The Short Answer: No, Not in the United States

You cannot legally hold two valid driver's licenses from different states at the same time. The moment you obtain a license in a new state, your previous license becomes invalid. This is enforced through the National Driver Register (NDR), a federal database that tracks licensing history across all states and territories.

If you move to a new state or obtain a license there, you must surrender your old license or it will be cancelled automatically. Some states allow you to keep the physical card as a souvenir after it expires, but it has no legal standing. Attempting to use an out-of-state license after obtaining a new one can result in driving with an invalid license — a violation that carries fines and potential license suspension.

The rule applies regardless of whether you hold licenses in your name alone or have changed your name between states. It also applies if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a regular license — you can have both types, but only one from one state.

Key Takeaways

  • You can hold only one valid driver's license at a time, and obtaining a new one automatically invalidates any previous license from another state.
  • The National Driver Register tracks all active licenses across states, so duplicate licenses are detected when ready during the issuance process.
  • Keeping an expired out-of-state license as a souvenir is legal, but using it to drive is not and can result in fines and suspension.
  • If you move states, you must surrender your old license or request cancellation; some states require this before issuing a new one.
  • You can hold a regular driver's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL) from the same state simultaneously, but not from different states.

How the National Driver Register Prevents Duplicate Licenses

Every state DMV checks the National Driver Register before issuing a new license. This database contains the name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current license status of every licensed driver in the country. When you explore for a license in a new state, the DMV queries this system to see if you already hold an active license elsewhere.

If a match is found, the new state's DMV will contact your previous state to request cancellation of the old license before issuing the new one. This process typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly the states communicate. During this window, your old license is flagged as "pending cancellation" in the system, even though you may still physically hold the card.

Some states require you to surrender your old license in person at the DMV before they will issue a new one. Others allow you to mail it in or request cancellation by phone. A few states will cancel your old license remotely without requiring you to return the physical card, though they may ask you to destroy it yourself.

What Happens If You Try to Use Two Licenses

Using an out-of-state license to drive after obtaining a new license in another state is considered driving with an invalid or suspended license. Law enforcement can verify your license status when ready through the same National Driver Register that DMVs use. If an officer runs your name and finds that your out-of-state license has been cancelled, you can be cited.

The penalties vary by state but typically include fines ranging from $100 to $500, points on your driving record, and possible license suspension. In some states, a second or third offense can result in criminal charges rather than a civil violation. Insurance companies may also deny claims if you were driving on an invalid license at the time of an accident.

Intentionally obtaining licenses in multiple states under false pretenses — such as hiding a prior suspension or DUI conviction — is fraud and can result in criminal prosecution, not just civil penalties.

Surrendering Your Old License When You Move States

The process for surrendering your old license depends on your new state's requirements. Some states require you to bring your old license to the DMV appointment when you explore for a new one. The DMV will take it from you and send it to your previous state for official cancellation. You will receive a receipt showing that you surrendered it.

Other states allow you to mail your old license to your previous state's DMV with a cancellation request form. You can usually find this form on the state's DMV website. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and license number, and send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

A few states do not require you to return the physical card at all — they will cancel it remotely once your new state notifies them. However, you should still request written confirmation of cancellation for your records. Keep this confirmation in case you are ever stopped by law enforcement and need to prove your old license is no longer valid.

Holding a Regular License and a CDL from the Same State

You can hold both a regular driver's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL) from the same state simultaneously. In fact, most states issue them as a single document with different endorsements and restrictions noted on the back. You do not need two separate cards.

However, if you move to a new state, you cannot hold a regular license from State A and a CDL from State B. You must obtain both from the same state. If you already have a CDL in one state and move to another, you will need to transfer your CDL to the new state, which will automatically cancel your old one. Your regular driving privileges will be included in the new CDL.

Some states allow you to hold a regular license and a CDL from the same state but with different classes — for example, a Class D regular license and a Class A CDL. This is permitted because they are both issued by the same state and tracked as a single licensing record.

Moving to a New State: Timeline and Requirements

Most states require you to obtain a new driver's license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. "Establishing residency" typically means registering a vehicle, opening a bank account, signing a lease, or filing taxes in the new state. Some states are stricter and require a new license within 14 days of moving.

To explore for a new license, you will need to visit your new state's DMV with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring your old out-of-state license if your new state requires you to surrender it in person. The DMV will take it and process the cancellation with your previous state.

Processing times vary. Some states issue a temporary license on the spot and mail the permanent one within one to two weeks. Others require you to wait for the permanent license before you can legally drive. Check your new state's DMV website for specific timelines and whether you can drive on your old license during the transition period — most states allow this as long as you have an appointment scheduled for a new license.

International Licenses and Temporary Permits

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a second license — it is a translation document that supplements your valid driver's license. You can hold an IDP and a U.S. driver's license at the same time because the IDP is not issued by any state DMV and does not appear in the National Driver Register. It is recognized in about 150 countries and is valid only when carried alongside your actual license.

Temporary permits and learner's permits are also not considered separate licenses. A learner's permit is a restricted license issued by one state, and you cannot hold a learner's permit from one state and a full license from another. If you move states while holding a learner's permit, you must surrender it and obtain a new one in your new state if you have not yet passed the driving test.

Some states issue temporary licenses or permits valid for 30 to 90 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. These are part of the same licensing record and do not count as a second license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old driver's license as a souvenir after I move?

Yes, you can keep the physical card after it has been officially cancelled. However, you cannot use it to drive or present it as valid identification for age verification or other purposes. It is only a souvenir once it is cancelled. If you are stopped by police and show them a cancelled out-of-state license instead of your current valid license, you can still be cited for not having your license with you.

What if I forgot to surrender my old license and I'm pulled over?

If you are pulled over and your old license is still in the system as cancelled, the officer will see that you have a valid license in your new state. As long as you have your new license with you, you should not face a citation. However, if you do not have your new license and only show the old one, you can be cited for not carrying a valid license. Always carry your current license when driving.

Can I hold a license in one state and a CDL in another?

No. Both your regular license and CDL must be issued by the same state. If you move states, you must transfer both to your new state's DMV. The new state will issue them together, usually on a single document with different classes and endorsements noted.

How long does it take for my old license to be cancelled after I get a new one?

Cancellation typically takes three to ten business days, depending on how quickly your new state notifies your old state and how quickly the old state processes the request. During this time, your old license is flagged as pending cancellation in the National Driver Register. You should not use it to drive during this period, even though it may not be fully cancelled yet.

Do I need to notify my insurance company when I move and get a new license?

Yes. You should notify your insurance company of your address change and new license number. Some insurance companies update automatically when they receive your new license information from the DMV, but others require you to call or update your policy online. Failure to update your address can result in coverage issues if you file a claim.