The issuing authority is the government agency that issued your driver's license
The issuing authority is straightforward the name of the government office that created and gave you your license. On your physical license, you'll see it printed as text — usually the name of your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, or similar agency. It tells you which state or territory issued the document and which office you can contact if you need to replace it, update it, or ask questions about it.
This matters because your license is only valid in the state that issued it, and if you move to a new state, you'll eventually need to get a license from that state's issuing authority instead. The issuing authority also keeps the records associated with your license — your driving history, violations, points, and any restrictions on your license type.
You don't choose the issuing authority. It's determined by where you live when you first take your written and road tests. If you live in Ohio, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is your issuing authority. If you live in California, it's the California Department of Motor Vehicles. If you live in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico, it's that territory's equivalent agency.
Key Takeaways
- The issuing authority is the state or territorial government office that issued your specific license and keeps your driving record on file.
- Your license shows the name of the issuing authority printed on it, usually in the upper portion of the card.
- You cannot choose your issuing authority — it is determined by the state where you take your road test and pass.
- If you move to a new state, you will need to get a new license from that state's issuing authority, though you have a grace period to do so.
- The issuing authority is the office you contact if you need to replace a lost license, update your address, or dispute information on your record.
Where to find the issuing authority on your license
Look at the front of your physical license. The issuing authority name appears in the upper portion, often near the state seal or logo. It typically reads something like "State of [Your State]" followed by the department name — for example, "State of Texas, Department of Public Safety" or "State of New York, Department of Motor Vehicles."
If you have a digital or mobile version of your license (available in some states through apps), the issuing authority information is also displayed, though the exact location varies by state and app. You can also find this information on your license documentation or on the state's DMV website.
Why the issuing authority matters when you move
Your license is not automatically valid everywhere in the United States. It is valid for driving in all 50 states and U.S. territories, but it remains the legal property and record of the state that issued it. If you move to a new state permanently, you are required to get a new license from that state's issuing authority within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the state.
This does not mean your old license becomes invalid when ready. You can drive on it during the grace period while you complete the process with your new state's issuing authority. However, once you get a new license, you should not carry or use the old one for driving purposes.
How issuing authority connects to your driving record
Every ticket, accident, violation, or point you receive is recorded by your issuing authority. If you get a speeding ticket in your home state, that information goes into the database maintained by your state's issuing authority. If you move and get a ticket in a new state, that new state's issuing authority records it, but the information is also shared with your original state's system through the National Driver Register.
This is why your driving history can follow you across state lines. Insurance companies and law enforcement can see violations from multiple states, even if you no longer hold a license from your original state. The issuing authority of your current license is the primary keeper of your record, but your history is portable.
Contacting your issuing authority
If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, update your address, change your name, or dispute something on your record, you contact your issuing authority directly. Each state's DMV or equivalent office has a website, phone number, and often in-person locations where you can handle these tasks.
You can find your issuing authority's contact information by searching "[Your State] DMV" or "[Your State] Department of Motor Vehicles" online. Most states also allow you to handle common tasks like address changes or license renewals through their website without visiting an office in person.
What happens to your issuing authority if your state changes its DMV name
Occasionally, a state reorganizes its government agencies or changes the name of its motor vehicle department. If this happens, your existing license still shows the old issuing authority name, but the new agency takes over the functions. You do not need to replace your license just because the agency name changed — your license remains valid.
When you renew your license, it will show the updated issuing authority name. If you want to update it sooner, you can request a replacement license, though this usually costs a fee and is not necessary for the license to remain valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a license from a different state's issuing authority if I don't live there?
No. You must get your license from the issuing authority of the state where you live. You take your road test in that state, and that state's issuing authority issues your license. If you move, you must get a new license from your new state's issuing authority.
Does the issuing authority on my license affect where I can drive?
No. Your license is valid for driving in all 50 states and U.S. territories, regardless of which state's issuing authority issued it. The issuing authority is straightforward the record-keeper, not a geographic restriction on where you can use the license.
What if I lost my license and don't remember which state issued it?
You can contact the DMV of the state where you currently live, and they can help you locate your record or issue a replacement. If you moved recently, you may need to contact your previous state's issuing authority. Your Social Security number and date of birth are usually enough to find your record.
If I get a ticket in another state, does it go to my issuing authority?
The ticket is recorded by the state where you received it, but the information is shared with your home state's issuing authority through the National Driver Register. Your insurance company and law enforcement can see violations from multiple states, even if your license was issued elsewhere.
Do I need to update my issuing authority if I change my name?
Yes. If you change your name through marriage, court order, or other means, you need to update your license with your issuing authority. You'll submit a name change request and usually receive a new license with your updated name. The issuing authority remains the same — only your personal information changes.