Car Insurance With a Foreign License in California
As Low As $39/month
Who We Insure With a Foreign License
- New arrivals with a valid driver’s license from Mexico, Central or South America, or any other country
- Drivers with an International Driving Permit
- Drivers with no U.S. driving history yet
- Drivers waiting on a California license or an AB 60 license
- Drivers with a foreign license and tickets, an accident or a DUI on their record
How Much Is Car Insurance With a Foreign License?
Car insurance with a foreign license in California starts as low as $39 a month for liability. Prices vary with your car, your ZIP code, your driving history and the coverage you choose. Full coverage costs more than liability only.
Many insurance companies won’t quote a driver without a U.S. license. That is why drivers come to us: we work with dozens of insurance companies, including the ones that accept foreign and international licenses.
What You Need for a Quote
- Your foreign driver’s license or International Driving Permit
- Your California address, where the car is kept
- The car’s year, make, model and VIN, or the car you plan to buy
- Your driving record from your home country, if you have it
You do not need a Social Security number to get a quote.
- A photo ID, such as your passport or Mexican matrícula consular
- Your ITIN, if you have one
- Your visa documents, if you are in the U.S. on a student, work or visitor visa
¿Prefiere español? Nuestros agentes hablan español. Vea seguro de auto con licencia extranjera o llame al (800) 726-0640.
Getting Your California License
California expects new residents to get a California driver’s license within 10 days of making California home. Visitors can drive here with a valid license from their own country.
If you can’t show proof of legal presence in the U.S., you may still qualify for an AB 60 license. Once you have your California license, call us and we’ll update your policy. Your rate may go down.
Need an SR-22 too? We file it the same day and your certificate is instant. See SR-22 insurance.
Foreign license vs. International Driving Permit (IDP)
An International Driving Permit is a translation of your license, not a license by itself. Carry it together with your home-country license. To quote you, the insurance company needs the details of your original license.
Students, workers and visitors
We help drivers on student (F-1, J-1), work (H-1B, L-1) and visitor (B-1/B-2) visas, as well as new residents. Bring your passport and visa documents when you get a quote. Once you get a California license, call us and we’ll requote you, because a California license often lowers your rate.
No Social Security number?
You may still qualify. Several insurance companies let you get a policy without a Social Security number, and an ITIN can help. We’ll tell you which companies accept your situation.
Foreign License Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Can I get car insurance in California with a foreign driver’s license?
Yes. We can get you a quote. We work with insurance companies that accept foreign and international licenses.
Can I get car insurance with a Mexican driver’s license?
Yes. A valid Mexican license is one of the most common licenses we insure. Our agents speak Spanish and can help you in either language.
Do I need a California license to buy car insurance?
No. You can buy a policy with your foreign license. California does expect new residents to get a California license within 10 days of moving here.
How much is car insurance with an international license in California?
Liability starts as low as $39 a month. Prices vary with your car, ZIP code, driving history and coverage.
Can I get car insurance with an International Driving Permit?
Yes. Bring the permit and your license from your home country.
Do I need a Social Security number to get car insurance?
No. You can get a quote without one.
Does my driving history from my home country count?
It can help. Some insurance companies give credit for driving experience outside the U.S., so bring your record if you have it.
Can I get car insurance with an AB 60 license?
Yes. An AB 60 license is a valid California driver’s license for insurance.
Can I insure a car I’m about to buy with a foreign license?
Yes. Send us the car details before you buy and we can have the policy ready the day you pick it up.
I have a foreign license and a DUI or tickets. Can I still get insured?
Yes. We have a market for every kind of driver. If you need an SR-22, we file it the same day.
Do your agents speak Spanish?
Yes. Hablamos español. Call (800) 726-0640.
How do I get a quote?
Send the form on this page or call (800) 726-0640. The quote is free.
Can I get car insurance with a matrícula consular?
Yes. We accept the matrícula consular as your photo ID, and we have great rates for international drivers.
Can international students get car insurance in California?
Yes. Students on F-1 or J-1 visas can get car insurance with a valid foreign license or a California license. Bring your passport and visa documents to get a quote.
Can visitors or tourists get car insurance in California?
Yes. If you are visiting and have a valid license from your country, you can usually drive in California and get a policy for a car you own or keep here.
Is an International Driving Permit enough to get insurance?
An IDP is a translation of your license, not a license on its own. You need your home-country license too, and the insurance company quotes based on it.
Why MIS Insurance
MIS Insurance Services has helped hard-to-insure drivers since 2009. We work with dozens of insurance companies, so one quote shops them all for you. Our agents speak Spanish. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3,100+ Google reviews.
Call (800) 726-0640 or use the quote form at the top of this page.
More for drivers other companies turn away: No License Car Insurance, Insurance After Being Dropped, Tickets and Accidents, Teen Driver Insurance, high-risk auto insurance, SR-22 insurance and non-owner SR-22.