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Military Spouses and Drivers Licenses

10 September 2020

This post may contain affiliate links, from which I may earn revenue to support this free site. All opinions are my own, and I only promote products that I use and love!

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Note:  all information and links about military spouses and driver’s licenses is accurate as of 09 September 2020.  However, this is not legal advice.  If you’re not sure about the rules in your state, use the links listed below to verify the regulations or check with your base legal office.

Do I have to change my driver's license when I move?It’s the big question:  do I need to get a new driver’s license when we PCS to a new state?  The good news is that most of the time the answer is no.  The bad news is that there are still states that don’t give exemptions to military spouses.  I’ve heard a lot of people say that the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) allows military spouses to maintain their driver’s license in their state of residence.  There is nothing in the MSRRA that addresses driver’s licenses, and I don’t see any provisions that could be used to support that argument.

Check out my Pinterest Board:  PCS Resources/Military Moving!

I’ve researched the laws in each state, and I’ve listed the results here.  Please remember that if there is no special exemption regarding military spouses, you should assume that you must follow the state law for new residents.  I’m not telling you what you should do, but rather giving you a resource to locate the applicable laws.  Please, if you know any information that I can add to this post, let me know!

Alabama: A non-resident at least 16 years old who has in his immediate possession a valid driver’s license issued to him in his home state or country. This includes military personnel from other states and their families stationed in Alabama, even though their assignment in Alabama may be of long duration.

Source: https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-license-information

Alaska: If you are active duty, stationed in Alaska, and choose to remain a resident of another state, you are not required to obtain a license in Alaska, nor is your spouse. However, your dependents are required to surrender their out of state license and obtain a license in Alaska.

Source:  http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/akol/military.htm (click on the “stationed in Alaska” tab)

Military Spouses and Drivers LIcenses - Do You Have To Change Your LIcense When You Move?

Arizona:  Arizona states “Active duty military personnel based in Arizona who qualify for exemption under the Service Members Civil Relief Act of 2003 are not considered Arizona residents.” They do not mention an exemption for military spouses.

Source: https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/vehicle-services/vehicle-registration/registration-compliance-violators

Arkansas:  “The following persons are exempt from licensing under this chapter: …

(3) A nonresident who is at least sixteen (16) years of age and who has in his or her immediate possession a valid noncommercial driver’s license issued to him or her in his or her home state or country may operate a motor vehicle in this state only as a noncommercial driver;

     (4) A nonresident who is at least eighteen (18) years of age and who has in his or her immediate possession a valid commercial driver’s license issued to him or her by his or her home state or country may operate a motor vehicle in this state as a noncommercial driver or may operate a commercial motor vehicle as provided by § 27-23-123;”

Source:  http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/arcode/Default.asp, as linked to from the Arkansas Legislative homepage https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/

California:  “Visitors over 18 years old with a valid driver license from their home state or country may drive in California without getting a California driver license as long as their home state driver license is valid.” and “An NRM (non-resident military) service member on active duty in California and spouse who lives with the service member qualifies for the NRM vehicle license fee (VLF) exemption on any vehicle or trailer coach”

Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/nonresident-vehicles/nonresident-military-nrm-exemption/

Colorado: “Active duty U.S. military personnel and their spouses are exempt from obtaining a Colorado driver license when they have a valid driver license issued by another state. Military personnel on active duty in Colorado and who claim another state as their home state of residence may register their vehicle(s) in Colorado.”

Source: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/new-colorado-0#U.S.%20Military:

Connecticut:  “Military personnel and dependents stationed in Connecticut are not required to obtain a Connecticut license”

Source: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Licenses/Licenses/Applying-for-a-License/Drivers-License–New-Resident-Requirements

Delaware:  “Members in the military service and their dependents are not required to obtain Delaware driver licenses and vehicle registrations until 60 days after separation from the service.”

