You cannot legally hold valid driver's licenses from two states at the same time

Once you get a driver's license from one state, you are supposed to surrender it when you move to another state and get a license there. The Interstate Compact on Driver Licensing, an agreement between all 50 states, is designed to prevent exactly this — people holding multiple valid licenses. If you hold licenses from two states simultaneously, both are technically invalid, and you could face fines or criminal charges if caught driving on the duplicate license.

That said, the system is not perfectly enforced. Some people do hold licenses from two states for a period of time before one expires or before they realize they need to choose. But this is not a legal gray area — it is a violation, even if it happens by accident.

Key Takeaways

  • Holding valid licenses from two states at once violates the Interstate Compact on Driver Licensing and is illegal in all states.
  • When you move to a new state, you must surrender your old license and get a new one from your new state of residence.
  • If you are caught driving on a duplicate license, you may face fines, criminal charges, or license suspension.
  • Some states allow you to keep an old license as a non-driving ID after you get a new one, but it is no longer valid for driving.

Why states share license information

Every state's Department of Motor Vehicles reports new licenses and license suspensions to a national database called the National Driver Register. When you explore for a license in a new state, the DMV checks this database to see if you already hold a valid license elsewhere. If you do, they will typically ask you to provide proof that you surrendered your old license before they issue a new one.

This system exists because multiple valid licenses create safety and legal problems. A person with licenses in two states could rack up traffic violations in one state while the other state has no record of them. Insurance companies would not know about all the violations. Law enforcement would have incomplete information about a driver's history. The compact prevents this by ensuring one person has only one valid license at a time.

What happens when you move to a new state

When you relocate and want to drive legally in your new state, you need to get a license from that state's DMV. The process usually requires proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), proof of identity, and sometimes a vision test. You do not have to retake the written driving test in most cases if you already hold a valid license from another state.

Before or during this process, you must surrender your old license. Some states ask you to bring it in person to the DMV. Others allow you to mail it in or destroy it yourself, though you may need to provide proof of destruction. The exact procedure varies by state, so check your new state's DMV website for the specific steps.

The difference between a valid license and an ID card

Some states allow you to keep your old license as a non-driving identification card after you move. This is legal — the license is no longer valid for driving, so it does not violate the Interstate Compact. You can use it as proof of identity for things like opening a bank account or boarding a plane. However, you cannot drive on it, and you must have your new state's license with you if you are operating a vehicle.

Not all states offer this option. Some require you to surrender the license entirely. Others will convert it to a state ID card automatically. Check with your old state's DMV to see what they allow before you move.

What to do if you realize you have two valid licenses

If you discover you are holding valid licenses from two states — perhaps because you moved and got a new license without formally surrendering the old one — contact the DMV in the state where you no longer live. Explain the situation and ask how to surrender the license. You can usually do this by mail. Send the license back with a letter explaining that you have moved and obtained a new license in another state.

Do not wait to fix this. Driving on a duplicate license, even unknowingly, can result in fines or criminal charges. Once you have surrendered the old license, keep proof of the surrender in case you are ever questioned about it.

Military personnel and temporary situations

Military members stationed in a state different from their home state have some flexibility. Many states allow active-duty military to keep their home state license even while stationed elsewhere, as long as they maintain a residence in their home state. However, this exception is limited — you still cannot hold two fully valid licenses for driving purposes in most cases.

If you are in the military or have a similar situation, contact the DMV in both states to understand what is allowed. Some states have specific rules for military personnel that differ from the standard process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old license as a backup if I move?

No, not as a valid driving license. Once you get a new license in your new state, your old license is no longer valid for driving. You can sometimes keep it as a non-driving ID, but you cannot use it to operate a vehicle. Driving on an expired or out-of-state license when you hold a valid license in your current state is illegal.

What if I did not know I was supposed to surrender my old license?

Contact your old state's DMV when ready and surrender it. If you are stopped by police while holding two valid licenses, explain that you were in the process of transferring. Having documentation that you surrendered the old license will help your case. The sooner you fix it, the better.

Do I have to retake the driving test when I move to a new state?

Most states waive the written test if you already hold a valid license from another state. You may need to pass a vision test and provide proof of residency and identity. A few states require a new written test. Check your new state's DMV website for their specific requirements.

What if my old state's DMV will not accept my license back?

If you cannot return the license in person, ask the DMV if you can mail it or destroy it. Some states require a signed statement confirming you destroyed it. Keep a copy of any correspondence with the DMV as proof you attempted to surrender it properly.