Moving to a new state: how to switch your driver's license
A new home means a new license, usually within a set number of days, and a valid card from your old state spares you most of the testing. Pick the state you're moving to, or compare all 50 below.
30 days is the most common deadline (18 states)
7 states give no grace period at all
41 states check your eyes again
40 states take your old card
Where are you moving?
Choose your new state to see its deadline, its tests and what happens to your old card, from that state's own licensing pages.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and planning purposes based on official state sources. DMV rules, fees, and grace periods can change. Always verify your final requirements directly with your destination state's official motor vehicle agency.
What switching usually takes
Start the clock when you become a resident
Deadlines run from the day the state counts you as living there, not from the date on your old card. A new job, a lease, enrolling children in school or registering to vote often counts; each state words it its own way. Here the deadline is 10 to 365 days where a state gives one, and 7 expect it as soon as you settle.
Gather your identity and address papers
Offices ask to see your identity, your Social Security number and usually two papers with your new address, such as a lease, a utility bill or a bank statement. The exact list is on your new state's licensing site, and a card marked for REAL ID needs the stricter set.
Expect an eye check, rarely a road test
A valid license from another state usually spares you the driving test: in 44 states it is waived or only sometimes needed. The written test is skipped in many states too, yet 4 ask everyone to take it. A card that has run out, or one held only a short time, can bring the tests back.
Say goodbye to the old card
In 40 states the office keeps your old license or marks it void when the new one is issued, so from that day the new card is the one you carry.
Register the car on its own deadline
The car has its own counter and its own clock: title, plates and proof of insurance, often within a few weeks of moving. Each state's card below gives its registration deadline in one line; the details are on the state's vehicle pages.
Under 18? You join the new state's teen rules
Teen drivers move into the graduated license steps of their new state, and 30 states spell out how time already spent on a permit or provisional license carries over.
Moving rules in all 50 states
"Sometimes" means it depends on your license: usually whether it is still valid or how long ago it ran out. Tap a state for its full rules.
New residents with a license from another state, from each state's official pages (read Nov 2026).
"My old license is good until it expires."Only Hawaii lets adults wait for that. Everywhere else the deadline is counted from the day you settle in.
"Transferring means taking the road test again."Not with a card that is still valid: the road test is mostly for licenses that have run out or come from somewhere the state doesn't recognize.
"Registering my car also updates my license."Two different tasks with two deadlines, and sometimes two different offices.
Each card is written from the state's own licensing pages, listed under it with the month they were read. Rules change: check with the state before you go.
Alabama
Official pages read Nov 2026
Switch your license30 days
A new resident with a valid license from their previous state may keep driving on it for 30 days after moving to Alabama.
Written testSometimes
The written exam is skipped when your license from another state is still valid or ran out no more than a year ago.
Road testSometimes
The same goes for the road test: a valid card, or one under a year past its expiry date, means no drive.
Old licenseHanded in
ALEA issues an Alabama license only after you hand in every driver license you hold.
Register your car30 days
A car with a valid registration from another state must be registered in Alabama within 30 days of entering the state.
Arizona gives no grace period: residents who drive need an Arizona license once they count as residents, for example by working here or staying seven months in a year.
Written testSometimes
With a current license from another state you normally skip the written test, though MVD says it can be required in some cases.
Road testSometimes
With a current license from another state you normally skip the road test, though MVD says it can be required in some cases.
Register your carRight away
A car brought from another state must be registered in Arizona as soon as you become a resident; no grace period is given.
Moving under 18
Arizona counts the time a teen held an instruction permit in another state. A teen with a valid out-of-state license may be exempt from the permit and driving-practice steps.
A new resident may drive on a valid out-of-state license for up to 10 days after settling in California, and not at all for work without a California license.
Written testYes
With a valid license from another state you still pass the knowledge test(s), with three tries per test.
Eye testYes
A vision exam is part of switching a license from another state.
Register your car20 days
A car from another state must be registered within 20 days of becoming a resident or taking a job in California.
Moving under 18
Before the drive test, a teen needs six months on an instruction permit; a permit held in another state counts toward that time.
