Does anyone know what the rules are? My US license has expired and I would like to rent a car upon arrival. Thanks in advance for any advice

You shouldn't have any problem......there are lots of people from other countries that are able to rent an auto in the US.....as long as it's a valid driver's license you should be fine.

My last post was made under the assumption that you have a current Belize drivers license.

You will have no problem with a valid Belize driver license.

Yes my Belize license is current, Thanks so much!

Yes, it is acceptable but they will look at you and our funny (almost phoney) looking license. Then they will ask you a million questions about Belize. You have a chance to do PR.
Also look closely at when your license expires. I got mine in the spring and when I showed up to rent a car the day after my birthday in September they pointed out that it was expired. But I insisted I had just gotten it! Too bad! When I got back I went to the traffic department and inquired about the expiration date. They informed me that when you get your first license it expires on your birthday even if it is the next day.
Good Luck.

If your US drivers license is expired, and you are a US citizen, they will fine you for driving with an expired license, in spite of your current Belize license. If you don't believe me, email the DMV in any state.

Beachdude
Not true. Be careful, when I renewed my California drivers license and used my sons's address the state tax people had to be convinced that I didn't live there.
If you are not a resident you can't have a license.

OK, then is she or is she not a PR in Belize?

The rental car companies say "valid drivers license", so I am thinking I will just go get my licensed renewed first to avoid any trouble.

I am not a PR yet - just have a work permit at the moment (been here for >3 yrs).

I rent from Hertz, Avis, and Thrifty with my Belize Driver's Lic (its the only license I have) and have never had a problem. If you use a foreign license and don't live in the U.S., the rental rate is often cheaper (less tax to pay, or it used to be that way).

I have also had to show my Belize License to Texas' Finest after being pulled over. Despite getting a chuckle, they had no problems with my license either. The license probably saved me from getting a ticket!

Just did some homework for you, from what I can tell, I'm not sure where you stand?


Thank you for your recent inquiry.

The following persons may drive in Florida without a Florida driver license, if they have a valid license from another state or country:
•Any non-resident who is at least 16 years old.
•Persons employed by the United States government driving a United States government motor vehicle on official business.
•Any non-resident working for a firm on a contract for the United States government. (This exemption is only for 60 days.)
•Any non-resident attending college in Florida.
•Persons who drive only vehicles like farm tractors or road machines temporarily on the highway may drive without a license.
•A licensed driver who lives in another state and travels regularly between his home and work in Florida.
•Non-resident migrant farm workers even though they are employed or place children in the public schools, providing they have a valid license from their home state.
•Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida and their dependents, with these exceptions:
a.Service member or spouse claims homestead exemption (All drivers in family must obtain Florida licenses),
b.Service member becomes employed (All drivers in family must obtain Florida licenses),
c.Spouse becomes employed (Spouse and children who drive must obtain Florida licenses),
d.Child becomes employed (Only employed child who drives must obtain Florida license)

We hope this information will assist you.

I have a current work permit for Belize, but not residency. At this point my plan is just to go ahead and get my US license renewed upon arrival so I will be doubly covered.

Thanks for all of your help

I think this is your best move, it sounds like you are still officially a US resident, therefore I think you are required to hold a valid license from your home state. The Feds have forced all states to to consolidate info, along with Canada and Mexico, so if you get a parking ticket in Chetumal, it will pop up on their computer in St John, Newfoundland.

Thanks Beachdude and everyone for your thoughtful posts and helpful efforts to keep me out of trouble

I don't have to be careful, all mine are current.

Just came back from U.S my funky San Pedro Belize license did not even raise eyebrows while renting a car....

Hi,
This is because it is not the rental company's responsibility to check on your driving status, it it your's. Should you get stopped and run through the in-cruiser computer is when you will be checked on and dealt with accordingly.

I once rented a car in Boston with my Belize Driver's License because I had lost my Massachusetts drivers license, no problems.

it sounds like you are still officially a US resident, therefore I think you are required to hold a valid license from your home state.????????
You are not required to hold a valid drivers license in any State. You can opt for a State I.D.
We are U.S. citizens and Belize residents..we had no U.S. address for over 5 years which is completely legal as long as you are filing your U.S. Taxes using your Belize address as your permanent address.