multiple driver's licenses possible?

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

So my 911-driving daughter now lives in San Fran, where she has a Cali driver's license and her car registered to her San Fran address. And today, here in New York, her license-renewal application arrived at our address, where she formerly lived.

Would it be illegal for her to have two licenses at two addresses, in case she ever got her Cali license suspended, or is that courting disaster?

[jtkkz]

As far as I know you can not have 2 drivers license..

I tried getting one in Oregon cause I have a vacation home there and they told me you will need to give up your CA. license, only 1 license allowed.

[Noel]

Over the years I moved from Ohio to PA to MA. Each time, I had to turn in my old license in order to receive a new one in the new state. However, I suppose that I could have taken a new written and drivers exam. I also know that my driver's license number is on my insurance, so multiple licenses may create issues with insurance too. For example, if you lost your license in CA for a DUI and didn't disclose this to your insurance Co since they had your NY license on file, then I could see coverage issues if you ever made a claim and they found out.
IMO, it isn't worth it.

[tcar]

Your insurance will know that you lost your license and got a DUI even without you telling them.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Interesting...if Brook had to turn in her NY license when she got her Cali license, they apparently didn't tell NY, which is offering her a renewal. and I know she didn't take a new road test in Cali, or anything like that.

Be that as it may, I suspect you're right, Noel.

[cashflyer]

It used to be somewhat common, however most states now have laws against it. And it is a violation of Federal law for a commercial driver to have multiple licenses.

From NY DMV:
"Normally, you cannot have a NYS driver license and a driver license from another state, but there are exceptions."
http://www.nysdmv.com/license.htm

[silverc4s]

Steve,
As far as I know, many states will allow you to keep another license IF you are willing to take the complete driving exam in their state. Texas does, at least they did a few years ago...

[Greek55]

It depends on the state. Most have laws against it.

[nameisbauer]

If you let you do it, do it. Why not.

[dw1]

According to the state regulations I am aware of, one has (60) days after establishing residency to get a license, and the old license must be surrendered upon getting the new one.

Having 2 valid licenses is like having (2) "valid" residences for voting registration - you might get away with it for awhile, but if you get stopped, a ticked will be issued.

Having said this, there is a big problem in my state with illegal aliens driving on questionable or outright false and/or expired out-of-state licenses. Sure the cops can issue tickets, unfortunately often to a fictitious address, but that's all they can do.

[dshepp806]

Call 'em and ask.

I say you can't.

Best,

[RWebb]

yes, check an dcover all bases carefully. I would Email NOT call as you then have a written record showing "good faith" -- and you might need that if hauled into court.

My worry is that the terrorism and illegal alien issues have elevated this to a very high state. No one wants to be arrested and tossed in jail for something like this, but I suspect it could happen these days.

[DonMo]

I had a Florida and Virginia drivers license awhile back. Renewals back then required you to show up and I lost the Va. one then. Don't ask, don't tell.

[KevinP73]

I held a DoD issued license and a Missouri state drivers license for many years. It was never an issue 'till I moved to California and they demanded that I surrender the DoD issued license. I refused and in return they refused to issue a CDL and refused to accept the DoD license as valid.
So I guess it's all a matter of where you are and who knows what you have.

[charleskieffner]

if pulled over in az. your vehicle better match your registration, vehicle better match insurance. address' on all (3) license,registration,insurance address all WILL be the same or you will be charged with IMPERSONATING A PERSON!

" upon assuming viable employment and or 90 days you must get an az. drivers license,register vehicle and have at least liability insurance.

the scam was-is to take a smog illegal vehicle and use an address(PO BOX) outside of maricopa(phx.) and pima(tucson) counties and make vehicle smog exempt. fuzz caught on to this and if your DL and registration and insurance address dont all say the same you at the least get a ticket and have to explain to da judge yer perdicament! i think its a $432 fine.

cops real strict on this here due to "LOS ILLEGALS"!

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Turns out my daughter had to show her NY license to get a California license. They punched a hole in it and gave it back and obviously never told NY, since NY is now offering her a renewal of her NY license.

[richde]

Originally Posted by tcar

Your insurance will know that you lost your license and got a DUI even without you telling them.

That's not always true

[Porsche-O-Phile]

There is a federal database called the NDR (National Driver Register) administered by the NHTSA (a division of DOT I think). Any license suspension or revocation in ANY state for ANY reason for ANY length of time goes in that database.

Big Brother is inescapable.

Oh, as a matter of interest, William Jefferson Clinton was the president who signed that one into law.

[Buckterrier]

Yeap, I've lived in 6 states and always had to turn in DL.

[efhughes3]

Admit it Stephan, you're fishing on this one to see if YOU can pull off 2 licenses to keep your car registered in NY so that you can take her to SF with you.