Driving in the states with a full UK licence

Hi 

Am i right in understanding that you can drive in the States with a full UK license and do not need an international license?
If this is true, does anyone know if that means the photocard license only (like you have in the states) or will they accept our rather pathetic paper d/license?
I'm asking this with a view to hiring a car once i get there.
Thanks as always

stay safe

Jules

Not sure about the paper license, but Alamo had no problems with my UK photo license last time I was home. I would think your paper license with your passport would be sufficient.

My husband hs only ever had the 'rather pathetic paper d/license', and we have never had any problems in renting a car while visiting there. We have rented from National, and from Alamo, in two different states,, no problem. I don't currently hold a license from either country.  He's also been stopped twice for speeding, and the officer was happy enough with seeing his paper license.,,, errrrmmm, don't speed tho,,LOL. He didn't get ticketed,, just a warning both times

Ratpack, I assume that you plan on driving only as a visitor, and that you are not planning to move to the US.  If that's the case, then yes, you can rent a car on your British license.  If you are moving, it's a different situation and every state has different laws pertaining to timelines for obtaining a state license.

Teri, DH got nicked for speeding only a week after getting his Illinois license.  I can say, it's hard to get used to the slower speeds.  He just completed his on-line driving school for first-time offenders, to avoid a ticket on his license.  Even me, The One Who Obeys the Speed Limit, had to constantly check my speed when we returned.

So Ratpack, have fun driving but it really is hard to adjust to the slower speed limits!

Kellie, that's too funny,,lol. Between yours, mine and Marsbar's, our husbands could start their own defensive driving school LOL. 

You can exchange your paper license for a new photocard one for a really small fee (it's under £20 -- just can't remember exactly how much!) if you're really bothered about it.

Thanks guys....i thought it would be ok, but just wasnt sure. Now im happy 

I looked into getting my paper license exchanged but they told me it would be 15 working days and that is cutting things a lil to close for my liking. I would have to include my passport and the post round here is so BAD....yesterday i got a letter dated the 22 April sent locally 

hopefully i will come back with no speeding ticket lol 

Well if you do get stopped for speeding,, it seems that the accent goes far to keep you from getting a ticket,,LOL.  Have a great trip   Hubby just reminded me that you definately need to have your passport when you go to rent a car,, for photographic ID.