Can I drive in the US with my Philippine license?

[primo1]

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Ok I have been googling this for the past few days and I just cant get a direct answer. Some say that you need an International Driver's License in order to drive in the US. But some say that our Philippine driver's license can be used for a few months because of the UN Convention on Road Traffic (if Philippines is part of the treaty though) I cant apply for an IDL anymore coz Im already here in the US. So the question is can I just use my Philippines license without an IDL? I'm specifically here in NJ. Thanks Philmug!

[xthine]

As far as I'm aware of.. In San Jose CA where I stayed for a few months in the past, you can drive with your PH issued drivers license just make sure you have your passport and i94 on you when you drive.

[alistair]

Put it this way—more than once me and my travel companions have been able to rent cars using only their Philippine licenses.

[rsa]

You don't need an international drivers license. Your Philippine license willdo. You cAn even rent a car with your phillipine license

[raypin]

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/Visitors.htm

According to their website, you need International Driver's License to drive in Jersey in conjunction with your PH driver's license. But to be absolutely sure, why don't you give them a call.

[maxx]

same here. rented, drove in the US many times already.

Don't believe the sales talk that you need an IDL.

As for the need to bring your passport, I have heard of this advice also but I'm not sure if this is really needed because the rental Co's never ask for it. I don't like to bring my passport with me because it might get lost, I just bring a photocopy in my person all the time.

[raypin]

mmm....I wouldn't be so cavalier. I believe it varies from State to State. Car rental company rules are different from government rules. Let's not mix them up and just because you can rent a car, it doesn't mean that you can drive on U.S. streets.

My advise remains the same: call the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

[Eriction]

I haven't driven in NJ yet but in the other cities I've been to, your PH drivers license is accepted. LA, SFO, Virginia, Iowa, Utah, Phoenix and others were good. Avis gave me the rental car without any hassle. I even got on a car accident once and still no biggie. :P

[Tuli$an]

I agree with raypin, laws vary from state to state. The best way is to ask instead of assuming

[primo1]

Ok thanks guys! Well if ever I do need an International Driver's Permit/License, how do I get one? is it possible na i-lakad nalang ng relatives ko from the Philippines then just ship it here to the US?