Is leasing a car with an International Driver's Permit possible

[Brinuh 0]

I recently received my EAD card and just got a job offer. Only problem now is, I need a car to get to work.

I just applied for an international driver's permit in my home country (Jamaica) and expecting it in the mail next week. Would it be possible for me to lease a car with the IDP?

[rutabaga 209]

You may not even need an IDP at all in the States actually (the IDP is just a translation of your national license, you still need your Jamaican license to drive etc.).

Anyhow, it's definitely possible, in principle, but I foresee two problems: since you're posting in the K1 forum, I assume this is your pre-green-card-EAD, now I'm not sure how long those are generally valid for, but the leasing company might require for your authorized stay to extend throughout the term of the lease. The second problem would be the lack of US credit history.

[mallafri76 1,012]

I was able to buy a car and register it in my name using just my Swedish driver's license. I've rented and leased cars previously in the US using just my national driver's license so shouldn't be a problem.

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Moving to the US and Your New Life in America - topic is about leasing a car ~

[NikLR 13,220]

Check your state regulation (dmv) about when you need to obtain a state dl. Moat have regulations against residents using an IDL for any length of time.

[Unidentified 2,930]

I recently received my EAD card and just got a job offer. Only problem now is, I need a car to get to work.

I just applied for an international driver's permit in my home country (Jamaica) and expecting it in the mail next week. Would it be possible for me to lease a car with the IDP?

I don't know how long you waited for your EAD because you haven't filled out your timeline but lets say you waited 90 days which is the average. That means you have already been living in the state for more than 30 days which is generally the time where you would need a state driver's license and an International DL would not be accepted. You should double check how many days you can live in your state before having to get a state ID but usually it's 30 days.