legally in the country.
To get a driver’s license in the USA as an immigrant, the first step is to establish legal residence in the United States, as we have already seen.
D4U Immigration, a specialist in advising on visas and immigration processes, is ready to help you throughout this process.
Our experts offer personalized guidance based on your specific immigration status, ensuring that you meet all the requirements necessary to obtain your driver’s license efficiently and in compliance with local laws.
Next, you’ll need to gather the necessary documentation, which usually includes your valid passport, immigration visa or green card, proof of address in the state where you live and, in some cases, your foreign driver’s license.
Specific rules and requirements vary from state to state, so it’s crucial to check detailed information with the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) in your state of residence.
Make the American dream come true with D4U Immigration!
At D4U Immigration, we believe that knowing how to get a driver’s license in the USA is an important step towards your independence and mobility in the United States.
With our expert advice on visas and immigration, we can make this process simpler, more efficient and more successful.
Our experts have extensive knowledge of US immigration laws and the specific regulations of each state for obtaining a driver’s license.
We will work alongside you, providing personalized guidance and helping you meet all the necessary requirements.