by Roger Lewis |
Last Updated: October 17, 2023 You thought it was a day you’d never forget. After getting through the frustrating, complicated, stress-inducing process of getting a permit, you finally got one. Then a short time later, you find out your family is moving to a new state. Now that you’ve finally started driving, you definitely don’t want to stop. Are you going to have to start the process all over again?
Although it may not feel like it, you’re not the first to experience this. Every state has procedures in place to deal with transferring driving permits. While the steps vary slightly from state to state, they all pretty much follow the same pattern of requirements. You will need to:
- Contact the DMV (or the appropriate agency for your new state)
- Provide documentation of your new residency
- Prepare for a possible retake of your permit test (and repayment of fees)
- Surrender the permit from your old state before taking the one from your new
If you’re looking for specific information for your new state, it can be found at the end of this post.
Contacting the Appropriate Driving Agency
This will easily be the simplest part of the permit transfer process. Google “(your new state) DMV,” and the first result will almost always be the one you want. Whether it is the “Bureau of Motor Vehicles” or the “Department of Public Safety” or the “Motor Vehicle Division” doesn’t matter. They’re the ones who are going to get you driving again.
Search the site to find out what they are going to require to get your permit transferred. Be prepared to spend a little time. State websites are not necessarily famous for their ease of use.
While you can do most things online these days, this is probably not going to be one you can. In most states, transferring your permit will require a visit to a local branch. Figure out if the offices in your new state accept walk-ins or if you will have to make an appointment. Most states will require an appointment for license-related issues. Fortunately, at least making the appointment might be something they’ll let you do online!
Providing Documentation of Your New Residency
Remember how fun it was to get all the paperwork together before applying for a permit in your old state? Yeah, right. Sorry to say, but you will probably have to do it all over again.
In your new state, you will probably have to assemble all of the same types of documents you did in your old one, things like:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship (or legal right to be here)
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Residency
Some states may want you to show a Social Security Card. Others may want proof of school attendance. You will likely at least show them your current permit, so they know you really have one.
Every state has a “List of Acceptable Documents” hiding somewhere on their website. Make sure to find it before you head to the office. It will keep you from arriving there without everything you need.
Whether your old state required it or not, your new state may require you to have a parent or guardian with you at the appointment. This is mostly because they want to know if your parents are OK with you driving and to commit to being financially responsible if you were to “accidentally” get into an accident. Your parent or guardian’s presence will also be a part of the “Proof of Residency” part of this dance. Establishing proof of residency usually involves showing a copy of monthly bills for your new address. So, if you’re not the one paying for the electricity at your house, the drivers license office is going to want a parent there.
Possible Retake of Your Written Test and (yikes!) Drivers Ed?
Depending on where you were in your home state’s licensing process, you may be required to take the written knowledge test of your new one, but it shouldn’t be too tough.
Think about it: Safe driving is safe driving, no matter what state you are doing it in. After all, red signs mean stop, and triangle signs mean yield wherever you go. There may be some details unique to your new state, but that’s the only new information you’ll have to learn.
But where are you going to get that new information? You could certainly try one (or more) of the following to get yourself ready:
- Study the drivers manual of your new home state (usually available on the state’s website)
- Take a driver prep course specifically designed for your new state
- Test yourself with a permit practice test from your new state
A permit practice test has everything the “real” test does, except the pressure. That’s because practice tests feature questions taken from your new state’s exams. It’s like seeing all the answers before the test even begins! Don’t head to your appointment without a dress rehearsal; you want to pass the first time.
As Far as Drivers Ed Goes…
Did you complete drivers ed before your move? You’re probably good to go there. Most states recognize driver training that happened in another state, at least either the classroom or the behind-the-wheel instruction. If they do require you to retake a portion, it will likely be the behind-the-wheel part. While it will be inconvenient, it shouldn’t be so tough; you’ve probably been driving with a permit for a while now already.
But what if your old state allowed you to get a permit before completing drivers ed? What then?
Unfortunately, your new state will probably make you start drivers ed all over, no matter how far you got in the course before your move.
Surrendering Your Old Permit
As quick and easy as this last step will be, I’m not sure exactly why it is required. Maybe your new state is afraid you’ll get up to some shenanigans and will try to pass yourself off as being from another state, hoping to get away with it.
Surrendering your permit is no big deal. After all, your purpose in all this is to be able to keep driving, right?
