Can You Hold a Driver’s License in More Than One State?

Introduction

Holder of a driver's license often wonder if they can possess multiple licenses from different states. This article aims to clarify the rules and regulations surrounding the acquisition and maintenance of driver's licenses from multiple states. In general, state laws do not permit individuals to hold driver's licenses in more than one state simultaneously.

Rules and Regulations

Most states have strict laws about carrying and using more than one driver's license. It is illegal to possess and use multiple state-issued driver's licenses at the same time. When you move to a new state, you are required to get a valid driver's license from your new state and turn in the one from your previous state. This is a requirement to ensure that you are only legally required to follow the laws and regulations of your current state of residence.

Reasons for the Law

The primary reason for this rule is to prevent confusion in maintaining driving records. Keeping track of multiple licenses and their respective driving records can be complicated and may cause significant administrative challenges. Another important reason is to avoid the potential misuse of multiple licenses. For example, a suspected or suspended license can be hidden behind a second license, leading to complicated legal issues.

Termination of Previous License

When moving to a new state, the previous state will require you to surrender your license. This ensures that you only have a valid license in the state where you currently reside. The process involves several steps, including:

Cancelling and turning in the old license: You will need to cancel your old license and turn it in to the previous state's DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Renewing in the new state: Once you arrive in your new state, you will need to apply for and receive a license from that state.

Charges and Penalties

Violation of the rule against holding multiple licenses can result in significant penalties. These penalties include fines, revocation of both licenses, and even legal prosecutions. The new Real ID law has tightened the regulations, making it much harder to get away with holding multiple driver's licenses. The Real ID database keeps a record of all issued licenses, making it easier to detect violations.

State Residency Requirements

It is important to note that you must have a valid driver's license in the state where you are considered to have permanent residency. This is typically the state where you spend the majority of your time and have established a connection, such as owning a home or having a job. Trying to hold multiple licenses from different states can often lead to legal issues and should be avoided.

Conclusion

In summary, most states prohibit individuals from holding multiple driver's licenses from different states. The reasons behind this law are to avoid confusion in driving records and prevent the misuse of licenses. If you are planning to move to a new state, it is essential to comply with the regulations by turning in your old license and obtaining a new one from your new state of residence.