CaelanT

I have lived in the USA for 14 years now and am planning on returning home to the UK this summer for a holiday. I will be renting a car while back home. I lost my British drivers licence some years ago, and only have my US licence now. I am still a British Citizen having only taken permanent residence in the USA.

Question is.........will I need a British drivers licence given that I am a British citizen, or will my US drivers licence be enough? I am not sure how this will work and don't want to leave it to chance. I could order a new replacement licence online and use my parents address back home, having them mail it to me when they receive it? This is the only solution I can think of.

Any advice appreciated!

christmasoompa

Forget your British licence - it isn't valid anymore and you'd face a £1000 fine by using it with an incorrect address on it!

But you can just use your US license, same as any other tourist.

CaelanT

Thanks for the fast response. So I don't need any sort of international licence? Just my US drivers licence?
I imagine they will want my passport, which is British, and this is what I fear could be a problem.

fatbrit

Time to consider US naturalization!

Some arguments for you to consider here: http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pros_a...US_Citizenship

lisa67

Just your US license will be fine. I'm pretty sure that when I was in the UK last summer they didn't ask to see my passport, just my license and credit card

rpjs

Why? It's hardly a new thing that people live permanently in countries other than their own. If you do get questioned, show them your Green Card as proof you're a US resident.

h0tr0dder_uk

british driving licenses expire after 10 years now. If you fail to renew I believe that you have to retake your driving test. I just renewed mine (just in case I decide to move back to the UK in the next 10 years).

penguinbar

You are not supposed to renew your British licence if you live abroad.

h0tr0dder_uk

Ooops

penguinbar

You may find it amusing but if you get in an accident in the UK and you've given false information(such as providing an address that you know longer live at) I don't think you'll find it so funny then.

CaelanT

Nope. Something I have always been adamant about. I'm a British citizen and will remain so. I don't want to lose that, or have dual citizenship.

fatbrit

No logical reason behind it, then?

Michael

So if you get convicted of a felony (possibly DUI with bodily injury) in the US, you are happy to go back to the UK after you serve your sentence of maybe only a few days?

pTeronaut

I though only the photocard expires, if so, I'm still good for a replacement license unitl 2040 for a car, and 2015 for a bus unless I return with an address and take a medical.

lansbury

It is the physical licence that expires not your qualification. The plastic bit maybe out of date, but you apply to the DVLA, or whatever they are these days, for a new licence when you move back. Providing there are no other related requirements it should be reissued.