There is a lot to do after moving to a new place – unpacking, setting up your new home, exploring your new area, getting to know your neighbors, finding a new doctor, etc. – so dealing with the DMV is likely to be the last thing you want to add to your post-relocation checklist. Yet, it’s unavoidable – whether you’ve moved just across the street or all the way across the country, you’ll have to change your address with the DMV (and to update your driver’s license and car registration, if applicable).
And as busy as you may be after the move, you shouldn’t procrastinate – most states have strict time limits on how long you have to put your paperwork in order and impose fees for missed deadlines.
So, what do you need to do? And how can you do it? How to do a change of address with DMV? How to update your driver’s license? How to change your car registration when you move? And do you really have to change all these documents?
Read on to find out:
Do you need to change your license when you move?
When you move house, you’re required to notify the DMV about your change of address, so they can register your vehicle to the right address and ensure that you get their important mail delivered to your new home.
Whether you’ll need a new driver’s license and car registration, however, depends on where you’re moving to:
Do you need to change your driver’s license when moving intrastate?
If you’re moving within your current state, you need to notify your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles about your change of address within a set time period (some states allow up to 30 days but others impose deadlines of 10 days – or less). Generally, though, you won’t need to get a new license. In most states it will be enough to submit a change of address online – your address in the DMV database will be updated even though your license will still have your old address listed.
If you want a new physical license with your updated address on it, you can apply for a duplicate license. To do so, you’ll have to go to the DMV in person, provide the required documents, and pay a small fee.
Do you need to change your driver’s license when you move to another state?
If you’re moving to another state, you’ll have to change your driver’s license and your car registration. The DMV of your new state will require you to get a local license and re-register your vehicle with them within a certain amount of time after the move.
Typically, you won’t be able to take care of the paperwork online – you’ll have to visit your local DMV office, submit the necessary documents, and pay the fee. Depending on the state, you may also be required to pass a vision exam or even take a driver’s test before you can qualify for a new license. What’s more, you’ll likely need to update your car insurance in order to change your car registration.
How long do you have to change your driver’s license after moving?
Now that you know the answer to the bothersome question “Do I need to update my driver’s license after moving?”, you need to make sure that you take care of the paperwork in due time.
The time limits for updating driver’s license and car registration after moving vary from state to state – some require you to put your documents in order as soon as you’ve moved and established residency, others allow up to 90 days. Most states, however, have a deadline of 30-60 days for updating driver’s license after moving.
You can find more specific information on how long you have to update your driver’s license and car registration (as well as a complete list of the required documents) by clicking on your new state on the map on the DMV website’s relocation page.
How to change your driver’s license when you move
So, you’re moving out of state and you know that you need to change your license – you have even found out the mandated time frame. The only question that remains is how to update your driver’s license.
In order to change your driver’s license after moving to a new state, you need to go to the nearest DMV office in person (make an appointment to avoid long wait times), fill in an application form, present the required documents, and pay the associated fees (usually about $30-$60).
Documentation requirements vary from state to state, so it’s a good idea to check your local DMV’s website before your DMV appointment to ensure that you’re bringing all the necessary paperwork with you.
Typically, you’re going to need:
- Your driver’s license from your old state
- Identification documents (birth certificate, passport, etc.)
- Proof of your social security number
- Proof of your new state residency (a lease agreement, mortgage statements, utility bills, etc.)
You’ll most likely be required to present two documents proving your identity and two documents proving that you live in the state. And if the name on your current driver’s license is different from the name on your proof of identity documents, you’ll have to bring along a document proving your name change too (such as your marriage certificate).
Keep in mind that in most states, you’ll be required to pass a vision exam when updating your driver’s license. Depending on the state and the specific circumstances in your case (if your license from your old state has expired, for example), you may even have to take a written driver’s test and a behind-the-wheel test before you can get a new license in your new state.
You will have to surrender your old, out-of-state license and will be issued a temporary license until your new, updated one arrives.
How to change your car registration when you move
When moving to another state, you need to change not only your driver’s license, but your car registration too. The time frame to do so is similar to the time frame to update your license (within 30-90 days of your move) and you need to go to the nearest DMV office to update your registration too, so it’s best to take care of both tasks at the same time.
Depending on the state, you may need to update your car insurance policy, verify your Vehicle Identification Number, and have an emissions test conducted before you can register your vehicle in your new area.
Be sure to call your current insurance provider before the move and find out if they operate in your new state and if they can transfer your policy there. If not, you’ll need to find a new insurer and get a policy to cover your vehicle in your new state.
If your current policy can be transferred to your new home state, make sure it meets the minimum requirements for auto insurance in that state and don’t forget to change your address with the insurance company.
Good to remember: Even if your insurer operates in your new state, it may still be a good idea to compare quotes from insurance companies in your new area to see if you can get a better deal on car insurance at your new address.
When you go to the DMV to update your car registration, make sure you bring your out-of-state title or registration document, VIN verification results, emission test results (when applicable), proof of in-state insurance, proof of residency, and proof of identity with you (check your local DMV’s website for a complete list of the required documents).
Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a registration fee and a title fee too – the fees vary based on state, county, car model, and car weight and can range from $10 to $100.
When you update your car registration, you’ll receive new license plates, of course.
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What happens if you don’t change your license after moving?
Updating driver’s license after moving – and updating car registration after moving – is important for the proper function of the DMV. Therefore, failing to do so is considered a crime in most states and invites heavy fines.
Moving is quite a hassle and updating your driver’s license and car registration adds further complication to the process. Nowadays, however, taking care of the paperwork is easier than ever before – you can find all the necessary information and schedule an appointment online, so you’re properly prepared when you go to the DMV and don’t waste time waiting (you can even update your license online when moving intrastate!). Just get it all done as soon as possible – so you won’t risk fines and penalties and will be able to focus on more exciting things, like exploring your new area and making new friends. Happy new life in your new place!
