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How to Transfer Your Driver’s License After Moving to a New State

Last Updated on January 27, 2026

Most states require new residents to switch an out-of-state driver’s license within 30–90 days (sometimes sooner). Use the checklist below to prep your DMV visit, bring the right documents, and avoid a second trip.

If you move to a new state, you’ll usually need to update your driver’s license (and often your vehicle registration) within a set time period after establishing residency.

Fortunately, transferring an out-of-state license is typically straightforward: you make a DMV appointment, bring the right documents, pass a vision screening, and swap your old license for a new one.

Below is a simple, up-to-date guide to updating your driver’s license after moving — plus what to expect, what documents to bring, and how long you usually have to complete the transfer.

At-a-Glance: New State License Transfer Checklist

What to do	When	Bring / prep
Check your new state’s “new resident” rules + book a DMV appointment	Week 1	DMV checklist + any forms you can pre-fill online
Update auto insurance for the new state	Before DMV visit	Proof of insurance card (paper or digital, per your DMV)
Gather identity + residency documents	Before DMV visit	Out-of-state license, SSN proof (or acceptable alternative), 1–2 proofs of address
Complete vision screening + take a new photo	At the DMV	Glasses/contacts if needed
Receive temporary license + wait for card by mail	After DMV visit	Keep the temporary license/receipt with you while driving

Table Of Contents

How Driver’s License Transfers Work
How to Update Your Driver’s License for a New State
Do I Need to Take a Road Test?
How to Update Your Address When Moving Within a State
How Long Do You Have to Transfer Your License After Moving?
FAQs on Updating Your Driver’s License After Moving
Final Word

How Driver’s License Transfers Work

When you become a resident of a new state, you’ll typically need to do three things:

Transfer your driver’s license (or get a new state ID)
Update your vehicle paperwork — you usually must transfer your vehicle registration to your new state
Update your insurance — call your insurer to transfer your insurance to a new state so your policy matches where the car is garaged

When You’re Considered a Resident (And the Clock Usually Starts)

Each state defines “residency” a little differently, but the deadline to transfer your license often starts when you take steps that show you’ve moved permanently (not just visiting).

Signing a lease or buying a home
Starting a job in the new state
Enrolling kids in school
Registering to vote or claiming in-state benefits
Registering your vehicle / switching insurance to the new address

Tip: If you’re a student, active-duty military, or maintain homes in multiple states, your state may treat residency differently. Confirm on your state’s official DMV “new resident” page (USAGov’s directory is linked below).

Most DMVs can handle the license transfer in one visit. Many states also let you start parts of the process online (forms, appointment booking, or pre-uploading documents), but you’ll usually still need an in-person visit for identity verification and your new photo.

Tip: USAGov maintains a “state motor vehicle services” directory that links to each state’s official driver’s license and registration pages. It’s a good place to confirm your state’s rules and deadlines: State motor vehicle services (USAGov).

How to Update Your Driver’s License for a New State

While each state has its own process, most license transfers follow the same basic steps.

Step 1) Make a DMV appointment (and check your state’s list of required documents).
Bring the documents your new state requires for identity, lawful status, and residency. If you want a REAL ID, plan to bring extra documentation (more on that below).

Step 2) Update your insurance and have proof ready.
Some DMVs require proof of insurance (and in certain states, proof your vehicle is registered locally) before they’ll issue a new license.

Step 3) Pass a vision screening.
Most states do a quick vision check. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — and expect your license to show a corrective-lenses restriction if required.

Step 4) Get your new photo taken and pay the fee.
Your new state will take its own photo and issue a new license number. Fees and license term lengths vary by state.

Step 5) Provide your documents.
Most states ask for some combination of the following:

What the DMV may require	Common examples	Usually needed for REAL ID?
Current out-of-state driver’s license	Your valid license (or another primary ID)	Yes
Proof of identity + date of birth	Birth certificate, passport (varies by state)	Yes
Proof of Social Security number (or approved alternative)	SSN card, W-2, 1099 (varies by state)	Yes
Proof of lawful presence (if required for your license type)	Passport, immigration docs (varies by state)	Yes
Proof(s) of your new in-state address	Lease/mortgage, utility bill, bank statement	Yes (often 2 proofs)
Proof of insurance (sometimes required for licensing)	Insurance card or declarations page (varies)	Sometimes

Pro tip: Bring original documents (not screenshots). If your name has changed (marriage/divorce), bring the legal name-change document so your IDs match.