Using Your Permit (Old or New) in Your New State
All states have rules about how long you can use your old permit after your move as well as how you may use it. Some states will let you follow your old state’s rules; others will want you to follow theirs. In fact, some won’t allow you to use it at all. Check soon after your move to find out the rules of your new state! It would be awkward to get pulled over 31 days after your move only to discover your new state only gives you 30.
The other thing to keep in mind about driving in your new state is that permit restrictions vary from state to state. Your new state may have different rules about driving hours, how many passengers you can have in the car with you, or your accompanying driver’s age. You’ll have to drive by these rules no matter if you’ve got a new permit or are still using the old one.
Hopefully, the transfer process in your new state won’t be too difficult. If you check the rules, get the right paperwork together, and prepare well for the written driving knowledge test, you should walk out with a shiny new permit fairly easily. Then you’ll be ready to explore the roadways of your new state.
Happy Driving!
In case you already have your license, you’ll need to know how transfer it to your new state.
State-by-State Rules for Transferring Learner’s Permits
Alabama
Alabama calls a permit a “learners” or “Stage I” license, and they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. Unfortunately, you’ll have to go through the permit process as if you’ve lived in Alabama all of your life. You will have to take their written test, but that shouldn’t be too difficult as you’ve passed one already. You could always take a quick peek at the Alabama drivers manual just in case.
Application for a permit will happen at your local DPS office. You’ll need to make an appointment.
When you arrive, be sure to have the following with you:
- An original U.S. birth certificate (issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics)
- Social Security card
- Acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation You can choose from:
- A Form DL1/93
- Certificate of graduation
- GED certificate
- Certified letter from school officials certifying enrollment
- 2 Proofs of Principal Residence—Check out the ALEA list of acceptable documents to see what types of things fulfill this requirement
- Your eyeballs (for a vision test)
- Cash or credit card to pay your testing and application fees. The Alabama DPS does not accept checks.
Learn more about the Alabama licensing process with our First-Time Alabama Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Alabama.
Alaska
Alaska calls a permit an “Instruction Permit,” and they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. In fact, you won’t even be allowed to drive there on your old permit.
Unfortunately, you’ll have to go through the permit process as if you’ve lived In Alaska all of your life. You will have to take their written test, but that shouldn’t be too difficult as you’ve passed one already. You could always take a quick peek at the Alaska drivers manual or try the online practice test available on the Alaska DMV website just in case.
Application for a permit will happen at your local DMV office.
When you arrive, be sure to have the following with you:
- A completed application (Form 478)
- A parental consent form (Form 433)
- 4 or 5 documents that prove your name, birth date, current address, and social security number
- A form of payment to pay your application fee
- Your eyeballs (for a vision test)
Learn more about the Alaska licensing process with our First-Time Alaska Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Alaska.
Arizona
Arizona calls a permit an “Instruction Permit,” and they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. Unfortunately, you’ll have to go through the permit process as if you’ve lived In Arizona all of your life. You will have to take their written test, but that shouldn’t be too difficult as you’ve passed one already. You could always take a quick peek at the Arizona drivers manual or try the online practice tests available on the Arizona DOT website just in case. You can take the written test at the MVD office or online at home.
Learn more about the Arizona licensing process with our First-Time Arizona Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Arizona.
Arkansas
Arkansas calls a permit an “Instruction Permit,” and they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. Unfortunately, you’ll have to go through the permit process as if you’ve lived In Arkansas all of your life. You will have to take their written test, but that shouldn’t be too difficult as you’ve passed one already. You could always take a quick peek at the Arkansas drivers manual just in case.
Application for a permit will happen at your local state police testing site.
When you arrive, be sure to have the following with you:
- An Original or Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate
- A Parent or Legal Guardian
- Proof of School Attendance
- A completed Financial Responsibility Acceptance Form
- Other documents that may be required on this checklist
- Your eyeballs (for a vision test)
Once you have passed your test, you can then apply for your permit at a local Department of Finance and Administration office.There you’ll have your picture taken for your license and you’ll need to have a method of payment to pay your application fee.
Unfortunately, the license information on the DFA website isn’t terribly helpful, but you can get many questions answered by calling 501-618-8000.
Learn more about the Arkansas licensing process with our First-Time Arkansas Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Arkansas.
