The documents you need to bring to your local Department of Motor Vehicles depends on the information you want to change on your driver's license. Name changes typically require court-issued documents, while address changes can be verified with lease agreements or recent utility bills. If you recently moved to a new state, you must provide several different documents to get a new license, including your old license and proof of identity, age and new address.
If you legally changed your name, you must also change it on your driver's license. Although the rules for doing so can vary between states, the documents accepted as proof of the change are typically the same. If your name changed due to marriage or civil union, provide a certified certificate of marriage or civil union to the DMV. If the change is due to divorce, submit a certified copy of the divorce or dissolution decree. If you petitioned the court for a name change, submit a certified copy of the court order. If adoption was the reason for the change, submit certified adoption papers or an amended birth certificate. If you've had multiple name changes, make sure your documents show a connection between the different names. You may be required to first update your new name with the Social Security Administration.
To change the address on your license, provide your local DMV with your name, driver's license number, birth date and proof of your new address. The DMV likely gives you a choice of acceptable documents to choose from. Common ones include mortgage and lease agreements, recent pay stubs and earning statements, utility bills and current vehicle registration.
To legally drive in your new state of residence, you must get a driver's license issued by that state's government. Although rules can vary between states, common requirements include surrendering your current license; completing an application; passing any required eye, written or driving exams; providing identification, Social Security number, proof of date and place of birth, citizenship or legal resident status, and local address; and paying an application fee. Acceptable documents typically include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, lawful permanent resident card and voter registration.
If you're a first-time driver in your new state, the requirements for a license may be slightly different than if you already have a license. For instance, some states don't require new residents with an out-of-state license to take driver examinations; their existing license is proof of their eligibility to drive. However, you must take these exams as a first-time driver. Another example is the requirement of certain documents not requested of seasoned drivers. For instance, if you're a first-time driver getting a license in Delaware, you must provide a certified birth certificate with a raised seal to confirm your legal name and birthdate. However, this is not required of new residents who are seasoned drivers.
Minors under 18 with a learner's permit or driver's license from another state must also get a new permit or license when they relocate to a new state. Typically, the minor must surrender his out-of-state license and provide the usual proof of identity, age and citizenship. Other common requirements include taking a driver education class; passing eye, written and driving exams; and submitting a parent's signed consent, proof of school enrollment or graduation and certified motor vehicle record from the previous state.