Source:   http://www.dmv.de.gov/forms/veh_serv_forms/pdfs/ve_frm_newresid.pdf?041112

District of Columbia:  So, DC is just different.  They appear to have slightly different rules for your driver’s license and your vehicle.  Driver’s licenses appear to have reciprocity without doing anything, but if you live in DC, you’ll want to register your vehicle as a non-resident vehicle in order to avoid hefty parking fines.

US Military Personnel on Active Duty:

This category includes military personnel on active duty, their spouses, and their minor dependents under 21 years of age, provided the military member signs an affidavit stating the dependent or spouse resides at the same address in the District as the military member.

For driving:

“If you have lived in the District of Columbia for 30 days or more and you drive a vehicle in public, you must get a driver license from DC DMV—unless you are a student, diplomat, active military member, part-time resident, member of Congress, or presidential appointee and are thus eligible for driving privilege reciprocity with your home state or jurisdiction.

Source:  https://dmv.dc.gov/service/driver-licenses

For parking:

“Reciprocity permits for active duty military personnel are valid for 1 year and are renewable. To be eligible you need:

Valid military identification or military orders for military member, dependent, or spouse

  • A valid out-of-state driver license
  • A valid out-of-state vehicle registration in the name of the active duty military member, dependent, or spouse
  • Proof of insurance in the name of the active duty military member, dependent, or spouse, as required by the issuing registration
  • Proof of District residency. You will need 1 document from the list of proofs available at the link below:
  • Proof of Current District of Columbia Residency “

Source:  https://dmv.dc.gov/service/reciprocity-parking-permits-temporary-and-part-time-district-residents

Florida:  “Military service members and their families who live and drive in Florida, may do so with a valid out-of-state driver license. There is no requirement to obtain a Florida driver license when military and their family members move to Florida, take a job, or enroll their children in public schools.”

Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/military/ (click on the link that says “Am I required to obtain a Florida Driver License  when I move to the state?”)

Georgia:  No exemption found.

Hawaii:  There are several anecdotal references to Hawaii not requiring military spouses to obtain a Hawaii driver’s license, but I can not find the statute.

Idaho:  “Members of the U.S. Military on active duty and their dependents who hold a valid driver’s license from another state and who claim residency in that state, are not required to obtain an Idaho driver’s license.”

Source: http://itd.idaho.gov/itddmv/ (click on link that says Drive’s License / ID Cards and scroll down!)

Illinois:  “You may obtain an Illinois driver’s license or identification card only if you are becoming a legal resident of Illinois. If you have a valid driver’s license from another state or country, you may use it to drive in Illinois throughout your stay (if you do not plan to become a permanent resident of this state).”

Source: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/drivers_license/dlfaq.html 

Indiana:  “For the purposes of obtaining a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or identification card, the following persons living in Indiana solely for any of the following reasons are not considered to be residents of Indiana:

  • Educational purposes
  • Active duty in the Armed Forces
  • Temporary employment “

Source:  https://stidhamreconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Indiana-Driver-Manual.pdf

Iowa:  No exemption found.

Kansas:  “The following people can drive on a valid license as long as they are at least 16 years old: Military – Members of the Armed Forces on active duty or members of foreign military on temporary duty with the Armed Forces, as well as their spouse and children.”

Source:  http://www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/dlhb.pdf

and also,

“For the purposes of the motor vehicle drivers’ license act any person who owns, rents or leases real estate in Kansas as such person’s residence and engages in a trade, business or profession within Kansas or registers to vote in Kansas or enrolls such person’s children in a school in this state or purchases Kansas registration for a motor vehicle, shall be deemed a resident of the state of Kansas 90 days after the conditions stated in this subsection commence, except that military personnel on active duty and their military dependents who are residents of another state, shall not be considered residents of the state of Kansas for the purpose of this act;

Source:  http://www.lawserver.com/law/state/kansas/ks-statutes/kansas_statutes_8-234a

Kentucky:  No exemption found.

Louisiana:  “A resident dependent of any person on active duty with the armed forces of the United States and stationed within Louisiana but who is domiciled in another state and who has in his immediate possession both a valid license issued to him by his home state and a current military dependent identification card, hereafter in this Section referred to as a military dependent, shall be permitted to drive a motor vehicle in this state without examination or Louisiana license during the period of residency with the supporting member of the armed forces while stationed in Louisiana and for not more than ninety days thereafter.”

Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2009/rs/title32/rs32-404.html

Maine:  “The following people are exempt from the license requirements of this chapter:  …

A spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces while accompanying that member on active duty assignment to this State, and who is not a resident of this State and who has a valid license issued by another jurisdiction; and

Source:  http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1251.html

Maryland:  ” The licensing requirements of this title do not apply to: …

(7)   A member of the armed forces of the United States or of the United States Public Health Service who is serving on active duty and any dependent of the member, if:

(i)   The driver has with him a license to drive issued to him by his state of domicile; and
(ii)   The license authorizes the driver to drive in his state of domicile vehicles of the class he is driving in this State;”

source: https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2005/gtr/16-102.html

Massachusetts:  The Massachusetts driver’s handbook states, “If you are in active military service and want to drive in Massachusetts, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home state.” It does not specify if this applies to spouses or dependents. I’d call.

Source:  https://www.massrmv.com/Portals/30/docs/dmanual/chapter_1.pdf

Michigan:  I can not find language that specifically applies to military spouses.  Here’s what I can find:  “You may drive in Michigan with an out-of-state driver license as long as the license is valid, and you are not a Michigan resident.”  I can’t say what the courts would rule, but I would argue that a military spouse who maintains their residence elsewhere under the MSRRA would fall under this category.

Source:  http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-48296-88438–F,00.html

Minnesota:  “If you work for the United States Armed Forces, or you are a family member of someone in the Armed Forces stationed in Minnesota, and hold a valid out-of-state driver’s license, you do not need to obtain a Minnesota license.”

Source:  https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/dvs-content-detail.aspx?pageID=551&pageTitle=Driver%27s%20License%20-%20Class%20D%20%E2%80%93%20New%20Resident (click on the Frequently Asked Questions link)

Mississippi:  “DPS policy permits non-resident military personnel and their family, and any out of state college students to drive in Mississippi provided they hold a valid driver’s license from another state.”

Source: https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/Drivers/Military

Missouri:  No exemption found.

Montana:  No exemption found.

Nebraska:  No exemption found.

Nevada:  “Certain persons are exempted from obtaining a Nevada driver license:

  • A nonresident on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who has a valid license issued by his or her home state, or such a nonresident’s spouse or dependent child who has a valid license issued by such state.”

Source:  http://www.dmvnv.com/miloosres.htm

New Hampshire:  No exemption found.

New Jersey:  No exemption found.

New Mexico:  No exemption found.

New York:  It appears that military dependents may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a New York state drivers license.  This is based upon information from local installation legal offices, but I can not find any statutes that agree.

North Carolina:  The following are exempt from license hereunder: ….

(3)        A nonresident who is at least 16 years of age who has in his immediate possession a valid driver’s license issued to him in his home state or country if the nonresident is operating a motor vehicle in this State in accordance with the license restrictions and vehicle classifications that would be applicable to him under the laws and regulations of his home state or country if he were driving in his home state or country. This exemption specifically applies to nonresident military spouses, regardless of their employment status, who are temporarily residing in North Carolina due to the active duty military orders of a spouse.

Source:  http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-8.html

North Dakota:  North Dakota’s exemption does not appear to apply to the family members of military:  ” A person is deemed a resident of North Dakota when they have lived here for 90 days, unless they are a nonresident student, a tourist, or a member of the armed forces.”

Source: https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/driverslicense/othernations.htm

Ohio:  You have to give Ohio points for being clear about the rules, even if they’re not really great for military family members:

“Nonresident military personnel may use their home state driver license.  Family members must obtain an Ohio license.”

Source:  http://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/bmv3741.pdf (page 9)

Oklahoma:  No exemption found.

