What we verified in “Driver's license after a move: the rules by state”

Statements and where we checked them

The statements with rules, figures or dates, with the exact place in the source and the date we checked them.

1. Under the federal REAL ID rule, on or after May 7, 2025, federal agencies shall not accept for official purposes a license or ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant from a state DHS has found in full compliance, unless they use a phased enforcement plan.

   Sources 1 · 6 CFR §37.5(b) and (d): 'on or after May 7, 2025, Federal agencies shall not accept a driver's license or identification card for official purposes from any individual unless such license or card is a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card'; 'through a phased enforcement plan' · Checked October 17, 2026

2. Under the federal REAL ID rule, a state motor vehicle office may issue a REAL ID license or ID card only to a person who has presented satisfactory evidence of lawful status.

   Sources 2 · 6 CFR §37.11(g), Evidence of lawful status in the United States: 'A DMV may issue a REAL ID driver's license or identification card only to a person who has presented satisfactory evidence of lawful status' · Checked October 17, 2026

3. Under the federal REAL ID rule, states that also issue licenses and IDs that federal agencies do not accept for official purposes must clearly state on the card's face that it is not acceptable for official purposes, and use a unique design or color.

   Sources 3 · 6 CFR §37.71(a): 'choose to also issue driver's licenses and identification cards that are not acceptable by Federal agencies for official purposes'; 'Clearly state on their face and in the machine readable zone that the card is not acceptable for official purposes'; 'Have a unique design or color indicator' · Checked October 17, 2026

4. USAGov explains that your state decides the process and documents for a REAL ID; that a license or ID with a star in the upper right corner is already REAL ID-compliant; that without a REAL ID you can fly with a passport or another acceptable ID; that travelers 18 and over without a REAL ID can pay the TSA to verify their identity through TSA ConfirmID, which costs $45 and is valid for 10 days from the departure date; and that you can still get a license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant.

   Sources 4 · How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel: 'Your state decides the process and the documents needed to get a REAL ID'; 'it is already REAL-ID-compliant'; 'you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly'; 'Travelers 18 and over who don't have a REAL ID can pay the TSA to verify your identity so you can fly'; 'The TSA ConfirmID verification is valid for 10 days from your departure date'; 'Pay the $45 fee in advance of your travels'; 'You can still get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant' · Checked October 17, 2026

5. The North Carolina DMV says REAL ID is completely optional; that you do not need it to drive, vote, apply for or receive federal benefits, enter a federal facility that does not require ID or go to a hospital; that licenses without a star are stamped as not for federal purposes; and that the TSA does not require children under 18 flying within the U.S. with an adult to show ID.

   Sources 5 · N.C. REAL ID: 'North Carolina REAL ID is completely optional'; 'You do not need a REAL ID driver license or identification card to do any of the following'; 'Apply for or receive federal benefits'; 'Access a hospital or receive life-saving services'; 'Without a star, licenses and IDs now carry the stamp'; 'does not require children under 18 to show ID when flying within the United States' · Checked October 17, 2026

6. The California DMV says AB 60 licenses are for people who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the United States but meet DMV requirements and can prove their identity and California residency; that you must pass a knowledge test, offered in more than 40 languages, and a drive test; and that if you need an interpreter, you call 1-800-777-0133.

   Sources 6 · AB 60 Driver's Licenses: 'are for individuals who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States, but who meet California DMV requirements and are able to provide proof of identity and California residency'; 'You will need to take and pass a knowledge test. It is available in more than 40 languages'; 'Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test'; 'If you need an interpreter , call 1-800-777-0133' · Checked October 17, 2026

7. The California driver's handbook says the state offers driver's licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status, and that beginning May 2025 your license or ID must be REAL ID-compliant if you use it to board domestic flights, enter military bases or enter most federal facilities.

   Sources 7 · California Driver's Handbook, Section 1: The California Driver's License: 'offers driver’s licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status'; 'Beginning May 2025, your driver’s license or identification (ID) card must be REAL ID compliant if you use it to'; 'Board an airplane for domestic flights' · Checked October 17, 2026

8. The California DMV says that if you already have a valid license from another state, at the office you provide your Social Security number, prove your identity with an acceptable document (original or certified copy), present residency documents if you never had a California license or ID, pay the fee, have your thumbprint scanned, pass a vision exam and pass the knowledge tests, with three attempts; and that people applying through AB 60 cannot apply for a REAL ID card.