Once you become a Colorado resident (a job or business here, or 90 days in a row living here), you have 30 days to switch to a Colorado license.
Written testSometimes
A card from another state that is current, or under a year past expiry, needs no written test. Older than that: the written permit test, plus any others that apply.
Road testSometimes
No drive for a card that is current or under a year past expiry; one that lapsed longer ago can add tests beyond the written one.
Old licenseHanded in
The office voids your old license by punching a hole in it when you get your Colorado license.
Register your car90 days
Title and register your vehicle at the county motor vehicle office within 90 days of becoming a resident.
After you become a Connecticut resident you have 90 days to transfer your license from another state.
Written testSometimes
No knowledge test if your license is current or expired two years or less. Expired longer: a Connecticut learner's permit, an 8-hour course and a road test.
Eye testYes
Every transfer includes a vision test at a full-service office; bring your glasses or contacts.
Road testSometimes
No road test for a current license or one expired two years or less; after two years you start again with a permit, a safe-driving course and a skills test.
Register your car90 days
Transfer your vehicle registration to Connecticut within 90 days of becoming a resident.
Moving under 18
Movers under 18 with another state's license must also take Connecticut's 8-hour safe driving practices class, including the 2-hour parent or guardian session.
After moving to Delaware from another state, apply for a Delaware license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
Written testSometimes
The written test may be given, but it is normally waived when your license from another state is valid.
Eye testYes
Every transfer includes an eye screening.
Road testSometimes
The road test may be given, but it is normally waived when your license from another state is valid.
Old licenseHanded in
Hand in your old license (or bring a current certified copy of your driving record) and sign a surrender agreement.
Register your car60 days
Title and register your vehicle in Delaware within 60 days of becoming a resident.
Moving under 18
Movers aged 16 or 17 need an approved driver education course and must pass Delaware's written, road and eye tests. Licensed over 12 months elsewhere: a Class D license; less: a Level One Learner's Permit.
You have 30 days after becoming a Florida resident to get a Florida license. Residency starts with a job, school enrolment, voting, a homestead filing or six months here.
Written testNot needed
A valid license from another state is accepted in place of the written test.
Eye testYes
Every driver moving from another state takes the vision test.
Road testNot needed
A valid license from another state is accepted in place of the driving test, unless something suggests you may not drive safely.
Old licenseHanded in
A license from another state or U.S. territory is handed in when your Florida license is issued.
Register your car10 days
Title and register your vehicle within 10 days of becoming a resident, with insurance from a Florida-licensed agent.
Hawaii sets no number of days. A driver 18 or older may keep using a valid license from another state, and should transfer it before that license expires.
Written testSometimes
Transferring a current license from another state, a territory or Canada needs no written test. A lost or lapsed card can’t be transferred: you sit the written and road tests.
Eye testYes
You pass a vision test before the Hawaii license is issued.
Road testSometimes
No road test with a valid license from another state. With an expired or lost license, you take the road test too.
Old licenseHanded in
You hand in your old license, and it goes back to the state that issued it.
Register your car30 days
On Oahu, a car brought from another state must be registered, or given an out-of-state permit, within 30 days of arriving.
New residents apply for an Idaho license within 30 days of moving, even if the old license is still valid. College students and active-duty military with a valid license from home are exempt.
Written testYes
Even with a valid license from another state, you pass Idaho's Class D knowledge test.
Eye testYes
Expect an eye screening; you pass with 20/40 vision or better in one eye, glasses allowed.
Road testSometimes
No skills test with a current license from another state. You take one if that license has been expired for 25 months or more.
Old licenseHanded in
You hand in any license or ID card from another state, a U.S. territory or Washington, D.C.
Register your car30 days
Title and register your vehicle in Idaho within 30 days of moving.
Moving under 18
A mover under 17 who finished driver training in another state but was never licensed there brings proof of that course; without an out-of-state license to hand in, they also complete a supervised driving period.
With a valid license from another state, you have 60 days after moving to get an Indiana license.
Written testSometimes
No knowledge exam with a valid license from another state (18 or older). If that license has expired, you take the knowledge exam.
Eye testYes
You pass a vision screening at the branch.