Oregon:  “Exemptions from requirement to have Oregon license or permit. A person who is granted a driving privilege by this section may exercise the driving privilege described without violation of the requirements under ORS 807.010. A grant of driving privileges to operate a motor vehicle under this section is subject to suspension and revocation the same as other driving privileges granted under the vehicle code. This section is in addition to any exemptions from the vehicle code under ORS 801.026. The following persons are granted the described driving privileges: …

(11) The spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty who is accompanying the member on assignment in this state may operate a motor vehicle if the spouse has a current out-of-state license or driver permit issued to the spouse by another state in the spouse’s possession.”

Source:  https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors807.html

Pennsylvania:  I can’t find a specific military exemption, but I did find this:  “All new residents with out-of-state non-commercial driver’s licenses must obtain a PA Driver’s License within 60 days of establishing Pennsylvania residency.”  One way of interpreting this is that you only have to change your driver’s license if you are changing your residency to Pennsylvania.

Source:  http://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/New-Resident-Relocation-Information/New%20Residents/Pages/Info-For-New-Residents.aspx#.Vije1H6rTIU

Rhode Island:  No exemption found.

South Carolina:   From their military page, “If you and your dependents are temporarily stationed in South Carolina, you are not required to get an SC driver’s license if this is not your home state. But, you must have a valid license from your home state if you want to drive in this state.”

Source:  http://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Military

South Dakota:  “The following people can drive on a valid license from their home state, so long as they are at least 16 years old.

Military – Members of the Armed Forces on active duty or members of foreign military on temporary duty with the Armed Forces, as well as their spouse and children.”

Source:  http://dps.sd.gov/licensing/driver_licensing/basic_licensing_info.aspx

Tennessee:  The following persons are exempt from licensing: “Any active member of the armed forces assigned to a military installation or base located within this state, and the member’s spouse, who have in their immediate possession a valid driver license issued to them in their home state or country; provided, that this exemption only applies if the member of the armed forces has not established Tennessee as the member’s domicile.”

Source: http://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2010/title-55/chapter-50/part-3/55-50-304/

Texas:  “The following persons are exempt from the license requirement imposed under this chapter:  …

(3) a nonresident on active duty in the armed forces of the United States who holds a license issued by the person’s state or Canadian province of residence; and

(4) a person who is the spouse or dependent child of a nonresident exempt under Subdivision (3) and who holds a license issued by the person’s state or Canadian province of residence.”

Source:  http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.521.htm

Utah:  No exemption found.

Vermont:  No exemption found.

Virginia:  “If you are an active duty member of the Armed Forces stationed in Virginia, you, your spouse and dependent children may drive with a valid driver’s license issued by your home state or country. It is not necessary for you to obtain a Virginia driver’s license.”

Source:  http://www.dmv.state.va.us/drivers/#military_faq.asp

Washington:  “In addition to persons exempt from driver license requirement pursuant to RCW 46.20.025, the following persons are exempt from the requirement to obtain a valid driver’s license issued to Washington residents under chapter 46.20 RCW: ….

(2) Military personnel who are at least sixteen years of age who have in their immediate possession a valid driver’s license issued by the jurisdiction designated as their home of record. A spouse or dependent of a person who meets the criteria of this subsection is also exempt from the driver’s license requirement, provided that the spouse or dependent has in his or her immediate possession a valid driver’s license issued by the jurisdiction designated as his or her home of record.”

Source:  http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=308-104-008

West Virginia:  It looks like the laws of West Virginia don’t exempt military folks from getting a license.  Here are the people who are exempt (emphasis added):

“If you live in West Virginia and want to drive a motor vehicle on the public roads, you must have a West Virginia driver’s license, unless you are exempt. You must carry your license with you when you drive.

Who is Exempt?

  • Any person operating a motor vehicle in the armed services of the United States in the performance of official duties.
  • A nonresident who is at least 16 years old and has a valid driver’s license from another state or country (limited to 90 days in a calendar year).
  • A nonresident who is attending a West Virginia college or university and has a valid license from another state

If you know of another provision, please let me know!

