How to Change and Update a Driver’s License

If you’re planning a move and need to know how to update and transfer your driver’s license, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new state.

Understanding how to switch your license to another state, knowing each state’s specific regulations, gathering the necessary documents, and following the correct steps are crucial to updating and transferring your driver’s license successfully. Moving Help® will provide all the information you need to make this process as easy as possible.

Understanding Driver’s License Transfer

Updating and transferring your driver’s license when moving to a new state is a vital task. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also ensures you can continue to drive legally in your new state.

The process of changing your state driver license may vary depending on the specific requirements of the state you’re moving to. You’ll typically follow some general steps to make the process smoother in every state:

Local Your DMV in Your New State

First of all, locate the local Department of Motor Vehicles in your new state. The DMV handles driver’s licenses and related matters. You can find the nearest DMV office by visiting the DMV’s website or using online search engines.

Once identified, gather the necessary documentation for the license transfer. Common requirements include:

• Proof of identity (such as your passport or birth certificate)

• Proof of residency in the new state (such as a utility bill or lease agreement)

• Your current driver’s license

Remember to check the specific requirements of your new state and gather all necessary documentation before visiting the local DMV office.

Each State’s Requirements for a Driver’s License

Changing your driver’s license is essential when moving to a new state. The specific requirements for updating and transferring your driver’s license can vary from state to state. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of each state’s requirements and provided links to the respective DMV websites. Here’s what you need to know:

State	DMV Website	Days to Change License
Alabama	https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/document-requirements-and-fees	30 Days
Alaska	https://dmv.alaska.gov/credential-services/credential-services/	90 Days
Arizona	https://azdot.gov/mvd/new-az-welcome	Immediately
Arkansas	https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/service/mydmv/	30 days
California	https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/special-interest-driver-guides/new-to-california/	10 days
Colorado	https://dmv.colorado.gov/new-to-colorado	30 days
Connecticut	https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/transfer-out-of-state-license?language=en_US	90 days
Delaware	https://dmv.de.gov/DriverServices/drivers_license/index.shtml?dc=dr_lic_trsfr_ov18	60 days
Florida	https://www.flhsmv.gov/new-resident/	30 days
Georgia	https://dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles	30 days
Hawaii	https://www.vrl.hawaiicounty.gov/driver-s-licensing/out-of-state-transfers	30 days
Idaho	https://itd.idaho.gov/itddmv/?target=Drivers-License-ID-Cards	90 days
Illinois	https://www.ilsos.gov/services/newresidentshowdoi.html	90 days
Indiana	https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/new-indiana-residents/	60 days
Iowa	https://iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/new-iowa-residents	30 days
Kansas	https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovdlfaq.html	90 days
Kentucky	https://drive.ky.gov/Drivers/Pages/New-To-Kentucky.aspx	30 days
Louisiana	https://www.expresslane.org/drivers/personal-driver-s-licenses/	30 days
Maine	https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/convert.html	30 days
Maryland	https://mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/md-drivers-license.aspx	60 days
Massachusetts	https://www.mass.gov/how-to/transfer-your-out-of-state-drivers-license-to-massachusetts	30 days
Michigan	https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/first-time-license-or-id	30 days
Minnesota	https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/license-and-id/class-d-regular-dl/class-d-dl-new-resident	60 days
Mississippi	https://www.ms.gov/dps/license_renewal/FAQ	60 days
Missouri	https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/issuance/required-documents-checklist.html#resident	Immediately
Montana	https://mvdmt.gov/new-driver-license/drivers-new-to-montana/	60 days
Nebraska	https://dmv.nebraska.gov/dl/new-nebraska-resident-drivers-licensing	30 days
Nevada	https://dmv.nv.gov/newresident.htm	30 days
New Hampshire	https://www.dmv.nh.gov/node/1036	60 days
New Jersey	https://www.nj.gov/mvc/drivertopics/cdloutofstate.htm	60 days
New Mexico	https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/nm-drivers-licenses-ids/	Immediately
New York	https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/exchange-out-of-state-driver-license	30 days
North Carolina	https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/help/moving/Pages/new-residents.aspx	60 days
North Dakota	https://www.dot.nd.gov/driver/requirements-transferring-license	60 days
Ohio	https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/new-to-ohio.aspx	30 days
Oklahoma	https://oklahoma.gov/service/popular-services/out-of-state.html	30 days
Oregon	https://www.oregon.gov/pages/new-to-oregon.aspx	30 days
Pennsylvania	https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/New-Resident-Relocation-Information/New%20Residents/Pages/Info-For-New-Residents.aspx	60 days
Rhode Island	https://dmv.ri.gov/licenses-permits-ids/drivers-licenses/out-statecountry-transfers	30 days
South Carolina	https://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Moving-To-SC	45 days
South Dakota	https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/required-documents	90 days
Tennessee	https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/dlnew.html	30 days
Texas	https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/moving-texas-guide-driver-licenses-and-ids	90 days
Utah	https://dld.utah.gov/adult-oos/	Immediately
Vermont	https://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/new	60 days
Virginia	https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/moving	60 days
Washington	https://dol.wa.gov/moving-washington	30 days
West Virginia	https://transportation.wv.gov/DMV/Pages/movingtowv.aspx	30 days
Wisconsin	https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/how-to-apply/ooslicense.aspx	60 days
Wyoming	https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/driver_license_records/driver-license.html	One year or immediately if from Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin

It’s crucial to update your driver’s license within the specified time frame to avoid any penalties or legal complications. Visit the respective DMV website for your state to find detailed instructions on how to update and transfer your driver’s license.

Documents and Requirements

Updating and transferring your driver’s license requires certain documents and requirements. This section guides you through gathering the necessary identification documents, providing proof of residency, and obtaining other supporting documents needed for the transfer.

Gathering Necessary Identification Documents

Before updating and transferring your driver’s license, gather specific identification documents. These typically include:

• Your current driver’s license

• Social security card

• Proof of legal presence in the country

Additionally, you may need to provide your birth certificate, passport, or other forms of identification. Check with your local DMV to ensure you have all the required documents.

Proof of Residency Requirements

Proof of residency is another crucial requirement for updating and transferring your driver’s license. This can typically be established through documents such as:

• Utility bills

• Lease agreements

• Mortgage statements

Ensure the documents you provide clearly show your name and current residential address.

1. Submitting the Application for License Transfer

Start by visiting the DMV office in your new state. They’ll provide the necessary forms to transfer your license. Fill out the application form accurately and provide any required documentation, such as proof of residency and your current driver’s license. Check if there are any specific requirements or restrictions in your new state.

2. Taking the Required Tests or Exams

Depending on the state you are moving to, you may need to take certain tests or exams to transfer your license. These may include:

• A written knowledge test

• A vision test

• A road skills test

Study the driver’s manual of your new state to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road and prepare for any required exams.

3. Paying the Applicable Fees

Fees are usually associated with updating and transferring your driver’s license. These fees vary from state to state, so check the DMV website or contact them directly to determine the amount you need to pay. Prepare the necessary payment method, such as cash, check, or credit card, to complete the transaction.

By following these steps, you can efficiently change your driver’s license to your new state of residence. Start this process as soon as possible after your move to avoid potential issues or penalties.

Update Your Driver’s License

When moving to a new state or even just a new address within the same state, updating your driver’s license should be a top priority. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also ensures that you have a valid identification document reflecting your current address.

To update your driver’s license, you’ll typically need to visit your local DMV office. Check the specific requirements and documents needed for your state, as they may vary. Generally, you’ll need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, your current driver’s license, and possibly additional identification documents.

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, make an appointment at the DMV or visit during their designated walk-in hours. Remember to bring cash, check, or credit card to pay any applicable fees.

At Moving Help, we understand moving can be a stressful and time-consuming process. That’s why we recommend using our reliable moving labor services to handle your heavy lifting and other moving tasks. By entrusting us with your moving needs — such as loading and unloading — you can focus on more important tasks, such as updating your driver’s license.