Tuesday, November 26

Driver's license in the United States: how to change my license if I move to another state


Algunos estados exigen a los conductores solicitar una licencia válida luego de una mudanza.
Some states require drivers to apply for a valid license after moving.

Photo: RODNAE Productions / Pexels

The privilege of driving is not universal in the United States, each state has its own laws and procedures to grant it. Therefore, when someone moves from one state to another, they need to prepare for a license change , which is nothing more than delivering the valid license in the state of origin to request a new one in the state where you now reside. This procedure is essential and represents the first step that a person must take after moving to another state within the country. You should only go to a local office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the necessary requirements to make the application and with everything that is required to modify the registration of your vehicle, updating your personal data with the new address you have .

The DMV establishes very specific deadlines for this type of procedure: in most In these cases, the applicant will only have a period of 10 or 20 days, after your move has been made effective . Of course, the requirements will vary from state to state, but it is very likely that you will need:

1. Complete a license or identification card application form.

2. Provide proof of identity, Social Security number and place of residence with documents required by the local DMV.

3. Pay the fee for a new driver’s license.

4. Pass a written exam (knowledge test) .

5. Demonstrate driving skills with a driving test.

Undocumented immigrants can also go through this process in some states where they are allowed to: Florida, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Kansas and Oregon. In these states, those who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the country have the opportunity to file an application with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain or modify their driving privileges .

In the specific case of immigrants, keep driving privileges in order in the United States, beyond ease of transportation and work, provides other benefits associated with the possession of a valid driver’s license in the country : from the possibility of having a bank account, auto insurance or loans in the country to the most significant benefit that is having a form of identification.

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