Road testSometimes
A driving skills test only if your old license expired more than five years ago, or you've held it for less than a year.
Old licenseHanded in
You hand in every license, permit and ID card you hold from other states.
Register your car60 days
Apply for an Indiana title and registration within 60 days of moving, or pay a penalty.
Moving under 18
Movers aged 16 1/2 to 17 pass the knowledge and vision tests. If they've had their license under 180 days they get a learner's permit; from 180 days to a year, they also pass a driving skills exam.
No grace period is stated: you need an Iowa license once you count as a resident, for example after taking a permanent job, registering to vote, or living here 30 days in a row.
Written testSometimes
Iowa can waive the knowledge test when your other state’s license is current or lapsed under a year.
Eye testYes
Every new resident passes a vision test.
Road testSometimes
The drive test can be waived too, for a matching license from another state that is current or lapsed under a year.
Old licenseHanded in
You hand in every other driver's license and ID card, including ones from other states.
Register your car30 days
Title and register your vehicle with a county treasurer within 30 days of becoming a resident, even if your old plates are still valid.
Moving under 18
A mover under 18 enters Iowa's graduated licenses: intermediate at 16 after 12 months on a permit or similar license in the old state (permit holders take the knowledge test), full at 17.
With a valid license from another state, start your Montana license application within 60 days of moving. A CDL holder has 30 days.
Written testNot needed
No knowledge test when you hand in a license from another state that is valid or expired under a year. A test can be asked for some medical conditions or to change a restriction.
Eye testYes
A vision test is the one test every transfer takes.
Road testNot needed
No road test when you bring your valid out-of-state license, unless a medical condition or a restriction change calls for one.
Old licenseHanded in
You hand in the old license. If you want it back as ID, Montana marks it for non-driving use and returns it.
Register your car60 days
Title and register your vehicles in Montana within 60 days of becoming a resident.
Moving under 18
A mover under 18 who has held another state's license for at least 6 months and hands in a valid one skips Montana's permit time, road test and driver-ed steps.
Movers holding a valid license from another state get a Nebraska license within 30 days.
Written testSometimes
Hand in a current out-of-state card and the written test is skipped. Without the card to hand in, you take both the written and the drive test.
Eye testYes
Adults handing in a valid out-of-state license take a vision test.
Road testSometimes
With a valid license handed in, the drive test is up to the licensing staff. A license expired under a year may also skip it; without one to hand in, it is required.
Old licenseHanded in
Adult movers hand in their out-of-state license; that is what lets them skip the written test.
Register your car30 days
Title and register your vehicles in Nebraska, at the county, within 30 days of arriving.
Moving under 18
A new resident under 18 must meet every requirement of Nebraska's Provisional Operator's Permit (POP) and get a POP.
Once you become a Nevada resident, you have 30 days to get a Nevada driver's license.
Written testSometimes
Drivers 21 or older with a valid U.S., U.S. territory or Canadian license may skip the knowledge test, unless their license lapsed over a year, they have recent violations, a DUI or a suspension, or change class.
Road testSometimes
The skills test follows the same exemption for drivers 21 or older with a valid license; it's needed if the old license expired more than 4 years ago.
Old licenseHanded in
You must hand in every valid license you hold from another state before Nevada issues yours; Nevada returns it to that state.
Register your car30 days
Register your vehicles within 30 days of becoming a resident, or when you get your Nevada license if that comes first.
Moving under 18
A mover under 18 who hands in a valid out-of-state license doesn't need to show a driver education course. One holding only a permit or restricted license must meet Nevada's teen rules.
After moving to New Hampshire, you have 60 days from establishing residency to get a New Hampshire license.
Written testSometimes
No knowledge test when you transfer a license from another state that is valid or expired less than one year.
Eye testYes
Every adult transferring an out-of-state license takes a vision test.
Road testSometimes
No road test when the out-of-state license is valid or expired less than one year.
Old licenseHanded in
You must hand in all valid licenses from other states before New Hampshire issues yours; they are sent back to the state that issued them.
Register your car60 days
Register your vehicles in New Hampshire within 60 days of becoming a resident.