Step 6) Surrender your old license (in most cases).
In general, you cannot have a driver’s license in two states. Most DMVs will take your old license when they issue your new one, and many states participate in a state-to-state verification system that checks whether you already hold a license elsewhere.

Step 7) Receive a temporary license (then your card arrives by mail).
Many DMVs issue a temporary paper license or receipt while your physical card is produced and mailed. Keep the temporary license with you so you can drive legally.

REAL ID note: As of May 7, 2025, you generally need a REAL ID-compliant license (or another TSA-accepted ID like a passport) to board federally regulated domestic flights. If you plan to travel, consider getting a REAL ID when you transfer your license. USAGov and TSA explain the requirements and acceptable documents here: REAL ID (USAGov) and REAL ID FAQs (TSA).

Do I Need to Take a Road Test?

Usually, no — if you have a valid, unexpired license from another U.S. state, most states will transfer it without a road test.

However, you may need extra testing in certain situations, such as:

Your license is expired (some states treat this like a new application)
You’re transferring a learner’s permit or a provisional/teen license
You’re getting a U.S. license for the first time after living abroad (requirements vary widely)

If you’re unsure, the safest approach is to check your state’s official DMV “new resident” page (USAGov links to them here: State motor vehicle services).

How to Update Your Address When Moving Within a State

If you move within the same state, you usually don’t need a brand-new license — but you may still have to report your new address within a deadline set by your DMV.

Many states allow address changes online (or by mail), and some will issue a replacement card showing your new address. Start with your state’s DMV page here: State motor vehicle services (USAGov).

How Long Do You Have to Transfer Your License After Moving?

Deadlines vary, but most states give new residents a window measured in weeks, not years — commonly 30 to 90 days. Some states are shorter (10 days is not unusual), and some situations have exceptions (students, military, or people with multiple residences).

Because these timelines change and differ by state, the best move is to confirm your deadline on your new state’s official DMV site. USAGov makes it easy to find the correct agency: State motor vehicle services.

Common DMV trip-stoppers (avoid a second visit):

Your license is expired (some states treat it like a new application)
Your name/address docs don’t match (missing name-change paperwork)
You brought digital-only proofs that your DMV won’t accept
You didn’t update insurance or bring proof (if your state requires it)
No appointment when your DMV is appointment-only

FAQs on Updating Your Driver’s License After Moving

How long do I have to transfer my driver’s license after moving to a new state?

It depends on your new state’s rules, but most states require new residents to transfer their license within a set window (often measured in weeks, commonly 30–90 days). Because deadlines vary and can change, check your state’s official motor vehicle agency for the exact requirement.

Can I keep my old driver’s license and just get a new one too?

Usually no. In most cases, you can’t hold driver’s licenses in two states. When you transfer, your new DMV will typically take your old license and issue a new one under your new state’s system.

Do I need to take a road test to transfer my license?

Usually not if you have a valid, unexpired license from another U.S. state. However, you may need extra testing if your license is expired, you’re transferring a provisional/teen license, or you’re applying for a U.S. license for the first time after living abroad.

What documents do I need to bring to the DMV?

Most states require your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number (or an acceptable alternative), and one or two proofs of your new in-state address. If you want a REAL ID, you’ll typically need additional documentation (including two proofs of address and proof of lawful status).

Do I need insurance before I can get a new driver’s license?

It depends on the state. Some states require proof of insurance for vehicle registration, and some may require proof of insurance (or proof your vehicles are registered locally) before issuing a new license. To avoid delays, update your auto policy for your new state and bring your insurance card to your DMV appointment.

Should I get a REAL ID when I transfer my license?

If you plan to fly domestically, it can be a smart move. REAL ID-compliant licenses (or other TSA-accepted IDs like a passport) are required for federally regulated domestic flights. If you don’t upgrade, you may still be able to get a non-REAL ID license, but you’ll need another accepted ID to fly.

Final Word

Yes — if you move to a new state, you’ll typically need to update your driver’s license soon after becoming a resident, and you’ll usually need to update registration and insurance as well.

To make it painless, schedule a DMV appointment early, gather your identity and residency documents (plus a proof of insurance card), and consider upgrading to a REAL ID if you plan to fly.