Carrying two valid driver's licenses at the same time is illegal in all U.S. states
You cannot legally carry two active driver's licenses issued by different states, or two licenses from the same state. Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues one license per person, and possessing more than one is considered fraud. If you are stopped by police and found with two licenses, you can be charged with a misdemeanor, face fines, and have both licenses suspended or revoked.
The reason is straightforward: a driver's license is an official government document that proves your identity and driving status. Having two creates confusion about which one is valid, makes it harder for law enforcement to track your driving record and violations, and opens the door to identity fraud. States share driving records through a system called the National Driver Register, which flags duplicate licenses when they are discovered.
Key Takeaways
- Possessing two valid driver's licenses is a crime in every state, even if you obtained both honestly.
- If you move to a new state, you must surrender your old license when you get a new one, or formally cancel it with your previous state.
- Keeping an expired license from another state for identification purposes is generally legal, but carrying an active license alongside it is not.
- If you discover you have two active licenses, contact your previous state's DMV when ready to cancel one before law enforcement finds out.
When you move states, you must cancel your old license
The most common way people end up with two licenses is by moving to a new state and getting a new license without formally canceling the old one. Most states require you to surrender your previous license when you receive a new one, but some do not enforce this at the point of issuance. The responsibility then falls on you to contact your old state's DMV and request cancellation.
The process varies by state. Some allow you to cancel online or by mail; others require you to visit an office in person or send the physical license back. Check your previous state's DMV website for the specific steps. Do not assume that moving away or getting a new license automatically cancels the old one—it does not. Many people discover years later that their old license is still active in the system.
Expired licenses and old licenses for ID purposes
An expired driver's license is not the same as an active one. Carrying an expired license from another state alongside your current valid license is generally legal, because an expired license has no legal driving authority. However, if your old license is still active in the system—even if you have not used it—carrying both is illegal.
Some people keep an old license as a backup form of identification for non-driving purposes, such as boarding a plane or entering a bar. This is acceptable only if that old license is expired and you have formally canceled it with the issuing state. If you are unsure whether your old license is still active, contact that state's DMV before carrying it alongside your current license.
What happens if you are caught with two active licenses
If a police officer discovers you have two valid licenses during a traffic stop or other encounter, you will likely be cited for fraud or forgery, depending on your state's laws. The charge is typically a misdemeanor, which can result in fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the state and circumstances. You may also face jail time, though this is less common for a first offense.
Both licenses will almost certainly be confiscated and revoked. Your driving record will be flagged, and you may face a suspension period before you can get a new license. If the officer believes you obtained the second license intentionally to hide violations or evade law enforcement, the charges could be more serious.
How states track duplicate licenses
Every state reports new licenses and violations to the National Driver Register, a federal database maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When you get a new license in a different state, that state's DMV checks this database. If your old license is still active, the system should flag it—but this does not always happen when ready, especially if you obtained the new license in person and the old one was issued years ago.
States also conduct periodic audits of their own records to find duplicates. These audits may take months or years, which is why some people carry two licenses for a long time without being caught. However, the longer you carry two licenses, the greater the risk of discovery, and the harder it becomes to claim you did not know it was illegal.
If you realize you have two active licenses
If you discover that your old license is still active in another state's system, contact that state's DMV when ready and request cancellation. Explain that you have moved and obtained a new license elsewhere. Most DMVs will cancel the old license over the phone or through an online request, though some may ask you to mail the physical card or visit an office.
Do this before law enforcement discovers the duplicate. If you are proactive, you are unlikely to face criminal charges. If you wait until you are pulled over or audited, you will have a much harder time convincing authorities that you did not know what you were doing. Keep documentation of your cancellation request in case questions arise later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to carry an expired license from another state?
Yes, if the license is expired and you have canceled it with that state's DMV. An expired license has no legal authority and is straightforward an old form of identification. However, if the license is still active in the system, carrying it is illegal even if it is physically expired.
What if I got two licenses by accident and did not know?
Contact your previous state's DMV when ready and cancel the old license. If you are discovered before you cancel it, explain what happened and show proof that you requested cancellation. This will not may provide you avoid charges, but it strengthens your case that you did not intend to break the law.
Can I keep my old license as a backup in case something happens to my new one?
No, not if both are active. If your new license is lost or damaged, you can get a replacement from your current state's DMV. Keeping an old active license as a backup is illegal. You can keep an expired license for identification purposes only.
Do all states check the National Driver Register when you get a new license?
Most states check the database, but the system is not perfect and duplicates can slip through, especially if there is a delay in reporting. This does not make it legal to carry two licenses—it just means you might not be caught when ready.
What should I do if I move to a new state?
Get your new state's license according to that state's requirements, then contact your old state's DMV and formally cancel your previous license. Do not assume it cancels automatically. Keep a record of your cancellation request for your files.