Hello,

Just a quick question.

I'm moving to the States in 3 months and will be a permanent resident. How long will my UK license be valid for?

Thanks.

It depends on the state. In Maryland you have 60 days before you must obtain a Maryland license.

Each state is different. Look up the DMV website for the state you'll be living in.

In most cases, you will find it difficult to get a driver license without a SSN. So you will most likely drive on your UK license until you get your SSN and can apply for a local driver license.

Rene

50 States = 50 answers.

CA technically gives you 10 days. Maine gives you 12 months.

Most lie anywhere between 30-90 days. Even those states which give you longer period of time, you should still get it done as soon as because you'll have trouble getting insurance and even if you found it, it'll be even more expensive that someone who no credit history or US driving history.

Yes we had to get one within 30 days of becoming a 'resident' of WA State which we took to be from when we found a rental place and signed up for bills etc.
We also had to take the 'written' test and a full driving test to get our WA licences.

Illinois = 90 days

I could never find out for Oregon...the website never specified a time frame.

Officially, 10 days once you become a resident in CA

30 days for Oregon.

http://landru.leg.state.or.us/ors/807.html

807.020 Exemptions from requirement to have Oregon license or permit. A person who is granted a driving privilege by this section may exercise the driving privilege described without violation of the requirements under ORS 807.010. A grant of driving privileges to operate a motor vehicle under this section is subject to suspension and revocation the same as other driving privileges granted under the vehicle code. This section is in addition to any exemptions from the vehicle code under ORS 801.026. The following persons are granted the described driving privileges:

(1) A person who is not a resident of this state or who has been a resident of this state for less than 30 days may operate a motor vehicle without an Oregon license or driver permit if the person holds a current out-of-state license issued to the person.

Thanks to everyone for their answers. I checked on the Missouri government website and couldn't really find what I was looking for so I sent an email. They replied saying that my UK licence was valid and that it would pass for an international licence since mine is written in English. I wasn't told, more annoyingly, how long I can used my license for which is what I was asking. Anyway, I will apply for a Missouri driving license as soon as I get there.

30 days... as MarylandNed posted days ago! He even bolded the relevant part for you!

Ian

Their IT guy must be a Star Trek fan!

Ian

He wanted MO, MarylandNed posted the code for OR.

12 months I asked when I came over.

That only applies to people moving within the US and becoming Oregon residents. If you actually ask them they will tell you, arriving from the UK to take up residence you get the 12 months allowed under the international convention on driving licences.