Source:  http://www.transportation.wv.gov/dmv/drivers/pages/Drivers-Licenses.aspx

Wisconsin:  no exemption found

Wyoming:  “The following persons are exempt from the licensing requirement under this act: …

(iii) A nonresident on active duty in the armed forces of the United States who has a valid license issued by his state of residence and the nonresident’s spouse or dependent son or daughter who has a valid license issued by the person’s state of residence;”

source: https://codes.findlaw.com/wy/title-31-motor-vehicles/wy-st-sect-31-7-107.html

One of the hardest things about knowing driver’s license laws is that the specific military exemptions are often hard to find.  Unfortunately, it isn’t really wise to rely on word-of-mouth advice on a topic this serious.  While most law enforcement officials would probably give you a warning and inform you of the actual laws, it is better to be sure that you know the laws in the first place.

As always, if you see something here that conflicts with the information you have, please let me know.  If you know of a source that I don’t have, share so I can spread the knowledge.

Like this post?  You may also enjoy these:

The Ultimate PCS Guide To Packing Out

The Math of Buying and Selling Houses

Have I Mentioned How Much I Love Ebates?

“

Kate
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43 Comments
Filed Under: Moving

Comments

  1. Melissa says

    10 February 2015 at 7:26 am

    It’s out of scope for this post, I think, but spouses who PCS overseas are required to get a local license if they want to drive in the host country. In our case, we were required to get a German license, and if we wanted to get an international license, we could do that, as well. The two are not one in the same.

    Reply
    • Kate Horrell says

      13 February 2015 at 1:30 pm

      Hi Melissa! Thanks for stopping by. In my experience, it depends on the host country. I’ve lived in three countries. In one I had to get a local license, in the other two I received a local military “license” that worked in conjunction with my valid US license. I always recommend that readers do whatever their local military vehicle office tells them needs to be done.

      Reply
    • Michelle says

      6 April 2016 at 9:25 pm

      Guam is the same way.

      Reply
  2. Hannah (Fun Flying Four) says

    10 March 2015 at 7:03 am

    Wow such useful information thanks for posting this…one day I know I will refer back to this! As of now we are in Okinawa and I have a local SOFA license along with my New Zealand license. My problem is both expire next year (2 years before we are due to leave) and I have no way to renew either 🙁 EEK! Not quite sure how I am going to work that one out, but choosing to ignore for the time being lol

    Reply
    • kenna Jordan says

      14 March 2015 at 2:49 am

      We have been overseas twice ( Germany and Italy ) when my license expired ( spouse) and I just wrote my hometown DMV explained the circumstances and for $14 they would send me a new license with same picture as last time. Worked no problem. Good luck

      Reply
  3. Kalyis says

    14 March 2015 at 5:16 pm

    I am a military spouse that lives in Hawaii and still have my original driver’s license. I’ve been here the years with no issues, even when registering my car which has the original plates.

    Reply
  4. Ellie says

    14 March 2015 at 1:17 pm

    Arizona: We were stationed there while MSRRA went into effect and I was was not required to surrender my legal resident state DL and obtain an AZ one. I was also expempt from state taxes while employed in the state.

    Reply
    • Ana says

      13 December 2016 at 8:55 pm

      We are stationed here as well and my TX is about to expire. I don’t wish to surrender m legal residency , but will if I have to. So what did you end up doing if you don’t mind me asking?

      Reply
  5. Sam Watkins says

    19 March 2015 at 4:42 pm

    MSRRA applies to Kentucky. I spoke with a legal representative on Fort Knox before I moved to Fort Bragg about it (Knox is the closest post to my hometown). He gave me council for KY laws, and pointed me in the direction of who to talk to at Bragg about NC state laws because he wasn’t 100% certain about them. But if you PCS or get stationed at Knox or Campbell, you do not have to change your driver’s license to a KY state license.