California
You can drive with your out-of-state permit in California for only 10 days after you arrive. As soon as you get settled in, head to your nearest CA DMV office to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the California licensing process with our First-Time California Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to California.
Colorado
If you arrive in Colorado with a permit, you are permitted one attempt at a driving test as long as the following conditions have been met:
- You must be at least 16 years old
- You must have had your permit for at least 12 months
- You must have completed Colorado’s Drive Log Requirements
- If younger than 16 years, 6 months, you must have completed six hours of Behind-The-Wheel (BTW) Training. You can provide out-of-state forms issued from a state jurisdiction for proof
You will need a parent or legal guardian who can sign an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship form with you on the day of your test. If the driving test is failed, you’ll start over and will have to apply for a Colorado permit by following these steps.
Learn more about the Colorado licensing process with our First-Time Colorado Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Colorado.
Connecticut
Whatever state you are moving from, Connecticut will allow you to drive with the permit you have already earned. The next steps toward your Connecticut license will depend on how far along you were in your home state.
You should visit a Connecticut DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Connecticut licensing process with our First-Time Connecticut Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Connecticut.
Delaware
If you are under the age of 18, with a permit or provisional license from another state, you must have it transferred to Delaware within 60 days. In Delaware, they call it a “Level One Learner Permit.”
Once your permit has been transferred, you must then continue the process of Delaware’s Graduated Driver’s License Program. One of the steps of this program is the completion of drivers ed. If you completed drivers ed before your move, you can submit a Transfer Request Form: Out-of-State Driver Education form. If your out-of-state certificate is accepted, you will be eligible to take Delaware’s written and road tests.
You should visit a Delaware DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Delaware licensing process with our First-Time Delaware Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Delaware.
Florida
If you arrive in Florida with a permit they will exchange it for one of theirs. However, you may not want to. Why? Because to proceed to your license, you need to hold a permit for twelve months. If you swap for one of theirs, the clock starts over.
It is legal for you to drive in Florida with your out-of-state permit, just make sure you drive by their permit rules as they may be different from the ones in your home state.
Learn more about the Florida licensing process with our First-Time Florida Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Florida.
Georgia
If you arrive in Georgia with a permit they will exchange it for one of theirs. Georgia law requires that a teen hold a permit for one year and one day before being issued a driver’s license. Time will be counted for the out-of-state permit.
As you work toward your full Georgia license you will need to follow their licensing requirements. You should visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Georgia licensing process with our First-Time Georgia Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Georgia.
Hawaii
Unfortunately, if you arrive in Hawaii with a permit they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. In fact, you will not even be able to drive until you start the licensing process all over again. You will have to take their written test, but that shouldn’t be too difficult as you’ve passed one already. You could always take a quick peek at the Hawaii drivers manual just in case.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you should look on the bright side—You are living in Hawaii now, after all.
Learn more about the Hawaii licensing process with our First-Time Hawaii Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Hawaii.
Idaho
If you arrive in Idaho with a permit, they will go out of their way to work with you to get you the rest of the way to your license. Of course you will still have to fulfill all of the Idaho licensing requirements, but they will give you credit for everything you’ve done in your home state that matches their criteria.
Once you get to Idaho, you’ll be coordinating with the Idaho Department of Education and, depending on where you were in the process in your home state, you should be driving in your new state in no time at all. You can contact the DOE by calling (208) 332-6984.
Learn more about the Idaho licensing process with our First-Time Idaho Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Idaho.
Illinois
Illinois will allow the use of out-of-state permits and you can use yours according to the rules of the state that issued it.
Illinois requires a driver to hold a permit for nine months and to complete drivers ed before applying for a full license. Visit a driver services facility as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Illinois licensing process with our First-Time Illinois Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Illinois.
Indiana
Indiana will allow the use of out-of-state permits and you can use yours according to the rules of the state that issued it with one notable exception. If your old state doesn’t require you to be accompanied by a licensed guardian or relative, you’ll need to have one with you while driving in Indiana.
You should visit an Indiana BMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Indiana licensing process with our First-Time Indiana Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Indiana.
Iowa
Iowa will allow the use of out-of-state permits and you can use yours according to the rules of the state that issued it.
You should visit an Iowa DOT office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Iowa licensing process with our First-Time Iowa Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Iowa.
Kansas
Unfortunately, if you arrive in Kansas with a permit they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. In fact, you will not even be able to drive until you start the licensing process all over again. You will have to take their written test, but that shouldn’t be too difficult as you’ve passed one already. You could always take a quick peek at the Kansas drivers manual just in case.
