Moving to a new state or from abroad

By the end of this topic you can

• You can find your new state's deadline for switching your license.
• You can gather the usual documents for a license transfer.
• You can explain which tests may be waived when transferring a valid US license.
• You can explain the role of an International Driving Permit.
• You can update your vehicle registration and insurance after a move.

What you need to know and understand

• Deadlines to get a new license after becoming a resident vary widely by state; for example, California expects new residents to get one within 10 days, while Texas allows 90 days.
• With a valid out-of-state license, most states waive the road test and many waive the knowledge test, but a vision test is common; this varies by state.
• You usually surrender your old license; you can hold only one valid driver's license at a time.
• Teens moving mid-way through graduated licensing usually have to meet the new state's rules.
• An International Driving Permit is a translation of your home license, not a license on its own.
• Visitors can often drive on a valid foreign license for a limited time, but new residents usually need a state license; rules vary by state.
• Some states have agreements with certain countries that let licenses be exchanged without full testing; check your state DMV.

Transferring a US license

1. Check your new state's deadline and whether you need an appointment.
2. Gather proof of identity, Social Security number and two proofs of your new address, plus your current license.
3. Decide whether you want a REAL ID compliant card and bring the matching documents.
4. Visit the DMV, pass any vision or knowledge test required and pay the fee.
5. Register your vehicle in the new state and update your insurance, within that state's deadline.

Arriving from another country

Many states treat a new resident from abroad like a new driver: you may need to pass the knowledge test, vision test and road test. Some states skip tests for licenses from countries they have agreements with. Carry your home license, passport and immigration documents, and bring an official translation or International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.

Do not drive on your foreign license past the point your state allows. Getting a state license early also helps with car insurance and ID.

Do not forget

• Your old state's points or suspensions can follow you, because most states share driving records.
• Update your address with the DMV whenever you move, even within a state.
• Check whether your new state requires vehicle safety or emissions inspection.

Common mistakes

• Missing the deadline because your old license has not expired. Residency, not expiry, sets the clock.
• Bringing only one proof of address. Many states ask for two.
• Thinking an International Driving Permit replaces a license. It only translates one.
• Forgetting the car. Registration and insurance must move too.

Test yourself: Moving to a new state or from abroad

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Moving to South Carolina
• Moving to Tennessee
• Transfer an Out-of-State or Foreign License to New Jersey