Having two valid driver's licenses at the same time is illegal in every U.S. state
You cannot legally hold active driver's licenses from two different states simultaneously. Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains its own licensing system, and federal law prohibits a person from holding valid licenses in more than one state at a time. If you move to a new state or obtain a license there, you are required by law to surrender or cancel your previous license.
The prohibition exists because a driver's license serves as both a driving credential and an official identity document. Multiple active licenses create confusion in law enforcement databases, complicate insurance claims, and make it harder for courts to track violations or suspensions. A person with licenses in two states could theoretically hide a suspension or serious violation from one state's system.
The consequences of holding two licenses range from fines to criminal charges, depending on your state and whether the duplicate was intentional or the result of oversight.
Key Takeaways
- Federal law prohibits holding valid driver's licenses from more than one state at the same time, even if you hold them unintentionally.
- When you move to a new state or obtain a new license, you must surrender your old license to your previous state's DMV or destroy it as instructed.
- Penalties for holding duplicate licenses include fines ranging from $100 to $1,000, license suspension, and in some cases criminal charges for fraud.
- If you discover you still hold two active licenses, contact your previous state's DMV when ready to request cancellation before law enforcement discovers the duplicate.
How duplicate licenses happen by accident
Most people who end up with two licenses did not intend to break the law. The most common scenario is moving to a new state, obtaining a license there, and forgetting to formally cancel the old one. Many states do not automatically cancel your license when you leave—you have to request it yourself or surrender it in person.
Another frequent cause is explore for a replacement license (because yours was lost or damaged) before the original arrives in the mail. If both licenses are issued and you keep both, you now technically hold two valid licenses. Some people also hold an old license and a new one after renewal, not realizing the old one is still active in the system until they are pulled over or explore for something that runs a background check.
A third scenario involves name changes. If you change your name through marriage or legal petition and explore for a new license under the new name, your old license under your previous name may remain active in the system unless you explicitly request cancellation.
What happens if you are caught with two licenses
If a police officer discovers during a traffic stop that you hold two active licenses, they will likely issue a citation. The charge is typically a misdemeanor, though the exact offense name varies by state—it may be called "fraudulent use of a license," "obtaining a license by fraud," or "holding multiple licenses."
Penalties typically include a fine between $100 and $1,000, depending on your state and whether the offense is treated as a minor violation or a more serious misdemeanor. Some states also impose points on your driving record, which can raise your insurance rates. In cases where the duplicate license was obtained through deliberate deception—for example, lying about your address or previous license status—you may face felony fraud charges, though this is less common.
Beyond criminal penalties, holding two licenses can trigger a license suspension in one or both states. Your insurance company may also deny a claim if they discover you were driving on a license you were not legally permitted to hold.
How to surrender or cancel an old license
If you move to a new state and obtain a license there, you should cancel your old license within 30 days. The exact process depends on your previous state, but most states allow you to do this by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office.
Contact your previous state's DMV directly—you can find the website by searching "[state name] DMV" or calling their main number. Tell them you have moved and want to cancel your license. Some states ask you to mail in the physical license card; others allow you to request cancellation online and will send you confirmation. Keep that confirmation in case you need proof later that you cancelled the license.
If you no longer have the physical card, most states will still cancel the license in their system based on your name, date of birth, and license number. You do not need to return the card itself—the cancellation happens in the DMV database.
What to do if you discover you have two active licenses
If you realize you hold two valid licenses—whether you discovered it yourself or someone pointed it out—contact your previous state's DMV when ready and request cancellation. Do this before you are pulled over or before the situation escalates.
Explain that you moved and obtained a new license in your current state, and you want to cancel the old one. Most DMVs will process this request without penalty if you initiate it yourself. Document the date and time you made the request, the name of the person you spoke with, and any confirmation number they provide.
If you are already facing a citation or charge related to holding two licenses, contact a traffic attorney in your state. Many states have provisions that reduce or dismiss charges if you can show you acted in good faith to correct the situation. An attorney can also negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf.
The difference between an expired license and an active one
An expired license is not the same as a cancelled one. If your old license has expired, it is no longer valid for driving, but it may still be active in the DMV system. This means if you hold an expired license from one state and a valid license from another, you technically still have two licenses in the system, even though only one is usable for driving.
Law enforcement can still cite you for holding two licenses in the system, even if one is expired. The violation is about holding multiple licenses in the database, not about which ones you actually use to drive. To be completely clear, you should formally cancel your old license rather than straightforward letting it expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old license as an ID even if I have a new one?
No. Once you obtain a valid license in a new state, you must cancel your old license. You cannot legally hold two active licenses for any reason, including using one only as identification. If you need a non-driver ID for identification purposes, you can obtain one from your current state's DMV, but you cannot keep an active driver's license from another state.
What if I move back to my original state after getting a new license?
You still must cancel the license from the state you left. If you move back and want to drive there again, you will need to obtain a new license from that state. You cannot reactivate an old cancelled license—you have to explore for a fresh one.
Do I need to cancel my old license if I move to a different country?
Yes. If you move abroad and no longer need your U.S. driver's license, you should still formally cancel it with your previous state's DMV. This prevents the license from remaining active in the system indefinitely and protects you if someone uses your information fraudulently.
Will my insurance cover an accident if I was driving on one of two licenses?
Probably not. If your insurance company discovers you were driving on a license you were not legally permitted to hold, they may deny your claim. Always disclose to your insurance company when you move and obtain a new license, and confirm that your old license has been cancelled before you drive.
Is it a felony to have two driver's licenses?
In most cases, holding two licenses is a misdemeanor with fines and possible license suspension. However, if you obtained a second license through fraud—by lying on the process or providing false documents—you could face felony charges. The distinction depends on how the second license was obtained and your state's specific laws.