You cannot legally hold two valid driver's licenses from different states at the same time
If you move to a new state or want a license in a second state, you must surrender your old one before the new state will issue you a license. The Driver License Compact — a legal agreement between 45 states — requires this. When you explore for a new license, the issuing state checks a national database and will not issue a second license while your first one is still active.
The only exception is a temporary overlap during the process process itself. If you explore for a new state's license before your old one expires, you may briefly hold both while your process is being processed. But once the new license is issued, your old one becomes invalid, even if it has not reached its expiration date.
What you can do is hold multiple types of licenses from the same state — for example, a regular driver's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL) — but that is a different situation from holding licenses in two states.
Key Takeaways
- The Driver License Compact prevents you from holding two valid licenses from different states at the same time.
- When you move to a new state, you must surrender your old license before the new state will issue you a replacement.
- A brief overlap during processing is normal, but your old license stops being valid once the new one is issued.
- You can hold a regular license and a commercial license from the same state, but not two licenses from two different states.
- Some states allow you to keep an out-of-state license for identification purposes only, but it cannot be used for driving.
Why states do not allow two active licenses
The reason for this rule is straightforward: one person, one driving record. Every traffic violation, accident, and suspension you receive goes into a single national database tied to your name and date of birth. If you held licenses in two states, violations in one state might not show up on your record in the other, and law enforcement would have no way to know your full driving history.
This creates a safety problem. A driver suspended in one state could move to another and get a fresh license without the new state knowing about the suspension. The Compact closes that loophole by requiring states to check the national system before issuing any license.
It also prevents fraud. Without this rule, someone could explore for multiple licenses under slightly different names or information and use them to evade traffic fines, hide accidents, or commit identity-related crimes.
What happens when you move to a new state
When you relocate, most states give you a grace period — usually 30 to 60 days — to get a new license. During that time, your old license remains valid for driving. You do not have to rush to explore when ready.
Once you explore for the new state's license, bring your old license with you. The DMV will take it and send it to your old state to be cancelled. You will receive your new license within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the state. If the new state is issuing a Real ID-compliant license, processing may take longer.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license or receipt showing you have applied. This temporary document is usually valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the physical card.
Keeping your old license for identification only
Some states allow you to keep your old out-of-state license as a form of identification after you move, but it cannot be used for driving. This is useful if your old license has a photo you prefer or if you want to keep it as a memento, but it has no legal driving authority.
If you are stopped by police, you must present your new state's license as your driving credential. Presenting an expired or out-of-state license as your primary ID for driving can result in a citation, even if you also have a valid license from your new state.
Check your new state's DMV website to see whether they allow you to keep your old license. Some states require you to surrender it; others do not. If you are unsure, ask the DMV clerk when you explore for your new license.
Commercial driver's licenses and multiple license types
You can hold a regular driver's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL) from the same state at the same time. These are two different credentials with different testing requirements and driving privileges. Your CDL will be issued on a separate card or noted on your regular license, depending on your state's system.
If you move to a new state and hold a CDL, you will need to transfer both your regular license and your CDL. The process is similar: surrender your old credentials and explore for new ones in your new state. Some states require you to pass a new CDL test; others recognize your existing CDL and issue a new one without retesting, though this varies.
Motorcycle endorsements, school bus endorsements, and other special endorsements work the same way — they are part of your license from one state, not separate licenses.
International driving permits and temporary licenses
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a second license; it is a translation document that works alongside your regular license. You can hold an IDP and a valid driver's license from your state at the same time. The IDP is only valid when you are traveling outside the United States and must be carried together with your actual license.
You can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or through some state DMVs. It costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you purchase. An IDP does not replace your state license and does not extend your driving privileges within the United States.
Temporary licenses issued by your state DMV during the process process are also not a second license — they are a placeholder valid only until your permanent license arrives.
What to do if you are caught driving with two licenses
Driving with two active licenses from different states is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped and have both licenses, inform the officer that you recently moved and are in the process of transferring your license. Show your new state's license as your valid driving credential.
If your old license is still active (because you have not yet applied for a new one), this is not a violation — you are allowed to drive on your old license during the grace period after moving. The problem only arises if you have already been issued a new license and are still driving on the old one.
If you have been cited for holding two licenses, contact your local DMV to clarify your situation. In most cases, if you can show that you were in the process of transferring your license, the citation may be dismissed or reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old license if I move to a new state?
You can keep your old license as identification, but it cannot be used for driving once your new state issues you a license. Your new state's license becomes your only valid driving credential. Some states require you to surrender your old license; others allow you to keep it. Check with your new state's DMV.
What if I have not received my new license yet but my old one expired?
The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license or receipt showing you have applied. This document is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent card. Bring it with you when you drive. If your new license is delayed beyond the temporary period, contact the DMV to request an extension.
Do I need to take a new driving test when I move to a new state?
Most states do not require a new written or road test if you are transferring from another state with a valid license. You will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of residency and identity. Some states have additional requirements; check your new state's DMV website.
Can I hold a license in two states if I live part-time in both?
No. Even if you split your time between two states, you can only hold one valid driver's license. You must establish residency in one state and obtain a license there. The other state's license must be surrendered or allowed to expire.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as a second license?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works with your regular license when you travel outside the United States. It is not a separate license and does not give you driving privileges in the U.S. You must carry both your IDP and your state license together when traveling internationally.