   Sources 8 · Driver's Licenses, Situation #2 'I have a DL issued by another state' and About REAL ID DLs: 'Provide your social security number (SSN)'; 'Prove your identity with an acceptable identity document'; 'Present acceptable residency documents'; 'Have your thumbprint scanned'; 'Pass a vision exam'; 'You are allowed three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests'; 'Individuals applying for a DL through AB 60 are unable to apply for a REAL ID compliant card' · Checked October 17, 2026

9. The California driver's handbook says that to apply for a permit or license you provide proof of identity, two proofs of California residency and your Social Security number, and that exceptions may apply to residency and the Social Security number.

   Sources 9 · California Driver's Handbook, Section 2, What You Need: 'Proof of identity: Proving who you are'; 'Two proofs of residency: Proving you live in California. Exceptions may apply'; 'Social security number: Exceptions may apply' · Checked October 17, 2026

10. The Texas Department of Public Safety says you can legally drive with a valid license from another state, a territory, a Canadian province or a qualifying country for up to 90 days after moving; that if your valid license is from another state, a territory or Canada, you surrender it and do not take the knowledge or skills exams; that your vehicles must be registered in Texas before you apply for the Texas license; and that foreign licenses not in English or Spanish must be translated before arriving in Texas.

    Sources 10 · Moving to Texas: A Guide to Driver Licenses and IDs: 'for up to 90-days after moving to Texas'; 'you must surrender your out-of-state license and are not required to take the knowledge or skills exams'; 'Before applying for a Texas driver license, ensure all your vehicles are registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles'; 'Foreign licenses not in English or Spanish must be translated by a translation service or your consulate before arriving in Texas' · Checked October 17, 2026

11. For a Texas license, the Department of Public Safety asks for proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, proof of Texas residency, proof of identity, a Social Security number, proof of Texas registration for each vehicle (for new residents surrendering an out-of-state license) and proof of insurance for each vehicle or a statement that you do not own one.

    Sources 11 · Apply for a Texas Driver License, Step 1: 'Proof of U.S. Citizenship or'; 'Proof of Texas Residency'; 'Proof of Identity'; 'Social Security Number'; 'Proof of vehicle registration applies to new residents who are surrendering an out-of-state driver license only'; 'Proof of Insurance for each vehicle you own or a statement affirming you do not own a vehicle' · Checked October 17, 2026

12. The Texas Department of Public Safety says applicants must present a document verifying U.S. citizenship or lawful presence; that a license or ID card cannot be issued until DHS verifies the period of lawful presence; and that because Puerto Rico birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are no longer valid, it cannot recognize them as proof of identity or lawful presence.

    Sources 12 · U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence Requirement: 'individuals must present one document from the appropriate category below to verify their U.S. citizenship or lawful presence status'; 'A driver license or ID card cannot be issued until the period of lawful presence is verified by DHS'; 'Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are no longer valid'; 'the Department cannot recognize these birth certificates as proof of identification or lawful presence' · Checked October 17, 2026

13. Florida's motor vehicle department says a new resident must get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency to drive; that you apply in person at a local office; that you will take a vision test and may get the license without a written or road test; and that an initial Class E license costs $48.00, with most tax collector offices adding a $6.25 service fee.

    Sources 13 · New Resident - Welcome to Florida!: 'you must obtain a valid Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency to drive on Florida roads'; 'must be made in person at any local office offering driver licenses services'; 'you will be given a vision test, however you may be eligible to receive a license without taking a written or road test'; 'is $48.00'; 'Most local Tax Collector offices also charge a $6.25 service fee' · Checked October 17, 2026

14. Florida's motor vehicle department says that for your first in-office issuance you bring original documents validating your identity, Social Security number and residential address; that document lists are chosen by citizenship status (U.S. citizen, immigrant, non-immigrant or Canadian); and that after May 7, 2025 the TSA only accepts licenses and ID cards with a star at airports.

    Sources 14 · What to Bring: 'customers must bring original documents that validate their identity, Social Security Number (SSN) and residential address'; 'by selecting the applicable citizenship status below'; 'U.S. Citizen Immigrant Non-Immigrant Canadian'; 'After May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept driver licenses and ID cards with a star in the upper right corner as proof of identification at airports' · Checked October 17, 2026

15. Florida's list for immigrants asks for a primary identification document (for example, a permanent resident card, Form I-551), proof of the Social Security number and two different documents showing your Florida residential address, and points people without a Social Security number to its FAQ page.

