After moving to a new state, getting a driver's license is one of the most important administrative tasks on your list. Most states require you to transfer your license within 30-90 days, and driving with an expired out-of-state license can result in fines or even having your car impounded.
This guide walks you through the process of getting a driver's license in your new state, including what documents you'll need, whether you'll need to take tests, and state-specific requirements.
Why You Need to Transfer Your License
- Legal requirement: Every state requires new residents to get an in-state license within a certain timeframe
- Avoid fines: Driving with an out-of-state license after deadline can result in tickets
- Insurance requirements: Car insurance companies may require in-state license
- Voter registration: Often done at DMV when getting license
- Proof of residency: In-state ID needed for many transactions
Timeline Requirements by State
Most states give you 30-90 days after establishing residency to get a new license:
- 30 days: Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Virginia
- 60 days: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington
- 90 days: New York, North Carolina
- Varies: Check your specific state DMV website
Important: The clock starts when you establish residency (move in), not when you get your first utilities or apartment.
Documents You'll Need
Proof of Identity
You'll need documents that prove who you are. Requirements vary but typically include:
- Valid out-of-state driver's license
- U.S. passport or birth certificate
- Social Security card or W-2 showing full SSN
Proof of Residency (2+ documents typically required)
- Lease agreement or mortgage statement
- Utility bill in your name (electric, gas, water)
- Bank statement with new address
- Paycheck stub showing new address
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance documents
Important: Most states require documents dated within the last 60-90 days. If you just moved, you might need to wait a few weeks for bills to arrive.
Additional Requirements
- Social Security Number (required in most states)
- Proof of legal presence (U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers)
- Vision screening (done on-site)
- Payment for fees (credit card, debit card, or cash depending on state)
Do You Have to Take Tests Again?
Written Test
Most states waive the written test if you have a valid license from another state. Exceptions:
- Your out-of-state license is expired
- You're under 18
- Transferring from a foreign country (not another U.S. state)
- Your license has been suspended or revoked
Driving Test
Most states also waive the road test for transfers from another U.S. state, with similar exceptions as above.
Pro tip: If your license is about to expire, renew it in your old state before moving to avoid having to take tests in the new state.
Vision Test
All states require a vision screening. This is done on-site at the DMV and takes just a few minutes. Requirements typically:
- 20/40 vision in at least one eye
- Corrective lenses allowed
- If you fail, you'll need an eye doctor's certification
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Check your state's DMV website for specific document requirements
- Make sure documents are recent (within 60-90 days)
- Bring originals, not copies
- Bring multiple proof of residency docs (more than minimum required)
Step 2: Make an Appointment (If Possible)
- Many DMVs now require or strongly encourage appointments
- Check availability online (appointments can book up weeks in advance)
- Walk-ins often have 2-4 hour waits
- Some states offer online renewal but NOT for first-time in-state license
Step 3: Visit the DMV
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early if you have an appointment
- Bring all required documents
- Bring payment (check accepted payment methods in advance)
- Fill out application (usually available online to pre-fill)
Step 4: Complete Processes On-Site
- Submit documents for verification
- Take vision test
- Take written/driving test if required
- Have your photo taken
- Provide thumbprint/signature
- Pay fees
- Surrender your old license (most states require this)
Step 5: Receive Your License
- Some states issue license on the spot
- Others mail it within 7-14 days and give you a temporary paper license
- Your old license will be voided/returned to issuing state
Costs by State
License fees vary widely by state. Here are approximate costs for a standard driver's license:
- $10-$20: Arizona, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota
- $20-$30: Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin
- $30-$40: Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Virginia, Washington
- $40-$50: California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania
- $50+: Hawaii, New Jersey, Texas
Note: These are base fees. Additional fees may apply for duplicates, REAL ID compliance, or expedited processing.
REAL ID: What You Need to Know
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need either a REAL ID-compliant license or a passport to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.
Should You Get REAL ID Now?
If you're getting a new license anyway, yes! The fee is usually the same or just a few dollars more, and it saves you from having to upgrade later.
Additional Documents for REAL ID
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate with raised seal)
- Proof of Social Security number (SS card or W-2)
- Two proofs of residency
- If name changed: marriage certificate or court order
Standard License vs. REAL ID
You can still get a standard license if you prefer, but you'll need a passport for domestic flights after May 2025.
Special Situations
If Your License is Expired
- Some states consider expired licenses invalid and require full testing
- Try to renew in your old state before moving if expiration is near
- If you can't, you may need to take written and road tests
If You're Under 21
- Graduated licensing laws vary by state
- You may receive a license with restrictions even if your old state didn't have them
- Some states require parent consent if under 18
Military Members
- Active duty military may be exempt from some deadlines
- Can usually maintain license from state of legal residence
- Check your specific state's military exemptions
International License Holders
- Most states allow driving on foreign license for 30-90 days as tourist
- Once you establish residency, you must get a U.S. license
- Will likely need to take written and road tests
- Some states have reciprocity agreements with certain countries
Vehicle Registration
In addition to your license, you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state, typically within the same timeframe.
Documents Needed
- Current vehicle registration from old state
- Vehicle title (if you own outright)
- Proof of insurance in new state
- Odometer reading
- Emissions test (required in some states)
- VIN verification
Costs
Registration fees vary widely ($20-$500+ depending on state and vehicle value). Some states also charge:
- Title transfer fee
- Plate fee
- Registration tax based on vehicle value
- Inspection fees
Auto Insurance Considerations
- Get insurance in your new state BEFORE registering vehicle
- Rates often change significantly based on location
- Some insurers operate in limited states—you may need a new company
- Update your address with insurer even if staying with same company
- Required minimum coverage varies by state
Tips for a Smooth DMV Visit
- Go early in the week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically less busy than Mondays or Fridays
- Go early in the day: Lines shortest right when DMV opens
- Avoid month-end: Busiest time due to registration renewals
- Bring extra documents: Better to have too many proofs of residency than too few
- Check payment methods: Some DMVs don't accept credit cards
- Download forms in advance: Fill out what you can before arriving
- Bring entertainment: Even with appointments, expect some waiting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long: Don't procrastinate—start as soon as you've moved
- Insufficient proof of residency: Bills must be recent and in your name
- Not making appointment: Walk-in waits can be 3+ hours
- Letting old license expire: Makes transfer process harder
- Not checking state-specific requirements: Every state is different
- Forgetting Social Security card: Many states require the physical card
- Not updating insurance first: Need proof of in-state insurance for registration
After You Get Your License
Update Your Address Everywhere
- Notify banks and credit cards
- Update voter registration
- Notify insurance companies
- Update emergency contacts
Complete checklist: Complete change of address checklist
Keep Your Old License
- Some states let you keep it after punching holes in it
- Others mail it back to issuing state
- Can be used as secondary ID or souvenir
State-Specific Resources
Find your state DMV website and requirements:
- California: dmv.ca.gov
- Texas: dps.texas.gov
- Florida: flhsmv.gov
- New York: dmv.ny.gov
- For all states: Search "[State] DMV transfer out of state license"
Final Thoughts
Getting your driver's license in a new state might seem like a bureaucratic hassle, but it's a necessary step in establishing yourself as a resident. The process is usually straightforward if you come prepared with the right documents and allow enough time.
Start early, check your state's specific requirements, and make an appointment if possible. Within a few weeks of moving, you'll have your new license in hand and one more item checked off your relocation to-do list.
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