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There are few things as exciting (and stressful) as moving to another state. In the midst of all the packing, figuring out logistics and house hunting, you also need to think about how to change your driver’s license to a new state. As someone that has lived in six different states, I can offer some pearls of wisdom to help you through the process.
Let’s start by answering some of your most commonly asked questions.
Anyone with a valid driver’s license may travel to other states for a visit. If that visit becomes a permanent move, then you must change your driver’s license to that state. Each state has different requirements for how much time you have to complete the change, so make sure you find out the local regulations by contacting the DMV or checking their website.
You can transfer a driver’s license to any state you are a resident of – the qualifications for being a “resident” vary by state, but in general terms if you have a mailing address in that state (not a P. O. box) and you spend a substantial amount of each year in that state, the argument could be made that you are a resident there. Check with the state’s DMV to be sure.
Whatever you do, don’t wait to act until after your license expires! That will require contacting your previous state’s DMV and explaining the situation, as most states require you submit an active license before they will issue you one from their state. You might even be required to take a driving test!
That depends. Is the move permanent?
It’s the law that you change your driver’s license when you move permanently to another state. While each state has its own requirements, you don’t have much of a choice in getting it switched. If you fail to apply for a driver’s license within the given time frame, you might be treated as an unlicensed driver. Not only can this lead to a misdemeanor on your record, but you could have your license suspended.
There are some exceptions to the rule such as if you are visiting the state for temporary work or you are an out-of-state student. However, our editor, Justin, lived and worked in the state of California for less than a year before he was required by law to obtain a California driver’s license.
Usually, yes. The car you’re driving is not directly tied to your driver’s license location. If you have ever rented a car or a moving truck, chances are you have already driven a vehicle with plates from a different state. However, the state might have laws governing when you have to get your plates transferred as well. Check with your local DMV to find out how long you can keep your vehicle registered in your previous state.
In this section, we will outline the steps to transfer your driver’s license to your new state once your move is complete. The process might vary slightly by state, but this is the general order of things you’ll have to do. Check with your DMV to confirm the steps for your state.
Before you can do anything, you will need to identify the entity for your state that handles driver’s licenses. Many states use the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but others use the Department of Transportation or Department of Revenue.
Once you figure out where you need to go, you’ll want to gather all the documentation you need. Most times, the website lets you know what to bring, so start by looking there. No matter what state you’ve moved to, you will be required to prove your identity and address. Documentation usually includes:
Tip: Make sure you bring the original documents, not copies. You also need to bring a hard copy, so don’t try to show them things on your phone; we can’t guarantee digital versions will be accepted.
Time seems to slow down once you walk through the doors of a DMV office. Bring something to do while you wait. A few states are now offering digital waitlist service which makes it more bearable, so plan accordingly.
You will also need to pass a vision test before they switch your license. If you wear contacts or glasses, there will be a note made on your license which makes it illegal for you to drive without them.
Your old license will be voided by the DMV, usually by putting a hole through it with a hole punch. After that, simply pay for your new license and away you go. That is, unless…
Most times, you don’t need to take a driving test when you change your driver’s license to a new state. There are some exceptions to this, especially if you are under the age of 18. Another reason you would be required to retest would be if your existing license expired before you had it transferred to the new state.
Aside from changing your driver’s license after a move, you have several other things to do. First, make sure you register your car in the new state as well – most states have a given timeframe beyond which you are required to register your car there. Some states will require a smog or safety inspection that is different than what you’re familiar with, so these are things you need to research before you move.
You will also want to get a hold of your insurance agent. Each state has different requirements on the minimum coverage plus your rates might vary based on where you live, so don’t assume your existing insurance will cover you when your address moves to another state! Take the time to compare quotes from various insurance companies because you might find someone better in the area than your current agent or your existing agent might not cover your new state.
Regardless, you must change your address with your insurance company when you move to a new state. If you don’t have your address switched on your insurance policy, you face the chance of being dropped and having claims denied.
Make sure you take time to look into local traffic laws as they are quite different state by state. For example, when I moved from Pennsylvania to Texas, I had no idea what turnarounds were. These Texas turnarounds, otherwise known as a loop-around or boomerang, allows the cars traveling from one side of a frontage road to go on the opposite side without waiting for lights. It took me some wrong turns before I realized how to use these; a little research would have done me some good.
When our editor, Justin, moved to Oregon, he was surprised to find out that you aren’t allowed to pump your own gas. Of course, he only realized this after a stern talking to from a gas station attendant. These are things you’ll figure out if you take time to do some investigation before moving.
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The best piece of advice we can offer is to make changing your driver’s license a priority after you move. Otherwise, life happens and it gets put on the back burner. But you don’t want to get pulled over for an obscure law like that. Protect yourself by doing it now and you can avoid those lines for a few more years.
If you lost the title for your car in the move, let us help you. Dirt Legal offers new title replacement for cars, motorcycles, and almost anything with wheels in addition to our VIN Checks and Vehicle Accident Reports to help you buy with confidence. Click the links to learn more about our services.
