You cannot legally hold valid driver licenses from two states at once
The moment you become a licensed driver in a new state, your previous state's license becomes invalid. This is not a rule you can work around — it is enforced through the National Driver Register, a database that all 50 states check before issuing a license. When you explore for a license in State B, that state's DMV contacts State A's records. If an active license exists there, your new process will be flagged, and you will be asked to surrender or cancel the old one before the new one is issued.
The reason is straightforward: one person, one license, one state of residence. States use your driver license as proof of residency for voting, banking, employment, and law enforcement purposes. Holding two valid licenses would create confusion about which state has jurisdiction over your driving record, insurance claims, and traffic violations. It also opens the door to fraud — someone could theoretically use multiple licenses to hide a suspended license or criminal record.
What you can do is hold a license from one state while keeping an ID card from another, or hold a passport and a license from different states during a transition period. But two active driver licenses? No.
Key Takeaways
- The National Driver Register prevents any one person from holding valid licenses in more than one state at the same time.
- When you get a new state's license, you must surrender or formally cancel your old license — the DMV will not issue the new one without proof of this.
- If you move states but keep your old license by mistake, it is still invalid the moment you receive your new one, even if you do not physically destroy it.
- Holding an ID card from one state and a driver license from another is legal, but two driver licenses are not.
What happens to your old license when you move
When you explore for a driver license in your new state, you will be asked to provide your old license as part of the process. The new state's DMV will send it back to the issuing state with a cancellation notice, or you may be asked to physically surrender it at the time of process. Either way, that old license stops being valid the moment your new one is issued — whether or not you still have the physical card in your wallet.
Some people keep their old license as a souvenir or forget to turn it in. This does not make it valid. If you are pulled over and hand an officer a license from a state where you no longer live, they can verify through the National Driver Register that it has been cancelled. You would then be driving without a valid license, which carries the same penalties as driving with an expired license — fines, points on your record, and possible license suspension in your new state.
Why the National Driver Register matters
The National Driver Register is a computerized database maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Every state DMV feeds information into it: new licenses issued, licenses suspended or revoked, traffic convictions, and disqualifications. When you explore for a license in a new state, that state's DMV runs your name, date of birth, and Social Security number through the register before approving your process.
This system catches people who try to get a license in State B while their license in State A is suspended for a DUI, unpaid tickets, or medical reasons. It also prevents someone from holding multiple licenses to hide a poor driving record or outstanding warrants. If the register shows an active license anywhere else, your new process will be delayed or denied until you resolve the old one.
Moving states: the correct order of steps
If you are relocating, here is the sequence that avoids problems. First, establish residency in your new state — this usually means getting a utility bill, lease, or mortgage in your name at your new address. Second, go to your new state's DMV with your old license, proof of residency, and any other documents they require (birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of legal presence). Third, the DMV will process your process and, once approved, will handle cancelling your old license. You will receive your new license in the mail or pick it up at the office.
The entire process typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving in your new state — most states honor out-of-state licenses for a grace period while you are in the process of getting a local one. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid, even if you have not physically surrendered it yet.
Do not try to skip steps or hold onto your old license "just in case." It will not work, and if you are caught driving on a cancelled license, you will face fines and a mark on your driving record in your new state.
What about military members and people with multiple residences
Military members stationed in a new state face a different situation. Many states allow active-duty military to keep their home state's license even while stationed elsewhere, because military ID serves as proof of residency for federal purposes. However, this is a state-by-state exception, not a federal rule. If you are military and stationed in a new state, contact that state's DMV to ask whether you can keep your home state's license or must get a new one. Some states will let you keep it; others will not.
People who own property or maintain residency in multiple states cannot use that as a reason to hold multiple licenses. You must designate one state as your primary residence for licensing purposes. If you spend half the year in Florida and half in Maine, you choose one as your legal residence and get a license there. You can have a non-driver ID card in the other state if you need one for banking or voting purposes, but only one valid driver license.
What to do if you accidentally hold two licenses
If you realize you have been issued a license in a new state but never formally cancelled your old one, contact your old state's DMV when ready and ask them to cancel it. Provide your name, license number, and date of birth. They will mark it as cancelled in the National Driver Register, and the problem is resolved. You do not need to mail the physical card back unless they specifically ask you to.
If you are pulled over and the officer discovers you have two active licenses, explain that you recently moved and are in the process of cancelling the old one. Bring documentation of your new residency and your new license. Most officers will understand this is a paperwork issue rather than an attempt to hide something, but you should still resolve it with your old state's DMV as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old license as a backup if I move?
No. Once your new state issues you a license, your old one is cancelled in the National Driver Register and is no longer valid for driving. Keeping it as a backup will not work — if you are pulled over and hand it to an officer, they will see it is cancelled. You would be driving without a valid license.
What if I have not moved yet but got a license in another state?
You are in violation of that state's licensing laws. Most states require you to get a license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Contact the state where you actually live and get a license there, then formally cancel the other one. If you are caught driving on a non-resident license in a state where you live, you can face fines and points on your record.
Do I need to cancel my old license before explore for a new one?
No — the new state's DMV will handle the cancellation as part of your process process. You will be asked to provide your old license, and the new state will send a cancellation notice to the old state's DMV. You do not need to contact your old state yourself, though you can if you want to confirm it has been cancelled.
Can I have a driver license and a non-driver ID from different states?
Yes. You can hold a driver license from one state and a non-driver ID card from another state. The restriction applies only to driver licenses. Some people do this when they move but need to maintain a voter registration or banking relationship in their old state.
What happens if I get a ticket in my old state after I move?
The ticket will be attached to your cancelled license in the National Driver Register, but it will also be linked to your new license through your name and date of birth. You are still responsible for paying it or contesting it. Ignoring it can result in a warrant, suspension of your new license, or both.