Learn more about the Kansas licensing process with our First-Time Kansas Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Kansas.
Kentucky
If you are moving to Kentucky you’ll have 30 days to exchange your permit for a Kentucky one before continuing with the Kentucky licensing process.
You should visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Kentucky licensing process with our First-Time Kentucky Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Kentucky.
Louisiana
Louisiana will allow you to transfer your out-of-state permit. The transfer will be handled at your nearest Office of Motor Vehicles. Drop by as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Louisiana licensing process with our First-Time Louisiana Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Louisiana.
Maine
To continue the license dance in Maine with your out-of-state permit will involve submitting an application along with two forms of identification and an application fee. You’ll also need to bring proof that you have finished drivers ed. If the course you took satisfies Maine’s drivers ed requirements of 30 hours classroom and 10 hours of behind the wheel driving, you will be given a Maine permit without having to take their written exam.
You should visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Maine licensing process with our First-Time Maine Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Maine.
Maryland
Maryland calls a permit a “learners” permit, and they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. Unfortunately, you’ll have to go through the permit process as if you’ve lived in Maryland all of your life. You will have to take their written test, but that shouldn’t be too difficult as you’ve passed one already. You could always take a quick peek at the Maryland drivers manual just in case.
If you want to get a head start on the process, there is this incredibly helpful page on the Maryland MVA website.
You should visit an MDOT MVA office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Maryland licensing process with our First-Time Maryland Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Maryland.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts will allow you to transfer your current permit for a Massachusetts one if:
- The learner’s permit was issued by another state, the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. Territory.
- You are a resident of Massachusetts
- You are at least 16 years old
- You meet the minimum medical standards for a license in Massachusetts
- Your out-of-state learner’s permit was issued less than 2 years ago
They make it even easier by allowing you to start the whole process online.
Learn more about the Massachusetts licensing process with our First-Time Massachusetts Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Massachusetts.
Michigan
Michigan will allow the use of out-of-state permits and you can use yours according to the rules of the state that issued it with one notable exception. If your old state doesn’t require you to be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, you’ll need to have one with you while driving in your new state.
You should visit your nearest Secretary of State’s office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Michigan licensing process with our First-Time Michigan Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Michigan.
Minnesota
Minnesota will allow the use of out-of-state permits and you can use yours according to the rules of the state that issued it.
You should visit the closest Driver and Vehicle Services office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Minnesota licensing process with our First-Time Minnesota Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Minnesota.
Mississippi
Mississippi is more than happy to let you use your out-of-state permit to drive there. You should visit the closest Driver and Vehicle Services office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Mississippi licensing process with our First-Time Mississippi Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Mississippi.
Missouri
When you arrive in Missouri with a valid permit (or one that has been expired for less than 184 days), you can swap it out for one of theirs. You will have to pass a vision and a road sign recognition test. Don’t worry, Missouri has the same signs as your old state.
In Missouri, new drivers must hold a permit for six months before taking a driving test. The time you held your permit from your old state will count toward the six months. Once you have swapped your permit, you can follow the rest of the Missouri licensing process to get yourself out on the road. Visit a Department of Revenue office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Missouri licensing process with our First-Time Missouri Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Missouri.
Montana
Montana is more than happy to let you use your out-of-state permit to drive there, as long as you are accompanied by a licensed driver. You should visit the closest MT MVD office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Montana licensing process with our First-Time Montana Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Montana.
Nebraska
Nebraska is more than happy to let you use your out-of-state permit to drive there, as long as you follow your old state’s permit rules when you do. You should visit the closest Nebraska DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Nebraska licensing process with our First-Time Nebraska Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Nebraska.
Nevada
When you get to Nevada you’ll have to trade your permit for one of theirs. You can make an appointment for the exchange online.
You will need your permit and additional proof of identity. The Nevada DMV will mail you your new permit in 7 to 10 days after application. In the meantime. They will punch a hole in your existing permit and return it to you with an interim paper document you can drive with, following Nevada’s permit rules which state—
You must be accompanied at all times by a licensed driver who is:
- 21 or older
- Has had their license for at least one year
- Riding in the front passenger seat
After the exchange is made, you’ll pick up with Nevada’s rules for licensing and will be on the road in new time.