    Reply
  6. Jenn Dennis says

    5 May 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Here is a release from Offut Legal office about keeping your home of record driver’s license in Nebraska.

    http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&ved=0CE0QFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.offutt.af.mil%2Fshared%2Fmedia%2Fdocument%2FAFD-131016-043.pdf&ei=adxIVbGqHsmnyAT11oCADw&usg=AFQjCNHPtLc9ChEeTsnMonatqjRcNfV2cA&sig2=cP3E-Nj15vhzSFuy-3gC0A&bvm=bv.92291466,d.aWw

    Reply
  7. Ann says

    13 July 2015 at 2:57 pm

    We lived in Ga for 4 yrs and there were no issues with either of us having NYS drivers licenses there.
    I live in Fl now with a NYS license but supposedly in Fl if the spouse or dependents become employed they are to get a Fl license.
    Also… When I renewed my NYS license, I was able to put my Fl residence as my address.

    Reply
    • Kate Horrell says

      14 July 2015 at 12:31 pm

      I’ve never heard that you have to get a Florida license if you get a job there (unless, of course, it is a requirement for the job. Can I ask where you learned this? I want to make sure I have my info straight.

      Reply
    • Jo Anna says

      21 December 2015 at 9:55 am

      We have been in GA for two years and I was just informed by a local Sheriff Deputy that I am required to get a GA drivers license despite the fact that hubs is active duty, I am a legal resident of FL and do not work in GA. Where did you find the legal exemption?

      Reply
      • Holly says

        6 April 2016 at 10:15 am

        When we lived in GA you had 30 days to get a GA licence so yeah.

        Reply
  8. Heather says

    8 November 2015 at 2:06 pm

    http://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/drive-new-york-state

    It doesn’t state anything specific related to military, but we’ve been stationed at Fort Drum since 2011 and did not get NY IDs/licenses. My spouse [soldier] and I have both had traffic violations and had no issues with our NC [home of record] licenses. We made sure to show our military IDs with it. As long as you have a current/valid military ID, shouldn’t be an issue unless you’ve changed home of record to/become a resident of NY.

    Reply
  9. JOHN DOE says

    5 March 2016 at 11:49 am

    Wife is active duty with the U.S. Public Health Service, rank of O-5, and she’s stationed in CA. Wife and I are TN residents. We both currently have TN driver’s licenses. Mine expires at the end of this month. Went online to try and renew it and it says I have to do it in person. Never received a renewal notice in the mail. I would like to renew it, and not have to get a CA driver’s license. TN has special rules for active duty servicemembers but they specifically state that these special rules don’t apply to family members. The special rule basically allows the active duty person to maintain a valid driver’s license in the state of TN even after it expires, as long as they are on active duty. I sent an email to the TN online driver’s license email address to try and get an answer. Based on what I read above, I think I may need to get a CA driver’s license?

    Reply
    • Kate Horrell says

      6 March 2016 at 7:54 pm

      If Tennessee law does not permit you to renew online, you will either have to go to Tennessee, or elect to get a California driver’s license. Thankfully, the act of getting a local driver’s license does not otherwise change your legal domicile as long as you properly maintain all your other evidences of intent to remain Tennessee residents. Good luck!

      Reply
  10. Holly says

    6 April 2016 at 10:13 am

    MO — when I called the DMV they told me I could keep it because we were there “temporarily” as long as we were there on orders (duh?). I never got any tickets or accidents so can’t address that but I did also email for verification and kept that email just in case.

    AZ — I don’t know about exemptions when you are stationed there but as a resident your license is good until age 60 (you can update the photo periodically) so I have kept mine even when we lived in CA. Hubby’s does not expire as Active Duty until he retires.

    Reply
  11. Kris says

    7 April 2016 at 2:22 pm

    Even among NY DMV’s there seems to be discrepancy. I could not put my out of state address when renewing my NY license.they would only accept a NY address. I could only confirm the address on it or obtain an out of state license.hmm.

    Reply
  12. Confused says

    22 August 2016 at 10:07 pm

    TX – My wife says she has to get a TX DL to replace her GA DL. I looked at the TX code and I have a question.

    I am a resident of WA and I have a WA DL. My wife has a GA DL. ……”who holds a license issued by the person’s state”

    Does this only apply if my wife had a WA DL?

