How to Transfer Your Driver's License to Another State
For many people, a new year means a new beginning. As 2015 swings into full gear, many of us will be making positive New Year's resolutions and trying to stick to them. If one of your resolutions involves moving to a new city, there are a few logistical things you may need to take care of to continue driving.
These are a few of the basics requirements of transferring an out-of-state driver's license after moving to a new location.
Variations between States
Keep in mind that out-of-state driver's license requirements do vary from state to state. However, there are a few basic requirements that generally apply regardless of where you live.
Basic Out-of-State Transfer Requirements
- Current out-of-state driver's license
- Another form of identification
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Proof of your new residence with your new address
- Pass a vision test
- Payment for a new driver's license
Requirements for Teen Drivers
If you're under the age of 18 and moving to a new state, you may face additional requirements as well as the ones above. Some states require young drivers to complete their specific state's driver education courses before obtaining a learning permit or acquiring a driver's license.
First Time Driver offers convenient online driver's education courses for California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. To familiarize yourself with the learner's permit test material and question formats, it's a good idea to take a quick online practice test.
Expired Licenses
It's always a good idea to make sure that your driver's license hasn't expired to avoid future headaches down the road. If your license has been expired for quite some time, you may be ineligible for transferring your license from one state to another. Instead, you may be required to apply for a brand new license, which often involves starting from scratch with a written exam, vision exam, and driving test.
Foreign Licenses
If you are moving to a new state from another country, you could have a few more hoops to jump through to be able to drive in your new location. However, if you already have an International Driving Permit, you may be able to drive for your first year in an American state before transferring over to an in-state driver's license. Some states allow driver's to go through the same transfer procedures as they would if only moving from state to state for select foreign countries, including Canada.
Moving to a new state can be an exciting and enlightening experience. Don't be bogged down by the little hassles – enjoy every step of your new journey! To determine exactly what you'll need to do in your new state to continue driving legally, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to ask about their specific relocation and moving policies.