Maintaining a USA Driver's Licence for long term American ex-patriots?

tejasmarcos says on Jan 26, 2008, 07:56:

good post. my usa drivers license is currently expired due to my extended stay in colombia.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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sloopskipper says on Jan 26, 2008, 09:52:

Mine expired in Pennsylvania because you need to appear for foto to renew. I exchanged the PA, right before expiration, for Puerto Rican, and now the same in Panamá.

It is surprising if you can do it by mail, these days. PennDot requires notification of address change within 15 days, and I doubt very seriously if they accept anything out of state, except probably military.

You probably would need a phoney address with friend or relative.

I have two mailing service adresses in Florida but I am sure there is no way to get license there without appearing.

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El Polo says on Jan 26, 2008, 10:19:

I believe the regulations vary from state to state, visit your state DMV via online, there should be plenty of information. beats wating in line at DMV.

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gringoloid says on Jan 26, 2008, 13:55:

I picked up one of these international drivers licenses. It is good for 5 years.

If you want to drive in the USA than I think you need the Honduras license.

Can t you do a change of address to a stable person in the US so they can forward the renewal to you

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sloopskipper says on Jan 26, 2008, 13:59:

Gringo, how did you get the international license? I've never had one. I have valid Puerto Rico & Panamá, but no U.S.

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Gator says on Jan 26, 2008, 14:01:

Florida allows you to renew by mail, in person or on the internet. I agree with Sloopskipper-the big problem will be to establish residency in that state and I don't think the DMV would mail to a foreign addresses. Try and e-mail to the state agency in you state and ask.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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gringoloid says on Jan 26, 2008, 14:01:

Sorry, forgot to post the link.

http://www.idl-international.com/

You still need a usa license to drive in the usa and to apply for this, but the Colombian govt signed the treaty and they have to accept it.

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sloopskipper says on Jan 26, 2008, 14:12:

Thanx, I was directed to AAA, but they only provide one year. I see IDL does 5, but a bit pricey. Guess I won't do on a whim, but wait until I need it.

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CatGirl says on Jan 26, 2008, 15:06:

dwr: Not sure if I recall if FL uses the same system as CA, but if a driver's license indicates your residence in FL, would this also cause you to be requested for jury duty too? Sorry, your question rose another question ..jaja. Wondered if anyone had this experience too, as this is always the problem in CA - getting called in for jury duty (they track you through your drivers lic. address)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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gringoloid says on Jan 26, 2008, 15:30:

CG, just don't ever register to vote if you want to avoid jury duty.

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CatGirl says on Jan 26, 2008, 16:51:

jaja....OK - take your word for it.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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traderrick says on Jan 26, 2008, 17:06:

I now have a costa rican license , to hell with New York

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msaucey says on Jan 26, 2008, 17:06:

Actually, that is how they do it here in California.... by registering to vote....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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gringokid says on Jan 26, 2008, 17:17:

I Believe it varies from state to state.. because una vez.. I had a ND driver license.. and renewed it by mail.. with an eye exam.. and NOW.. it is with.. OK.. and it is valid for 4 years.. but they allow a 4 year grace period to renew it after it expires with all I have to do is.. pay the normal fee..... so actually I have up to 8 years.. without taking the exam again... NOT BAD..

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lpdiver says on Jan 27, 2008, 03:33:

An international drivers license is nothing more than a document that translates your valid state drivers license into another foreigh language. You still need a valid state license.

ti bo

"cook some rice!"

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dwr says on Jan 28, 2008, 05:32:

Hi Cat Girl. Funny thing I have been called for Jury Duty two times in the past 20 years. I called in both times to say I was oversea on a contract. I am from a small town in one of those states with few people in northwest. For years now I have been renewing my license when I travel to visit my parents. The DMV just looks at my previous license and issues a new one. My parents are older and the day will come when it will be very difficult to travel all the way "home" to renew a license. I guess I am trying to figure out what my next move will be since I haven't lived in the US for so long. There are huge advantages to maintaining a USA drivers license.

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dwr says on Jan 28, 2008, 05:33:

I have yet to find information on how an ExPat can maintain a USA driver's license without being a resident of a state.

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dwr says on Jan 28, 2008, 05:36:

I will probably have to make the trip may be the answer to my own question. But then again, what if they request proof of residence like a electric bill or something?

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