Moving to a new place can be exciting, but it can also be a challenge. There are a lot of things to take care of, one of which is updating your driver’s license. Even if you’re moving within town, it’s important to update your driver’s license to correctly reflect your address. If you’re moving out of state, it’s even more important. If I move to another state, do I need a new ID? Bankrate has the answers for you: We created this guide to help you know what you need to do to renew your license and legally start driving again in your new home.
If I move to another state, do I need a new ID?
All states require residents to renew their driver’s license when they move. Some states require you to renew it immediately, while others give you a grace period of a few months after you move. The details vary from state to state, but each state has different legal requirements for how long you have to renew your license. To navigate the process, it’s helpful to know where to go to renew your license and what information and documents you’ll need.
First, consider what happens if you move within the state. Even if you stay in the same state, you will need to update your driver’s license to show your correct address. This will likely take some time, but it’s best to do it as soon as possible after you move.
Moving out of state can be a bit complicated because you’ll need to make sure you have the minimum car insurance you need to meet the legal requirements in your new state, get new license plates and a new driver’s license, and, by the way, it might also be a good time to shop around for new car insurance, since premiums may be cheaper when you’re in a new place.
Intrastate travel
Some states and DMVs may allow you to update your address information online when you move within the state. However, this isn’t guaranteed and may not be an option. You’ll often need to go to a DMV location in person to update your information. This is not only necessary to keep your DMV and license up to date, but it’s also important to maintain a valid auto insurance policy. Keep in mind that your home zip code also determines the cost of your auto insurance (in most states).
Moving out of state
Switching your driver’s license between states may require more steps than moving within a state. If you move to a new state, you should renew your license at the new state’s DMV as soon as possible. Most states offer a grace period, which can range from a few days to a few months depending on the state, but it’s a good idea to start this process as early as possible to allow time to work through any potential complications.
Can I hold a driver’s license from another state?
This varies by state law. You may be wondering about this if you’re a visitor or a student who went to school in one state and lives in another. If you have permanent residency elsewhere, you can keep your driver’s license from another state and use it legally in the state you’re visiting. However, if you become a permanent resident of that state, you will need to apply for a license in your state of registration. Most states do not allow you to have two valid driver’s licenses at the same time.
How do I get a new driver’s license after moving?
Once you have your new address, you can begin the process of renewing your driver’s license. The agency or department responsible for license renewal varies by state. One of the most common agencies is the Department of Transportation (DMV), which many states use. The guide below will take you step-by-step through the process of changing the issuing state of your driver’s license.
How to renew your driver’s license after moving
- Identify the appropriate department and the most convenient location. Which department you use will depend on your state, but you can look up the locations of each department to see which one is closest to your new home.
- Determine the documents you need. To find out what information and documents are required when renewing your driver’s license, contact the relevant department or check their website. Many states have checklists that drivers can use to ensure they have all the necessary documents before arriving at their appointment.
- Make an appointment with the DMV (or equivalent). You can usually make an appointment online or by calling the department. Depending on the location and time, walk-ins may be accepted, but it’s best to check ahead. DMV queues can be unpredictable, so make sure you arrive early and bring everything you need when you see the website or agent.
- Please pay the required fee. After submitting the required documents on-site, you may be asked to complete additional paperwork before you can pay the fee to renew your driver’s license.
- You will receive a new license. Once all paperwork and fees have been processed, you will then have your new photo taken at the DMV (or equivalent) before they will print your new license (unless you are moving within the state). This is the final step in completing your license renewal.
What happens if my license expires, is suspended or revoked?
If your current driver’s license has expired, been suspended or revoked, you may have questions such as: What do I need to do to renew my license? The answer depends on the situation.
Most states allow you to apply for a new license if your previous state license has simply expired, but you may have to take a written or driving test or fill out additional paperwork, depending on how long it’s been since it expired.
If your license is suspended, you usually cannot get a new license until the suspension is lifted. The National Driver Registry keeps a record of all drivers whose licenses have been suspended, and your new state will likely check this source before issuing you a license.
If your license has been revoked, it usually means that your driving privileges have been revoked. Most states won’t issue you a license until this process is complete, which is a state-specific process and may include legal action.
Generally, if you find yourself in this situation, contact the DMV in your new location to find out what steps you need to take to resolve the issue. You may need to provide documentation proving your status before any steps can be taken.
How do I find the DMV?
Depending on the type of license you need and the state that issues it, you’ll likely look to the DMV, Department of Public Safety, Department of Transportation, or a similar department. The table below shows which department you’ll look to in each state and the length of that state’s grace period.
What should I expect if I get a new license?
While the process and experience vary from state to state, there are some commonalities when renewing your driver’s license in any state. The list below is not exhaustive, but it will serve as a reference for what you can reasonably expect.
- Waiting time: DMVs are often busy, and even when they aren’t busy, you may end up waiting for staff to process your paperwork and turn it in. In some cases, you may not be able to get your new license right away and may have to wait.
- test: In some situations, you may need to take a test to prove your eligibility. Tests can range from a basic vision test to a full-blown written and driving test. If your current license has expired, you’ll likely be required to take a test.
- Fee: Regardless of state, you will have to pay a fee for your new license.
- Document processing: Typically, some basic documentation is required when obtaining a new or renewed license.
- Headshot Photo: A new license usually requires a new photo taken on the spot, and if you’ve moved within the same state, you may be able to use the photo from your existing license.
Do I need to renew my car insurance when I move?
Even if you’re just moving a few blocks away from your current address, it’s important to let your insurance company know your new address. Why? There are a few reasons. First, it helps ensure that any documents you send by mail get safely to the right address. But your address also affects your premiums.
In almost all states (California is the only one that restricts this), your zip code plays a role in determining your premiums. Insurance companies assess the likelihood of you filing a claim and then determine how much to charge. So, for example, if you move from an area with heavy traffic and accidents and claims to an area with less congestion and traffic, your premiums may go down. Conversely, if you move to an area with a higher crime rate, your premiums may go up.
If you’re moving from one state to another, it’s even more important to let your insurance company know, because each state has minimum coverage requirements. Insurance companies cannot legally sell you a policy that doesn’t meet your state’s requirements, but they need to know where you live in order to sell it to you.
If your insurance company is local and doesn’t sell insurance in your new state, you may need to find new insurance when you move. You should start this process well before your move to avoid gaps in your insurance coverage. You can easily get quotes online from most major insurance companies, and some allow you to buy insurance digitally through their websites or apps.
