Transfer Drivers License To Washington State

If you're moving to the Golden State, you'll soon have to acquire a new driver's license to legally cruise down Rodeo Drive. California allows visitors, as well as new arrivals, to use a valid license from another state, but it sets a tight deadline for anyone who takes up legal residence. Since the state's DMV offices require appointments, it's smart to get organized for this chore before you arrive.

How Do I Transfer My Driver's License To Washington State
Transfer Drivers License To Washington State

Valid Out of State Licenses

California requires all drivers to have a valid license. State law also insists that new residents get a California license within 10 days of establishing residency. There are several actions that mean you're now a legal Californian: voting in a state-held election, paying tuition as a resident, or filing for a benefit limited to California residents, such as a property tax exemption.

If you have an out-of-state driver's license, you'll need to transfer it for a Washington license within 30 days of moving to the state. You'll need to visit your local Washington DOL office in person with various documents and pay the driver's licensing fee. (1) New Washington residents must obtain a valid Washington driver's license within thirty days from the date they become residents. (2) To qualify for a Washington driver's license, a person must surrender to the department all valid driver's licenses that any other jurisdiction has issued to him or her. How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Drivers License to Texas. From the job opportunities in Texas' fast-growing cities to its natural beauty and its delicious BBQ, there are plenty of reasons to move to the Lone Star State.

Applying for the New License

To secure a new California license, you'll need to make an appointment with a California DMV office, where you'll provide a completed Form DL44, and have your photograph and thumbprint taken. You also need a Social Security number -- which will be verified by the DMV -- pass an eye exam and pass a 36-question written test. You don't need to pass a driving test unless you've moved from a foreign country.

Penalty for Driving Without a California LIcense

Driving without a valid license is a misdemeanor under California Vehicle Code Section 12500. If you're still carrying a valid license from out of state, you may be let off with a warning and reminder of the law covering new residents. Since police officers may not have access to the date of your legal residency, they may not be able to write a ticket or collect a fine. However, they'll inquire as to the date you moved in, and a second stop for the same reason will probably mean a citation and a fine. This can reach a maximum $1,000, in addition to six months in jail, three years' probation and/or a 30-day impound of your car, on top of other penalties for driving on out-of-state plates and car registration.

New California Car Registration

Although you may be able to drive temporarily on a valid out of state license, you'll have to register your vehicle in California. This requires the last registration certificate, as well as a California Application for Title or Registration, signed by all owners shown on the old registration. You'll also need a Verification of Vehicle form completed by an appropriate party. California also wants to see the out of state title if there's a change of registered owner. You'll have to turn in the old license plates unless they're expired or the original state where they were issued requires you to turn them in.

References

Photo Credits

Scott Olson/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Transfer Drivers License To Washington State

Advertisement

DMV.org Insurance Finder

Join 1,972,984 Americans who searched DMV.org for car insurance rates:

A new state requires a new drivers license. Depending on the status of your current driver license, the process - regardless of state - is generally easy.

Still, you'll need to act fast. Most states require new licenses for new residents within a designated period of time after establishing residency. Tennessee, for example, gives new residents a 30-day window, North Carolina 60 days, and Texas 90 days.

Transfer a Valid Out-of-State Driver License

To transfer a driver's license that's valid (meaning, not expired), visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

(Not sure where that is yet? We can help you find your local DMV.)

Bear in mind that requirements vary by state, but in most cases some or all of the following requirements will apply:

Your current driver's license (the out-of-state one). Without it, the DMV will consider you unlicensed and you'll have to start from scratch. This means taking - and passing - the written and driving exams.
Proper identification. In some cases, your current drivers license will suffice. This will depend on the DMV. Otherwise you'll need to present at least one form of primary identification. This usually entails a passport or birth certificate.
Provide proof of your Social Security number. Or, if you don't own a number, present a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.
Provide proof of residency. Some states may require two proofs of this.
Pass a vision test.
Have payment for new driver license.

Find a list of acceptable proofs of ID and residency on your state's DMV website.

Teen Drivers

If you're younger than 18 you may face additional requirements.

For example, some states require teen drivers to complete their state-approved driver education courses or training programs before they'll issue a driver's license (or, for that matter, learner's permit).

Find out your new state's requirements for transferring teen driver licenses.

Expired Licenses

If your driver license has been expired for an extended period of time, you will not be allowed to transfer your license. Instead, you must apply for a new license, which most likely will require passing a vision test, written exam, and driving test.

A Word on Foreign Driver License Transfers

How Do I Transfer My Driver's License To Washington State

If you're a foreign traveler with a visitor's vista, you may drive in the U.S. provided you have a valid driver license from your home country and an International Driver Permit. Generally, this is valid for one year, before you must transfer your drivers license.

In most states, you will follow the same driver license transfer procedures as described above if you have a valid license from any one of the following countries or territories:

American Samoa
Canada
France
Germany
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands
Yukon Territory
Puerto Rico

Otherwise, in addition to all of the requirements described above, you will also need to apply for a new license. This means passing a vision screening, a driving test, and a skills test. To prepare, study your state's driver manual and take several DMV practice tests.

There may be other requirements specific to your state, too, such as taking a drug and alcohol awareness program. Some states mandate these.