Moving under 18
New Hampshire doesn't honor or transfer learner's permits from other states. A mover under 18 must check with the Driver Education Office to have an out-of-state driver ed course count.
Transfer your out-of-state license within 60 days of moving, or sooner if it expires first. CDL holders have 30 days.
Written testNot needed
No knowledge test with a current, valid, non-probationary license in good standing from a U.S. state, DC or a U.S. territory. Hazmat endorsement holders take the written test.
Eye testYes
Drivers transferring a license from another state pass a vision screening.
Road testNot needed
No road test with a current, valid, non-probationary license in good standing from a U.S. state, DC or a U.S. territory.
Old licenseHanded in
You hand in your out-of-state license and get a four-year New Jersey license.
Register your car60 days
Transfer your vehicle's title and registration to New Jersey within 60 days of moving.
Moving under 18
A 17-year-old with a valid out-of-state license gets a one-year probationary license and follows New Jersey's graduated license rules. Movers under 17 enter the GDL program from the permit steps.
Swap your license for a New York one within 30 days of becoming a resident. Living here 90 days counts as presumed residence.
Written testSometimes
No written test for most movers. You take it, with the road test and the safe driving course, if your old license was held for under six months or expired too long ago.
Eye testYes
Pass a vision test at the DMV, or bring an eye test report from an approved provider.
Road testSometimes
No road test for most movers; it is needed if your old license was held for under six months or expired too long ago.
Old licenseHanded in
You hand in your out-of-state license when you get the New York one.
Register your car30 days
Register your vehicle in New York within 30 days of moving here.
Get a North Carolina license within 60 days of setting up a permanent home here (30 days for a commercial license).
Written testSometimes
With a current license from another state (or one expired under two years) you take the road sign and vision tests only; expired longer means the full exam.
Eye testYes
Every mover takes the vision test, along with a road sign test.
Road testSometimes
Waived with a valid license from another state; without one you retake the written and road tests.
Old licenseYou keep it
Your old license stops being valid once North Carolina issues yours. You may discard it or mail it to the DMV.
You may drive on your other state's license for 60 days after becoming a resident (30 for a CDL). Living here 90 days in a row makes you a resident.
Written testSometimes
The written test may be waived if you passed one in another state and your license isn't revoked, suspended or cancelled.
Eye testYes
State law makes an eyesight test part of every license exam.
Road testSometimes
The driving test may be waived if you passed one given by a licensing office in another state.
Old licenseHanded in
You must hand in every license from other states or countries before getting a North Dakota license.
Register your carRight away
No grace period: register your vehicle in North Dakota as soon as you become a resident or start work here. A temporary permit is the option for a short stay.
You have 30 days to move your license, title and registration to Ohio. Taking a job, signing a lease, buying a home or putting children in school makes you a resident.
Written testSometimes
No knowledge test with an unexpired license from another state. An expired one means the full testing process.
Eye testYes
Every mover takes a vision screening at the license agency.
Road testSometimes
No driving test with an unexpired license from another state; an expired license means the full testing process.
Register your car30 days
Title your vehicle in Ohio first, then register it, within 30 days of becoming a resident.
Waived when your old license is valid, or expired no more than 6 months, and your driving record meets Service Oklahoma's standards.
Eye testYes
Everyone moving a license from another state takes a vision test, even when the written and drive tests are waived.
Road testSometimes
Waived on the same terms as the written test: a valid license, or one expired up to 6 months, and a driving record that meets the standards.
Old licenseHanded in
Oklahoma law bars a license for anyone still holding a valid license from another state until that license is handed in.
Moving under 18
Oklahoma requires 180 days on a permit. A teen moving with another state's permit gets credit from its issue date (or from turning 15, if issued earlier).
Car drivers moving in from another state have 60 days after settling here to switch to a Pennsylvania card; commercial drivers have 30.
Written testSometimes
No knowledge test if your old license is valid or expired six months or less. After that, you start over with a learner's permit and its tests.
Eye testYes
A vision screening is part of every license transfer.
Road testSometimes
No road test for a license that can be transferred. One expired over six months can't be transferred, so you take the permit route with knowledge and skills tests.
Old licenseHanded in
PennDOT takes your out-of-state license before it issues the Pennsylvania one.
