How do I change my driver's license from one state to another in the USA?

Are you about to move to another state? Not sure if you need to change your license from one state to another? Stay that you will be interested in this review on how to change your license from one state to another so that you can avoid problems with your car.

In what cases should you change your driver's license from one state to another? 

On many occasions it may occur that you must move for work or personal reasons, in these cases, you will have to find out if the state you are going to, it is necessary to change the license, if so, you will have to go to the entity of the state in charge of renewing the permit to use your vehicle.

Remember that you must take into account the place you are going to, since you will have a period of 30, 60 and 90 days to change your driver's license from one state to another.

How long does it take to transfer a license?

Carrying out the process of transferring the license from one state to another is a process that you must complete within a period of between 30 and 90 days from the moment you settle in your new residence address depending on the state to which you move.

Once you submit all the required documentation, the state will send you your new license by mail within a maximum of two weeks depending on the mail.

Remember that if you do not carry out this procedure, you could assume sanctions and even fines regarding the carrying of a driver's license, without having problems with your insurance company.

Step by step to change your driver's license from one state to another

Now that we explain the importance of having your license up to date, you are surely wondering, how do I change my driver's license from one state to another? Well, continue reading, as we bring you a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

To change the license from one state to another, you must bear in mind that this step by step may vary according to two aspects:

•  The state you leave.
•  The state you are heading to.

As you may have heard, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the entity that is dedicated to changing a state's driver's license. Once there, you must enter the required information and you will obtain a detailed checklist of your situation. current. However, there are some basic steps you need to follow:

1. Locate the government entity that issues driver's licenses in your new state

In order to change your license from one state to another, the first thing you have to do is identify the government entity that is responsible for managing driver's licenses in your state.

Usually this entity is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Within its website, you will be able to access the list of documentation required to update your driver's license and the time in which you must do it.

2. Go to the entity that regulates driver's licenses

Once you have located the agency where you will be able to change your driver's license from one state to another, go with all the requirements requested by the agency.

Remember that waiting times tend to vary depending on the state.

•      Check to see if your state entity allows you to register online ahead of time.

3. Run the tests

Depending on the state you are in, you will have to take one or two driving tests to update the status of your license, this includes:

•      Vision test.
•      Written exam of traffic regulations.
•      Hearing test.

4. Wait for your new license!

After having submitted all the information required by the government entity to change your driver's license from one state to another, you must wait for it to arrive after a couple of weeks by mail, while this time passes.

The entity of your new state will give you a license so that you can travel temporarily.

What requirements must I meet to process a license changing state?

Normally you must have a new license every time you change your residence address, this procedure is relatively easy, if you change your address within the same state, but can be more expensive, when transferring the license from one state to another.

In any case, to update or change your license from one state to another, you must meet the usual requirements in order to avoid setbacks when you get your new license.

These are the documents that are part of the essential requirements to make the change:

1. Driving license:

This must be valid at the time of requesting the transfer, but otherwise, it will be necessary to request a new license, which lengthens the process. Because it's like starting from scratch.

2. Additional identity document

(Like social security or physical passport).

3. Current address certificate.

4. Proof of payment of fines

and taxes per day

5. As well as a payment method

For the payment of fees to obtain the new driver's license. Research available payment methods at your DMV, as some locations do not accept cash.

How much does it cost to transfer the driver's license?

Currently the fee for changing your driver's license from one state to another can vary depending on the state you are going to.

But, an estimated cost of the value of getting a driver's license in another state varies between $5 to $30.

•  This information must be confirmed with the government entity where you are going to process the transfer of your license.

I am a foreigner. Can I transfer my license?

If you are a foreigner and you are in the United States, you must follow the steps that we presented previously when making the change of status.

Remember that you must have your address updated at the DMV, at the United States Immigration and Citizenship Service.
Also read: States that give driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.