    Reply
    • Kate Horrell says

      27 August 2016 at 10:55 am

      Dear Confused, I’m going to need a little more information. Which one of you is the service member, or are both of you on active duty? Where is your wife a legal resident? Are you stationed in Texas on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders? Is her Georgia driver’s license still valid?

      Reply
  13. Erin says

    7 September 2016 at 11:50 pm

    My husband and I are both CA residents (Home of record and for taxes) but we currently live in VA. Our CA drivers licenses have long expired but CA issued us a DL236 card which states that they will remain valid until we return to the state. At that point we will have 30 days to renew. Well, I was visiting CA this summer so I made an apt with the CA DMV to renew and they wouldn’t let me because I didn’t have two forms of proof of residency. So, back to VA I went with my expired CA license. However, we (or at least I do) will need a valid license before we head overseas to Okinawa next spring. So, what do I do? Get a VA license? If so, does that mean we will have to pay VA income taxes instead of CA? I feel like I am going in circles.

    Reply
    • Kate Horrell says

      26 September 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Erin, I’m not an expert in California laws, so I’m afraid I’m not going to be much help. Readers, can any of you help Erin?

      Reply
  14. Questions Questions says

    19 February 2017 at 9:12 am

    If your spouse (active duty) is about to retire and you (non-active duty) have a WA dl do you have to get a GA dl, if GA is where this person will retire? The almost retired active duty person has a Fl dl. The WA dl is military so there is no expiration.

    Reply
    • Kate Horrell says

      20 February 2017 at 11:20 am

      When the military member retires, both spouses need to obtain a driver’s license in the state where they actually live. The state provisions that exempt military members and their dependents from changing driver’s licenses no longer apply once you are no longer serving.

      Reply
  15. Jean says

    5 August 2017 at 12:40 pm

    I would avoid getting a Rhode Island license if you can. We were there for one year (Navy War College) and then moved overseas. I switched my license from Hawaii to RI. RI wants you to appear in person to renew it and if you renew by mail its only good for two years. For the past 11 years, I have had to get a notarized letter why I can’t appear, get my eyes examined to fill out the eye form, send money, stamped self address envelope and everything they ask and still it never arrives like it should. Last time (two years ago) it expired in July and I finally got the new one in January. We will see how long it takes this time. I had the police run a check on my license when I was visiting this summer in Wisconsin and they said its good until 2019 but I still haven’t received the new license in the mail in England. Not fun if you want to rent cars overseas. Thanks for the article Kate!

    Reply
  16. Jen says

    29 August 2017 at 3:21 am

    A little more detail for military families moving to Guam: the employees at the Department of Revenue and Taxation are very friendly despite dealing with long lines of customers all day. This US territory will punch a hole in your civilian spouse’s license and issue him/her a Guam driver’s license.

    For military members who are legal residents of Guam it sounds a lot like Rhode Island.
    Source: http://www.govguamdocs.com/revtax/docs/2012_Off-island%20renewal-replacement_application_Sept2012-v2.pdf

    Reply
  17. Vickie says

    18 September 2017 at 10:51 am

    From https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/veteran-and-military-driver-laws-and-benefits-in-georgia-by-valerie-mellema

    Non-resident service members stationed in Georgia are not required to obtain a Georgia driver license or vehicle registration, as long as their home state documents remain valid.

    Doesn’t specify spouses 🙁

    Reply
    • Vickie says

      18 September 2017 at 11:00 am

      Ooh! Never mind!
      From http://www.eregulations.com/georgia/driver/general-licensing-information/
      (Under “Not Required to Attain a GA Driver’s License/Permit”)
      A nonresident who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States if he or she has a valid license issued by his or her home state. This includes their spouse or dependent son or daughter who has a valid license issued by their home state;

      Reply
  18. Kacie says

    10 January 2018 at 10:00 am

    If Alaska is your home of record, they will send you a new license with your new address on it. Moved from AK to Louisiana 6 years ago. My current Alaska DL has my Louisiana address.