Register your car20 days
Apply for a Pennsylvania title and registration within 20 days of setting up residence. You need a Pennsylvania ID to do it.
Your other state’s license keeps working for up to 90 days after the move; by then you need a Texas one.
Written testSometimes
Waived with a license from another state that is valid or expired less than two years; after two years or more you take the written and driving tests.
Road testSometimes
Adults with a license valid or expired less than two years skip the driving test. Every applicant under 18 takes it.
Old licenseHanded in
Your license from the other state is handed in when you get the Texas one.
Register your car30 days
A new resident has 30 days after moving to register a vehicle in Texas.
Moving under 18
Under 18 with a license or learner license from another state or Canada: no written test, but the driving test is required, and a Texas learner license is held at least six months or until 18.
No grace period is given: every Utah resident who drives needs a Utah license. You become a resident when you move here to make Utah home, take a job here, or stay six months in a year.
Written testYes
With a license from another state or country you take a shorter 25-question open-book written test.
Eye testYes
Every applicant for an original Utah license takes the eye test at the office.
Road testSometimes
With a license from another state or country you may be asked to pass a driving skills test.
Old licenseHanded in
A license from another U.S. state is handed in when you apply; it counts as proof of your driving experience.
Register your car60 days
New residents have 60 days to move their vehicle titles and registrations to Utah.
You have 60 days after moving to switch to a Vermont card, or less if your old state’s license runs out before then.
Written testSometimes
No retest for a card that is current or lapsed under three years; at three years or more you test again.
Eye testYes
A new resident moving a license from another state takes an eye exam.
Road testSometimes
The road test is skipped on the same terms: a card lapsed three years or more means testing again.
Old licenseHanded in
The license from your old state is handed in when the Vermont one is issued.
Register your car60 days
Vehicles must be registered in Vermont within 60 days of moving, or before the old registration runs out if that is sooner.
Moving under 18
Another state's junior license transfers with no retest and no 40-hour log, but you show driver education; under 18 you stay on Vermont's graduated rules unless you held it six months.
Movers apply for a West Virginia card within 30 days of arriving.
Written testSometimes
Not needed with a valid, unexpired license from another state. An expired card can mean taking every test.
Eye testYes
Every transfer applicant passes a vision screening and also takes a short alcohol awareness course.
Road testSometimes
A valid license from another state transfers without the road test; an expired one can bring it back.
Old licenseHanded in
You hand in your out-of-state license before the West Virginia one is issued.
Register your car30 days
Title and register your vehicles within 30 days of becoming a resident.
Moving under 18
Under 18 without a license equal to WV's Level 2 takes the written and road tests; a driving record from the old state lets the time held count toward the permit stage.
Wisconsin gives you 60 days after becoming a resident to apply (commercial licenses: 30 days).
Written testSometimes
Not needed with a license from another state that is valid or expired 8 years or less. After more than 8 years without a valid license you take the knowledge, signs and road tests.
Eye testYes
Adults moving here with an out-of-state license pass a vision test at the DMV.
Road testSometimes
Not needed with a license from another state that is valid or expired 8 years or less. After more than 8 years without a valid license you take the knowledge, signs and road tests.
Old licenseYou keep it
You keep your old license: the DMV marks it "VOID" and hands it back.
Register your carRight away
Title and register your vehicle when you become a resident; you can't wait for your old plates to run out. No day count is given.
Moving under 18
Movers aged 16 or 17 with another state’s license can get a Wisconsin probationary license by showing they completed both parts of driver education, in class and in the car.
You have one year after becoming a resident to get a Wyoming license. Holders of a CDL or a Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee or Wisconsin license must apply as soon as they become residents.
Written testSometimes
A written test is needed only if you were never licensed in any state or your license has been expired two years or more.
Eye testYes
Every applicant for a first Wyoming license has a vision screening.
Road testSometimes
The driving skills test may be waived when you show a valid out-of-state license.
Old licenseHanded in
You hand in your out-of-state license when you apply for the Wyoming one.
Register your carRight away
A vehicle must be registered in Wyoming upon its owner becoming a resident; no grace period in days is given.
