Official Movix guide
Documents to drive in the United States
Just arrived in Boston and need to drive? Here is the straight-to-the-point guide: what Movix requires, what Massachusetts police accept, and what you do NOT need (even if other websites say otherwise).
Brazilian license
Accepted for 1 year
IDP
Recommended, not required at Movix
Passport
Required at handover
01
What you need to rent at Movix
- Valid Brazilian (or any country's) driver license — no IDP needed
- Passport
- International credit card in the driver's name (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Minimum age: 21 (drivers 21–24 pay a $15/day young-driver fee)
- Address where you are staying (hotel, Airbnb, or permanent address)
02
Is the Brazilian license valid in the US?
Yes. The Brazilian driver license is accepted in all US states for tourist drivers during the validity of a B1/B2 visa or up to 1 year after arrival — whichever comes first. In Massachusetts, residents (green card, work or long-term study visa holders) must obtain a local CDL within 6 months, but tourists and visitors can use the Brazilian license normally.
03
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Not to rent at Movix. Some large chains (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) require it because the license is in Portuguese and staff cannot read it. Movix has Portuguese-reading staff, so the original license is enough. The IDP is useful when stopped by police in other states — but it is a translation, not a replacement.
04
Tolls in Massachusetts and the region
Massachusetts uses the all-electronic EZ-Pass system — there are no cash booths. If you drive through without a transponder, the license plate is photographed and billed to the rental company, which passes it on to you with a $5 to $25 administrative fee per crossing.
Movix tip
Add Movix EZ-Pass for $5/day at checkout — tolls billed at face value, no $25 admin fee.
05
Parking in Boston
- Street meters: card-only or ParkBoston app (install before you arrive)
- Street cleaning: fixed day/hour per neighborhood — ignore it and the car is towed ($150+ plus tow)
- Resident-only spots: white-painted with 'Resident Permit Required' signs — never park there
- Garages: $30–$50/day downtown; pre-booking on SpotHero or ParkWhiz cuts it to ~$15
06
What to do if the police pull you over
- Keep your hands on the steering wheel, in plain sight.
- Do not leave the car unless the officer asks.
- Show: original driver license, passport, rental agreement (in the glove box).
- Speak calmly in English or Portuguese. If you don't know either, ask for an interpreter.
- Ticket? Pay online within 21 days to avoid late fees.
Ready?