    Reply
  19. Lauren says

    24 January 2018 at 4:38 pm

    How does it work for tickets? If I have a CA drivers license with a GA address. We are stationed in GA…. do I have to go to CA traffic school? Do the points go based as they would in CA or in GA?

    Reply
  20. Gemma says

    26 June 2018 at 3:00 pm

    Does a license exemption generally mean exemption from vehicle registration in the new state as well?

    Reply
  21. Marcia says

    29 June 2018 at 8:34 am

    As mil spouse, we live in Va but I own a property( have renter) in Co and have Colorado drivers license. Can I use my Colorado address to renew my Colorado license even though someone is renting now? We will move back to Colorado in 2 years.

    Reply
  22. Ashley says

    25 January 2019 at 11:37 am

    We just PCS’d to Arizona, and got pulled over today and the officer argued with me about me changing my residency and license to the state

    Reply
  23. Jodi Douthitt says

    23 July 2019 at 11:56 am

    Information I found due to a recent PCS.

    According to the Georgia Drivers Manual 2018-2019

    A nonresident who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States if he or she has a valid license issued by his or her home state. This includes their spouse or dependent son or daughter who has a valid license issued by their home state;

    Also, according to Kentucky Driver’s Manual 2017

    WHO DOES NOT NEED A KENTUCKY DRIVER’S LICENSE?
    • Members of the military on active duty and their dependents who hold a valid license from another state.

    Reply
    • Jodi Douthitt says

      23 July 2019 at 11:58 am

      I forgot to include websites:
      http://kentuckystatepolice.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kentucky-Driver-Manual-12-1-2017.pdf

      http://www.eregulations.com/georgia/driver/license-requirements-restrictions/

      Reply
  24. Marielle Lerner says

    20 December 2019 at 1:25 pm

    I am a military spouse and I have no issues at all.

    Reply
  25. Meredith Fish says

    1 July 2020 at 10:41 pm

    I was reading this post and saw your note about Arizona. I recently did some research on it when we lived there. They define a “resident” as anyone who works there or sends their kids to public school there. https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/new-az-welcome#:~:text=Resident%20Definition,than%20for%20seasonal%20agricultural%20work).&text=You%20obtain%20a%20state%20license,rate%20as%20an%20Arizona%20resident.

    Reply
    • Kate Horrell says

      2 July 2020 at 6:09 pm

      Hi Meredith – If you scroll down on the page you have linked, it says, “Active duty military personnel based in Arizona who qualify for exemption under the Service Members Civil Relief Act of 2003 are not considered Arizona residents.”

      Hope that helps.

      Reply
  26. Alissa says

    17 February 2023 at 7:05 pm

    I take the MSRRA as protecting spouses driver’s license since is does protect spouse state of legal residence. It protects spouses from being forced to switch their state of legal residency.

    Essential every US state has the DMV condition of being required to obtain/trade-in for a local state drivers license as “becoming a legal resident”. So under MSRRA, just a presence for a set amount of time in that new state doesn’t qualify you as a new legal resident (as it typically would). The only way MSRRA wouldn’t protect you is if you did voluntarily switch your driver’s license, vehicle registration, tax filing or voter registration to the new state– then you have created documentation claiming a new state of legal residency.

    Reply
    • Kate Horrell says

      17 February 2023 at 7:13 pm

      Alissa, your logic makes sense, but that’s not how state laws are currently written. They either have explicit or implied carveouts for military spouses – except for the states that don’t.

      Reply
  27. Meagen says

    12 May 2023 at 5:58 pm

    We recently PCS’d to Hawaii. According to the driver license helpdesk in Honolulu, military spouses are not exempt and are required to obtain a Hawaii driver license. If the vehicle is registered under the service member’s name, then you are not required to register the vehicle in Hawaii when you move. Hope this helps!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Kate! Accredited Financial Counselor®, Navy spouse, and mom of four.

Here at the blog, I talk about the financial issues that affect military families - pay, allowances, and benefits. Plus college stuff, landlording, moving, taxes. We cover a little bit of everything.

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