If I Begin Driving School In One State And Move To Another Will I Have To Start Over?

Congratulations! All your hard work has paid off and you've earned your learner's permit! However, your parents have just announced that you and your family will be moving to another state! What does that mean for you and your driver's license journey and will you have to re-start your driver's education program?

The Answer: It's Complicated

As with the process of getting your driver's license, it can be complicated and depends on a few factors, including where you are at in the licensing process, what state you were in, and what state you are moving to. However, every state does have requirements in place when it comes to transferring your driving permit.

Your first step, no matter where you live and where you are moving is to contact your state's licensing office.

While no two states are the same, you should be prepared in do the following:

• Show proof of your new residency
• Prepare for a possible re-take of your permit test in your new state of residence. If you have your provisional license, be prepared for a possible re-take of the road test.
• Surrender your old permit/license to your state agency

Contact Your State's Licensing Office

As mentioned above, your first step will be to contact the official state licensing office in your new state. States have varying agencies that are in charge, so you may be looking for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or Department of Public Safety or even Department of Revenue. Your best bet is to search "(your new state) DMV," which should direct to the correct website for the agency of your new state.

Once there, research what you need to do to transfer your permit. These days, many states will accept full or partial online applications, but be prepared to make an in-person trip to your local licensing office. All states are different, so double-check if yours requires an appointment or if walk-ins are welcome.

Show Proof of New Residency

As you probably remember, you had to provide a ton of paperwork when you initially applied for your permit. You gathered it all up one for your old state, and guess what? You'll probably have to do it again.

On your state agency's website, look for links with titles like "List of Acceptable Documents" when searching on how to transfer your permit. This will help you to make sure you have everything in place before heading to the office.

Note, your new state may require a parent or guardian to come with you to your actual, in-person permit appointment, even if your old state did not, as they may have to provide a physical signature on forms or proof of residency, as this is usually some type of monthly bill, lease, or other official with the new address on it.

Possible Retakes of Exams

Are we trying to say that after all that time studying for the permit test, you might have to take it again?

Unfortunately, yes.

It all depends on how far along you were in your home state's licensing process and what requirements your new state enforces. In order to avoid any nasty surprises, be prepared to take at least the written knowledge test in your new state. Remember, all states have a Driver's Handbook that should easily accessible online, and many state licensing websites even provide practice permit tests!

If you were in the middle of your Driver's Ed before your moved, you may have to restart that process when you arrive in your new state. Some states may even require you to retake Driver's Ed, even the behind-the-wheel portion, even if you have finished those requirements in another state! Again, every state is different, so be sure to check that website and if you're still confused, give your local agency a call or an email.

Surrendering Your Old Permit or License

Drivers are not allowed to hold multiple licenses or permits for 2 or more different states. When you apply and obtain your new permit from your new state, you'll have the surrender the old one at the licensing office. If you plan on visiting your old home with a permit, double-check that state's laws in regards to driving with an out-of-state permit!

Driving With Your Permit In Your New State

If you haven't had time to get your new permit after you've moved, you'll need to check the rules about driving with an out-of-state permit. Some states do allow for this or only allow you to drive for a certain number of days before you are required to obtain a new permit the state you have moved to! Regardless of this, remember to also double-check the expiration date of your old permit! Not only is it illegal to drive with an expired permit, but it will also cause more headaches when applying for your new permit when that time comes.

Once you have your new permit or provisional license, keep in mind that every state has slightly different restrictions. You may have to allow for new laws as to what hours of the day you can drive alone, how many passenger of certain ages you can transport, and how old your accompanying driver must be if you are driving with a permit.

We know it can be a lot, but you can do it! We hope the permit transfer process goes smoothly for you in your new state and as always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our friendly Support Team who will be happy to assist you in any way possible.