Learn more about the Nevada licensing process with our First-Time Nevada Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Nevada.
New Hampshire
If you are moving to New Hampshire, you won’t have to transfer your permit because they don’t use them. All you’ll have to do is follow the rest of their licensing requirements to get you on the road in your new state.
Learn more about the New Hampshire licensing process with our First-Time New Hampshire Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Unfortunately, if you arrive in New Jersey with a permit, they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. In fact, you will not even be able to drive until you start the licensing process all over again. You can learn about what you’ll have to do to fulfill New Jersey’s licensing requirements on the New Jersey MVC website.
Learn more about the New Jersey licensing process with our First-Time New Jersey Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to New Jersey.
New Mexico
New Mexico will allow the use of out-of-state permits and you can use yours according to the rules of the state that issued it with one notable exception. If your old state doesn’t require you to be accompanied by a licensed driver, you’ll need to have one with you while driving in your new state.
You should visit the closest NM MVD office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the New Mexico licensing process with our First-Time New Mexico Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to New Mexico.
New York
Unfortunately, if you arrive in New York with a permit, they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. You will be able to drive, but you’ll have to follow their rules and will have to start the licensing process all over again. You can learn about what you’ll have to do to fulfill New York’s licensing requirements on their DMV website.
Learn more about the New York licensing process with our First-Time New York Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to New York.
North Carolina
When you get to North Carolina, you’ll have to trade your permit for one of theirs. You can make an appointment for the exchange online.
Once you have made the swap, you’ll need to follow North Carolina’s licensing rules and you’ll be on the road before you know it. You should visit an NC DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the North Carolina licensing process with our First-Time North Carolina Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to North Carolina.
North Dakota
North Dakota will honor the out-of-state permit of any driver who is at least 16 years of age. You should visit the nearest NC DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out what your next steps should be to earn your North Dakota license.
Currently, your visit will require an appointment. You can schedule yours online or by calling 1-855-633-6835.
Learn more about the North Dakota licensing process with our First-Time North Dakota Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to North Dakota.
Ohio
Ohio requires new drivers to hold a permit for six months and will give you credit for the time you’ve held yours in your home state. They will, however, require you to pass their written test but, hey, how tough can it be? You’ve passed one already. (If you’re a little unsure, you could always take a quick peek at the Ohio drivers manual). Once you’ve passed the written test you will be issued a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (or “TIPIC”), Ohio’s fancy way of saying “learner permit.”
If you have already completed drivers ed, bring your certificate with you to the deputy registrar license agency when you do your testing. If the drivers ed you took in your home state meets Ohio’s requirements, they’ll take that, too, and you should only be a short way from getting your Ohio license.
Learn more about the Ohio licensing process with our First-Time Ohio Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Ohio.
Oklahoma
When you bring your permit to Oklahoma, you’ll meet with a driving examiner to determine how much credit you have earned toward Oklahoma’s six-month permit requirement in your home state.
For this meeting you’ll need to bring:
- Your permit
- A primary ID
- Proof of Social Security number
- Documentation showing you meet the current enrollment or attendance requirements in a secondary or vocational-technical school
- A Parent or Legal Guardian
Then you’ll be ready to continue with the Oklahoma licensing process.
Learn more about the Oklahoma licensing process with our First-Time Oklahoma Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Oklahoma.
Oregon
Oregon will allow you to drive with your out-of-state permit as long as you are at least 15 years of age and accompanied by a licensed driver.
You should visit the nearest DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out what your next steps should be to earn your Oregon license. This handy checklist will help you find the location that has the answers you need and whether you’ll need to schedule an appointment before you go.
Learn more about the Oregon licensing process with our First-Time Oregon Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Oregon.
Pennsylvania
Unfortunately, if you arrive in Pennsylvania with a permit, they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. In fact, you will not even be able to drive until you start the licensing process all over again. You will have to take their written test, but that shouldn’t be too difficult as you’ve passed one already. You could always take a quick peek at the Pennsylvania drivers manual just in case.
After you’ve earned your PA permit, you’ll be ready to fulfill the rest of Pennsylvania’s licensing requirements.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania licensing process with our First-Time Pennsylvania Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island will honor your out-of-state permit, as long as your state would honor one of theirs. You might want to check before you leave.
Once you arrive in Rhode Island, you should visit the nearest DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out what your next steps should be to earn your full license.
Learn more about the Rhode Island licensing process with our First-Time Rhode Island Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Rhode Island.
