An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official English translation of license information and must be accompanied by the out-of-country license.
The IDP is a document/card separate from your out-of-country license; simply having an out-of-country driver’s license is not enough.
This IDP is only valid for one year; after that time, you must obtain a full U.S. driver’s license.
Please be aware that some police officers in the U.S. are not familiar with the IDP. Therefore, it is a good idea to get your U.S. driver’s license as soon as possible, even if you technically are allowed to drive with your IDP.
To Obtain a U.S. Driver’s License…
Step 1 … You may need a translation of your country’s driver’s license
Your country’s driver’s license may be accepted as proof of driving experience, eliminating the learner’s permit requirement but not the driver’s license requirement.If the license is not in English, an English translation on a separate page on letterhead will be required. In some cases, the Office of International Programs can provide this translation for you, but this services is not always available. Check with them on this by emailing international@valpo.edu.
Step 2 … You must go to the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to apply for the driver’s license.
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles 1361 Morthland Drive, Suite G Valparaiso, IN 46385 (Off of Highway 30 near Harley Davidson Dealership) 219.462.4814
2 Proofs of Indiana Residency (for example, bank statement, electric bill, or apartment lease with your name on it)
You will have to take a written test, and may be required to schedule a driving test. The BMV will give you the exact details for how to receive a U.S. driver’s license.
Feel free to contact International Programs if you need help in understanding the driver’s license process.
If You Have an Out-of-state Driver’s License
You have 60 days to get an Indiana driver’s license if you have moved here from another state and are holding a license from that state.
