Moving out of one state to another can be stressful: the parking, the unfamiliar faces, the new rules, and the systems. You might be required to adjust from your usual way of life to fit into a new standard of living.
Each state has its own policies, rules that guide its highway, parking rules, driving rules, housing regulations, driveway instructions, and many more other rules that bind a state.
If you are transferring out of the state into a new permanent resident, it will require you to do an out-of-state driver’s license transfer to be allowed to drive freely in that state.
Each state’s requirements may vary, but there are general requirements that will be needed in every state, like your car title or license plate, etc. So, can I transfer my driver’s license to another state online?
In some states, some processes of transferring a driver’s license to another state can be done online. But in most cases, you may be required to have an appointment and be there in person for verification for your transfer to be fully ready for use.
What Does Transferring of Driver’s License Mean?
When moving from state to state as a permanent or a long-time residence, a transfer of driver’s license is required to validate you to drive freely around your new staying place.
It is legally mandated that you change the location on your driver’s license when you are moving permanently to an original state.
Without doing this, you are likely to be treated as an unlicensed driver, which can cause your license to be suspended or taint your reputation.
The rules might be different if you are just going on a temporary stay, but seeking the help of a professional for more detail is important to ensure you have a peaceful ride through your stay.
Can I Transfer my Driver’s License to Another State Online?
You can transfer your driver’s license to another state online but in some states but you may be required to be present for verification or capture purposes. It depends on the state and the process involved.
Crossing over to a new state or jumping across the globe to another country might hold up a few strings of stress, you can do a few things online when it involves transferring your driver’s license but to have it all settled, you will be required to have things updated at the DMV outlet in your new state.
This isn’t a good time to procrastinate. Having your registration transferred should be your major priority because these DMVs have strict deadlines and penalty fees if you go beyond the required time.
How to Transfer Your Driver’s License To another State (Online & Offline)
There are different rules for different states and each of them has its various deadlines and complimenting fees.
There are a few things you can do online and a few more that will require you to go in person to have it all figured out.
Here are a few stats you should know about:
Alaska: In case you want to move within the states
- Duration: As soon as you move in
- Change of address: Can be done online if you mail your information to Alaska DMV, or simply visit their office in person.
- Requirements: Your new address, Driver’s license card.
In case you want in from other states,
License:
- Duration: Day moved into 90days
- How to do it: You need to be there in person at the local DMV office to get a new license, which will require a driving test, a vision test, a written test, etc.
- Requirements: Out-of-State license, 2 proofs of identification, proof of address, license application
- Fee: at least $20 license fee
Registration:
- Duration: In 10days
- How to do it: To have the car registered in Alaska, you must have a verified VIN. With a registered VIN, you can take the document to a local DMV office and pay the required fee. You can also get this done via mailing to the DMV office directly without having to go in person.
- Requirements: Out-of-State title and registration and a filled copy of the title and registration application
- Fee: at least $120, including the license fee, title fee, lien recording, and plate transfer.
California: In case you want to move within the states
- Duration: In 10days
- Change of address: Can be done online if you mail your information.
- Requirements: Driver’s license number, license issue dare, date of birth, new and old address, plate number, VIN, social security card.
In case you want in from other states,
License:
- Duration: Within 10days
- How to do it: Visit the nearest DMV office in person to complete the process. You can also schedule an appointment which is better than you do to save time. You will be required to pass a vision test, a driving test sometimes; a written test is also required.
- Requirements: Out-of-State license, 2 proofs of identification, a proof of fees payment
- Fee: at least $36 license fee
Registration:
- Duration: In 20days
- How to do it: You will have to visit the nearest DMV office in person to complete the process. You can also schedule an appointment to skip others and get it done faster. You will be required to pass an emission test and proof of California insurance prior to registration.
- Requirements: Out-of-State title and registration and a filled copy of the title and registration application
- Fee: Between $30- $175, including the license fee, title fee, title transfer fee, California Highway patrol fee, and plate transfer.
A General Process to Transfer Your Driver’s License
For different states, it might differ, but these can be a guideline to get it done.
Step One: Find your Local License Office
You need to know where your Department of Motor Vehicles is located because you will visit there to complete your registrations.
Sometimes other states might use the department of transportation or the department of revenue, whichever one is used; your first goal is to locate the body that handles licenses in your new state.
Step Two: Get your Information Ready:
A quick check through the website in charge of licensing in your state will give you the required knowledge of what documents you will probably need to complete these registrations. A few of these documents include:
- Current Driver’s License: This is expected to be intact. It must not expire before you finish up with your transfer or else you might have to take a new driving test.
- Proof of Identity: A valid ID card will be required which contains your passport, social security card, or date of birth certificate.
- Proof of Residency: A lease agreement and a utility bill that carries your name will be required to prove you lived at the old address you presented.
- Payment Proof: A copy of everything you paid for will be required to complete your registration process. Lost none of your payment slips. Ensure you are always with the original; you can use a copy when asked.
Step Three: You Get a New License
After all the documents have been submitted, the DMV agency in charge will verify your details, you will be taken through a vision test, if you use glasses, it will be stated in your license so you will be instructed to have it on anytime you drive.
To avoid waiting for so long before you are attended to at the DMV office, booking an appointment a day before can save your stress and assist in time management.
Your old license will be trashed and useless. Pay up every necessary bill and have your new license given to you.
Benefits of Transferring Your Driver’s License to another State
You Have the Same Right as Existing Citizens
Without transferring your license, you have no right to drive on the road, you can always take a taxi to tour you around but if what you need is a self-comforting vehicle you can drive around, you would need to have a valid license that carries your current state’s address allowed.
You Get the Same Road Rules as Anybody
This might sound a little awkward, but you having your license transferred to another state will save you from having your car towed if you find yourself in some awkward scenarios that require you to present a valid license.
Conclusion
There is the freedom to drive anywhere if you have your license transferred to another state. Some of the registration processes can be done online, but more clarification is done at the state DMV office.