Obtaining a driver’s license is an essential milestone for many people in the U.S. However, what many may not realize is that driver’s license laws can vary significantly from state to state. These differences reflect each state’s approach to road safety, driving requirements, and even who can hold a license. In this blog, we'll explore how driver’s license laws differ across the U.S. and what you need to know when applying for or transferring a license.
1. Age Requirements for a Driver’s License
The minimum age to obtain a driver’s license varies depending on the state. While most states allow teens to apply for a learner’s permit at 15 or 16, some states have higher or lower age thresholds. Here are a few examples:
- South Dakota: Teens can apply for a restricted license at age 14, one of the youngest ages in the U.S.
- New Jersey: The minimum age for a learner’s permit is 16, and a full driver’s license can only be obtained at 18.
- New York: The minimum age for a learner’s permit is also 16, but drivers must wait until they’re 17 to apply for a junior license and 18 for an unrestricted license.
2. Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) Programs
Many states have adopted Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) programs to help young drivers gain experience in a controlled environment before earning full driving privileges. These programs typically have three stages:
- Learner’s Permit: Allows for supervised driving with restrictions on night driving or passenger limits.
- Intermediate License: More driving freedom but still with certain restrictions.
- Full Unrestricted License: Granted after a certain age or after completing a probationary period with no violations.
The restrictions and duration of these stages can vary. For instance:
- California: Learner’s permit holders must complete 50 hours of supervised driving and hold the permit for six months before applying for an intermediate license.
- North Carolina: Teens must hold a learner’s permit for at least 12 months and complete 60 hours of driving, with night-time restrictions lasting until age 18.
3. Testing Requirements
While written and road tests are standard across the U.S., the specific requirements for passing can vary widely:
- Virginia: Includes a unique “Driver’s Education” component that requires teens to complete classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training before they can even take the test.
- Illinois: Road tests require parallel parking, while some other states may not emphasize this skill as much in their tests.
- Florida: Offers both online and in-person driver’s education programs, making it one of the few states with flexible options for completing the required training.
4. License Renewals and Expirations
The length of time that a license remains valid before renewal can also differ from state to state:
- Arizona: Driver’s licenses can be valid until the holder turns 65, with the requirement to update the photo every 12 years.
- New Mexico: Licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on the driver's preference.
- Connecticut: Drivers under the age of 65 must renew their license every six years, while those over 65 must renew every two years.
5. Transferring a License from Another State
If you move to a new state, you'll likely need to transfer your driver's license. The process is usually straightforward, but requirements differ:
- Texas: New residents have 90 days to transfer their out-of-state license without having to take a new driving test.
- California: New residents must transfer their license within 10 days of moving, which is one of the shortest windows in the U.S.
- New York: You must transfer your license within 30 days but may need to pass a vision test and show proof of identity and residency.
6. Driver’s License Suspension and Revocation
License suspension and revocation policies differ based on infractions like DUI offenses, speeding tickets, and driving without insurance:
- Georgia: Implements a tiered suspension system based on points accumulated for traffic violations. A first-time DUI offense leads to a mandatory 12-month suspension.
- Massachusetts: Uses a points system but also imposes additional penalties for habitual traffic offenders, which can result in a 4-year license revocation.
- Utah: Has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, meaning a first-time DUI offense can result in an immediate suspension.
7. Real ID Act Compliance
As of May 2025, all U.S. citizens will need to have a Real ID-compliant license to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. While every state is working towards compliance, some states have been quicker to adopt Real ID standards:
- California, New York, Texas: Already offer Real ID-compliant licenses as standard.
- Oregon: Residents had until 2020 to switch to Real ID, but the deadline for enforcement was extended due to the pandemic.
- Minnesota: One of the last states to begin offering Real ID licenses, but now fully compliant.
Looking for more information on state-specific driver’s license laws? Visit your local DMV or state government website for up-to-date details.