South Carolina
South Carolina calls a permit a “beginner’s permit,” and if you’ve permanently moved to South Carolina you may exchange your permit for an SC beginner’s permit. If you’ve held your permit for at least 180 days, you may take the vision and skills test to apply for an SC driver’s license. The time you held the out-of-state beginner’s permit will count toward the 180 day period.
You should visit an SC DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the South Carolina licensing process with our First-Time South Carolina Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to South Carolina.
South Dakota
Transferring your permit to South Dakota is easy and, depending on where you were in the process in your home state, you should be driving in no time.
South Dakota requires that you hold a permit for 180 days and only 90 if you take drivers ed. They will give you credit for the amount of time you held your license in your home state. If you completed drivers ed before you arrive, take your certificate to your nearest South Dakota licensing location when you transfer your permit. If your drivers ed certificate meets their standards, you will be eligible to take the South Dakota driving test to earn your South Dakota restricted permit, your first license.
Learn more about the South Dakota licensing process with our First-Time South Dakota Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to South Dakota.
Tennessee
Tennessee will allow the use of out-of-state permits as long as you use it according to the rules your old home state has.
You should visit the nearest Driver Services Center as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Tennessee licensing process with our First-Time Tennessee Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Tennessee.
Texas
If you move to Texas, you can trade your permit for one of theirs; you won’t even have to take their written exam. You will have to hold onto that permit for six months and, unfortunately, they won’t give you credit for the time you’ve held the permit from your home state. You can use this time to complete the rest of the Texas DMV licensing requirements.
Learn more about the Texas licensing process with our First-Time Texas Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Texas.
Utah
Utah will honor the out-of-state permit of any driver who is at least 16 years of age. You should visit the nearest UT DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out what your next steps should be to earn your full license.
Learn more about the Utah licensing process with our First-Time Utah Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Utah.
Vermont
Unfortunately, if you arrive in Vermont with a permit, they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. Your best bet would be to visit the nearest VT DMV office as soon as you are settled in to find out what your next steps should be to earn your full Vermont license.
Learn more about the Vermont licensing process with our First-Time Vermont Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Vermont.
Virginia
Virginia will honor the out-of-state permit of any driver who is at least 16 years of age when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age or a licensed sibling that is at least 18 years old.
You should visit the nearest DMV Select office as soon as you are settled in to find out what your next steps should be to earn your full license.
Learn more about the Virginia licensing process with our First-Time Virginia Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Virginia.
Washington
If you’re under the age of 18 with a valid driver permit from another state or country and you want a WA driver license, you need to:
- Have held an instruction permit for at least 6 months. This time can include your out-of-state or out-of-country instruction permit or license
- Provide proof of having successfully completed a driver training course that meets Washington requirements
- Unfortunately, online and parent-taught traffic safety education aren’t transferable
You should visit a Department of Licensing as soon as you are settled in to find out how much credit you might receive for work you did toward earning your license in your old state (like taking drivers ed) and how much longer you will have to wait before you can apply for your full license.
Learn more about the Washington licensing process with our First-Time Washington Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Washington.
West Virginia
If you move to West Virginia with only a permit, you are considered a first-time applicant and will have to fulfill all of West Virginia’s licensing requirements.
Learn more about the West Virginia licensing process with our First-Time West Virginia Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to West Virginia.
Wisconsin
When you arrive in Wisconsin with your permit, your first step is to visit the closest Wisconsin DMV office. Bring your out-of-state permit and any records of drivers ed completion with you. If you don’t have ’em, you’ll have to start the Wisconsin licensing process from scratch.
If you have met all the qualifications so far, here’s what happens next:
- Have your photo taken
- Complete a driver license application. This can be done online before you get there.
- Pass a vision and hearing screening
- A written and/or driving exam may be required
Learn more about the Wisconsin licensing process with our First-Time Wisconsin Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Unfortunately, if you arrive in Wyoming with a permit, they don’t have procedures in place for transferring one from out of state. In fact, you will not even be able to drive until you start the licensing process all over again. Step one will be to take their written test, but that shouldn’t be too difficult as you’ve passed one already. You could always take a quick peek at the Wyoming drivers manual or try one of their online practice tests just in case.
Learn more about the Wyoming licensing process with our First-Time Wyoming Drivers License Guide.
Check here if you’re looking to transfer your license to Wyoming.