In pretty much all states, it is illegal to carry two state-issued driver's licenses. When you move to a new state, you are required to get a license from your new state and turn in the one from the state you recently left.
- In almost all states, you can only have one driver's license. Normally, you need to have a license in the state that you are considered to have permanent residency.
- It is difficult to have multiple licenses from different states, But you carry a couple of different types of driver's licenses, if you are in the military, moved here from overseas, or have an international driver permit.
- If your driver's license is suspended in one state, you cannot get a new driver's license in another state until the suspension ends.
- Most states allow you to surrender your license from another state and get a new one issued. There are some states that require you to take a driving exam as well as a written test.
Can you have a driver's license in two states?
While state laws can vary, in almost all states, you can only have one driver's license. Normally, you need to have a license in the state that you are considered to have permanent residency and that license would be good to use throughout the United States as long as it's valid.
The reason that most states only allow one license is pretty simple, keeping track of multiple licenses and driving records for the same person can be confusing. In addition, having two licenses would allow drivers to use their second license if their other one was suspended or restricted.
This is why no matter what type of license you are applying for, the state's licensing office will check with the National Driver Registry (NDR). This database lists problem drivers who have serious offenses on their record such as a DUI or those whose license has been suspended, revoked or cancelled due to driving infractions.
Can I keep my out-of-state driver’s license?
While the answer to the question, "Can I keep my out-of-state driver’s license?" is basically a no in all states, the Sunshine State used to be an exception. Florida is the one state we could find that used to allow some residents to have a second license if they only lived in the state part-time. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) states that part-time residents may elect to retain their valid out-of-state license and receive a Florida license which states "Valid in Florida Only."
However, this law changed, and these types of licenses will not be renewed.
This change along with a few other changes regarding Florida driver's licenses were made in order to comply with Real ID Act mandates.
Other states may have laws that allow you to keep another states license, but we were unable to find any. The best advice is to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles of the specific state you are moving into to see what local laws allow regarding a driver having a second driver's license.
Is it possible to have two different types of licenses?
While it is very difficult to have multiple licenses from different states, it is possible to carry a couple of different types of driver's licenses, especially if you are in the military, moved here from overseas, or have an international driver permit.
- Military: A military license is similar to a civilian license except it lists all the classes of military vehicles you are allowed to drive. You must take a driving test for each class of vehicle. In order to get a military license, you must first possess a civilian driver's license. In addition, in most states, active members of the military who are deployed or living in a state other than their home state can keep the license from their home state and are not required to get a license from the state they are currently living in.
- International drivers permit: An international driver's permit (IDP) allows you to drive legally in 174 countries when it is accompanied by your valid US driver's license. You are eligible for an IDL/IDP if you are a permanent US resident at least 18 years of age and have a driver's license that will remain valid for at least six months from the date of issuance of the IDP.
- Foreign license: If you lived in a foreign country or go back and forth on a regular basis you may have both a U.S. license and one from your home country. In most cases, if you are moving to the U.S you will have to take both a written and driving test to get a U.S license and the majority of states allow you to keep your foreign license.