    Sources 15 · What to Bring, Immigrant: 'Valid alien registration receipt card (green card, form I-551)'; 'Proof of Social Security'; 'Customers must submit two different documents with their Florida residential address'; 'Customers without an SSN can find assistance on our What To Bring FAQ page' · Checked October 17, 2026

16. The New York DMV says you must exchange a license from another U.S. state or territory within 30 days of becoming a resident; that living in New York for 90 days is presumptive evidence of residency; that the exchange is in person only; that you pass a vision test (or bring the eye test report) and surrender your old license; and that the new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

    Sources 16 · Exchange Your Out-of-State Driver License: 'within 30 days of becoming a resident of New York'; 'If you live in New York State for 90 days this is considered'; 'This transaction can only be processed in person, at a DMV office'; 'pass a vision test at the DMV'; 'bring and surrender your out-of-state license'; 'Allow 2 weeks for your new license to arrive in the mail' · Checked October 17, 2026

17. The New York DMV explains that the Driver's License Access and Privacy Act (Green Light Law), in effect since December 16, 2019, allows all New Yorkers 16 and older to apply for a standard, non-commercial, not-for-federal-purpose license or permit regardless of citizenship or lawful status; that people never issued a Social Security number can apply by signing an affidavit; that the law does not apply to non-driver IDs; that all standard licenses are marked NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES; that you prove name, date of birth and New York residency; that you pass a written test for the permit and a road test for the license; and that fees range from $64.50 to $107.50.

    Sources 17 · Driver Licenses and the Green Light Law: 'took effect on December 16, 2019'; 'It allows all New Yorkers age 16 and older to apply for a standard, not-for-federal purpose, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States'; 'You must sign an Affidavit (sworn statement) of never having been issued a Social Security Number'; 'The Green Light Law does not apply to Non-Driver ID cards'; 'All standard driver licenses will be marked'; 'NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES'; 'must show a combination of documents that prove name, date of birth, and New York State residency'; 'you must pass a road test before you can get a driver license'; '$64.50'; '$107.50' · Checked October 17, 2026

18. The same DMV says that without proof of a Social Security number, a Social Security ineligibility letter or proof of lawful status, your standard license does not comply with REAL ID and cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter some secure federal buildings; that the law has privacy protections limiting data sharing, including with agencies that primarily enforce immigration laws, and requires telling license holders when immigration enforcement agencies request their data; that the law does not change who can register to vote (only citizens) or provide a pathway to citizenship; and that the Office of New Americans hotline (1-800-566-7636) is toll-free, confidential and available in more than 200 languages.

    Sources 17 · Driver Licenses and the Green Light Law, REAL ID Compliance and Additional Information: 'your standard driver license will not comply with the federal REAL ID Act'; 'cannot use your license to board a domestic flight (within the United States) or enter some secure federal buildings'; 'privacy protections that limit data sharing, including to agencies that primarily enforce immigration laws'; 'requires disclosure to the license holders when immigration enforcement agencies request data from DMV'; 'This law does not change your eligibility to register to vote in New York'; 'Only US citizens are eligible to register to vote'; 'It does not provide a pathway to citizenship'; '1-800-566-7636'; 'live assistance in more than 200 languages'; 'Calls to the hotline are confidential and anonymous' · Checked October 17, 2026

19. The New Jersey driver manual says a person with a valid out-of-state license who moves to New Jersey must apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days or before the current license expires, whichever is sooner, and surrender the old license on receiving the new one; and that knowledge and road tests are waived with a valid, non-probationary license from any state, though a vision test is required.

    Sources 18 · New Jersey Driver Manual, ch. 1: 'must apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days'; 'or before the current license expires'; 'The out-of-state license must be surrendered upon receipt of a New Jersey license'; 'Applicants are required to pass a vision screening test'; 'road tests are waived if you have a valid, non-probationary driver license' · Checked October 17, 2026

20. The New Jersey MVC says the basic license is available to all eligible New Jerseyans regardless of immigration status; that people with neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN can provide an affidavit; that an ITIN is processed for free directly by the IRS and can take about 7 weeks; that you should not pay anyone for an appointment, because only the MVC schedules them; and that a website that is not .gov may be a scam.

    Sources 19 · Frequently Asked Questions: First-Time NJ Drivers: 'This basic driver license is available to all eligible New Jerseyans regardless of immigration status'; 'Individuals who do not have either a Social Security number or ITIN will be able to provide an affidavit to meet this requirement'; 'Getting an ITIN can take around 7 weeks and can be processed for free directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)'; 'do not pay anyone to help you get an appointment'; 'only MVC can schedule appointments'; 'if it is not a .gov website, they may be scamming you' · Checked October 17, 2026

21. The New Jersey MVC asks for proof of age and identity under its 6 Points of ID system, proof of New Jersey residential address and a Social Security number, ITIN or affidavit; a standard license needs one proof of residency and a REAL ID needs two; and documents in another language need a certified translation.

    Sources 20 · 6 Points of ID: 'Proof of your age and identity'; 'Proofs of your residential address in New Jersey'; 'A Social Security number, ITIN, or affidavit'; 'A Standard License/ID requires one proof of residency. A REAL ID requires two proofs of residency'; 'Documents in any language other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation' · Checked October 17, 2026

22. New Jersey's standard license requirements sheet lists, among the primary identity documents, a passport issued by the government of the applicant's country of citizenship and an ID card issued by a consulate; accepts as proof of ITIN an official document from the IRS or the New Jersey Division of Taxation; and says people ineligible for a Social Security number who have no ITIN may submit a signed affidavit, which must be notarized or signed in front of an MVC employee.

    Sources 21 · New Jersey Standard License & Non-Driver ID Requirements (R: 3/2026): 'Foreign government issued passport'; 'ID card issued by a consulate or'; 'Official document from the IRS or the New Jersey Division of Taxation displaying applicant’s'; 'Individuals ineligible for an SSN and who do not have an ITIN may submit a signed affidavit form'; 'The affidavit must be notarized, or signed in front of an MVC agency employee' · Checked October 17, 2026

23. The New Jersey MVC explains that a standard license is no longer accepted as identification to fly within the U.S.; that both the REAL ID and the standard license are valid for driving and general identification; and that a standard license costs $24 and a REAL ID $35.

    Sources 22 · REAL ID FAQ: 'is no longer accepted as identification to fly within the U.S.'; 'Both the REAL ID driver license and the Standard driver license are valid for driving and general identification purposes'; 'The Standard NJ License/ID costs $24; REAL ID costs $35' · Checked October 17, 2026

24. The North Carolina DMV says that within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in the state, if you will drive, you must get a North Carolina license; that you bring your out-of-state license or a document proving identity and date of birth, a Social Security card or other document showing the number, a document with your North Carolina address (two for REAL ID), a document proving legal presence if you were not born in the U.S. and proof of liability insurance from a company licensed in the state; that written and road tests may be waived with a valid license from another state; and that North Carolina law enforcement does not recognize international driver licenses.

    Sources 23 · Moving to N.C.: 'Within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina, if you plan to operate a motor vehicle, you must get a North Carolina driver license'; 'Out-of-state license or one document (with full name) proving identity and date of birth'; 'Social Security card or other document proving Social Security number'; 'One document verifying physical address in North Carolina (two are required if getting a North Carolina REAL ID)'; 'If you were not born in the U.S., one document (with full name) proving legal presence/lawful status'; 'liability insurance coverage from a provider licensed to do business in North Carolina'; 'Written and road tests may be waived if you have a valid license from another state'; 'North Carolina law enforcement authorities do not recognize international driver licenses' · Checked October 17, 2026

25. The North Carolina DMV says that while your license is in the mail you get a 60-day temporary driving certificate that can only be used for driving, not as identification; and that applying for a North Carolina license cancels licenses from other states through the State-to-State Verification program.

    Sources 24 · Driver Licenses: 'Drivers will receive a 60-day Temporary Driving Certificate while they wait for their permanent card to arrive by mail'; 'The certificate may be used only for driving purposes. It cannot be used for identification'; 'Applying for a North Carolina driver license will cancel any licenses from other states through the State-to-State Verification program' · Checked October 17, 2026

26. USAGov has a directory where you choose your state or territory to learn how to get or renew a license, register a car, get REAL ID and other motor vehicle services.

    Sources 25 · State motor vehicle services: 'Learn how to get or renew your driver's license, register your car, get Real ID, and other DMV services'; 'Select or type your state or territory' · Checked October 17, 2026

27. According to the Justice Department's EOIR, the people who can represent someone before EOIR include validly licensed attorneys and accredited representatives; notarios, document preparers, immigration consultants and travel agents are not allowed to practice law; and EOIR publishes a list of accredited representatives and a list of recognized organizations.

    Sources 26 · Can someone represent you at EOIR?: 'Those include validly licensed attorneys and accredited representatives'; 'document preparers, immigration consultants, and travel agents are not allowed to practice law'; 'List of Accredited Representatives'; 'List of Recognized Organizations' · Checked October 17, 2026

28. The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), established by Congress in 1974, funds civil legal aid for low-income Americans; on its page you search by address or city for an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you.

    Sources 27 · I Need Legal Help: 'established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans'; 'enter an address or city below to find an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you' · Checked October 17, 2026