Can You Get A License In Another State If Yours Is Suspended
Summary
- If your license is suspended, getting another elsewhere is unlikely
- Most states participate in a compact that makes it hard to avoid suspension
- Even non-participating states might access your driving record
In the past, if your license was suspended in one state, it was often easy to go to another state and get a license there. However, because there are multiple ways that states share driving records with one another, getting a second driver’s license is much more difficult than it once was.
So, in what state can you get a license if you’re suspended in another one? You have the best chance of securing a license in a state that’s not part of the Driver License Compact (DLC), but even then, your chances of success are fairly slim.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Can You Get a License in Another State if Suspended in Your Home State?
If your license was revoked in another state, you might think you’ll have no issue getting a license in your home state — or vice versa. However, in most cases, getting a license in one state after a suspension in another is challenging. In some states, it’s next to impossible. Even if you are able to obtain another license, you may be violating the law by doing so. Here’s a closer look.
Can Police Tell if Your License Is Suspended in Another State?
If your license is suspended in a different state, you might find that you’re still able to drive in your home state. However, if you lose your current license because you have moved to another state, your new state will likely check your driving records.
If your license is suspended elsewhere and your new state finds out, you likely won’t be able to receive a license until you have completed the terms of your suspension.
Police can usually tell if your license is suspended elsewhere thanks to something called the Driver License Compact (DLC). This is an agreement between most states to share information about license suspensions and certain vehicle-related offenses (like aggravated DUI or even violations of open container law).
The DLC helps ensure drivers are held accountable — and that they can’t circumvent suspensions by going to another state and getting a new driver’s license.
What State Can You Get a License if You’re Suspended in Another One?
Although the majority of states participate in the Driver License Compact (DLC), there are a few states that don’t:
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
If your license is suspended in a different state, you might be able to obtain a new license in one of these states. However, the fact that these states don’t participate in the DLC doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t know about your license suspension. Serious offenses like DUI are often reported to other states — including those that aren’t members of the DLC.
Non-DLC states often have alternative ways to check your driving record before issuing you a license. These states commonly check the National Driver Registry (NDR), which includes information about driver’s license suspensions and revocations.
Even if one of these states doesn’t have information about your existing suspension, you should think carefully before trying to obtain another license. Often, you must answer questions about existing licenses and current suspensions or revocations when you apply for a new license.
In some states, answering these questions might result in charges of fraud or perjury. If any state discovers you’ve answered these questions to obtain a driver’s license, you might face penalties like these:
- An extension of your current suspension or revocation
- Criminal charges
- Fines
- Jail time
These consequences may impact your life more than you realize. For instance, in many states, perjury is a felony. A felony conviction can lead to problems securing employment and the loss of your Second Amendment rights. In some states, felony convictions might make you ineligible for nutrition assistance and other government aid.
How to Reinstate a Suspended License in a Different State
What happens if you move to a new state while your license is suspended? While exact procedures vary by state, you likely will need to resolve your suspension in the state where it originally happened. To resolve your suspension, you may be required to do at least one of the following:
- Pay a fine
- Complete community service
- Attend classes
The best way to increase your chances of quick license reinstatement is to be proactive. When you arrive in your new state, consult someone at the state’s licensing agency. They should be able to tell you how to reinstate your license after the suspension period is over.
If the process is unclear or you run into difficulties when trying to reinstate your license, it may be helpful to consult an experienced lawyer. Auto lawyers experienced in traffic law can offer clear, helpful guidance for navigating interstate license suspensions.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Is It Time to Consult a Lawyer?
Dealing with a suspended license can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially if you rely on your vehicle to commute to work. If your license is currently suspended, the right lawyer might be able to help you get a hardship license. This is a limited driving privilege that allows you to drive to work, school or other essential places.
Whether you qualify for a hardship license depends on your state and the circumstances of your suspension. For instance, you’re more likely to qualify after a DUI first offense than after you’ve already been convicted of several DUIs.
No matter your situation, an experienced attorney can help you understand your options. If you’re ready to find a lawyer, fill out our form below for a free case review!
Car Accident Knowledge Base
Read the latest information on Car Accident and find answers to your questions. Currently there are 117 topics about Car Accident Claims.
-
Pedestrian Lawyer Texas
-
Austin Lawyer
-
Lawyer Houston
-
Lawyer San Antonio
-
Lawyer Sacramento
-
Lawyer Anaheim
-
Lawyer Riverside
-
Car Lawyer Long Beach
-
Orlando Lawyer
-
Auto Injury Lawyer Macon
-
Lawyer Atlanta
-
Lawyer Maryland
-
Car Lawyer Jacksonville
-
Lawyer Las Vegas
-
Lawyer Colorado Springs
-
Lawyer Phoenix
-
Car Lawyer Colorado
-
Lawyer Denver
-
Hit & Run Lawyer
-
Pedestrian Lawyer
-
Distracted Driving
-
Rideshare Lawyer
-
Car Lawyer New York City
-
Lawyer Chicago
-
Lawyer Indianapolis
-
Lawyer Philadelphia
-
Lawyer Cincinnati
-
Car Lawyer New Orleans
-
Lawyer Boston
-
Lawyer Massachusetts
-
Jail For Killing Someone
Can You Go To Jail For Accidentally Killing Someone In A Car Accident?
-
Claim Lost Wages
-
Car Lawyer Fees
-
Lost Wages Self Employed
-
Settlements No Injury
Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts With No Injuries (2025)
-
Whiplash Claims
-
Settlement Process
-
Claim No Lawyer
-
Lawsuit Guide
-
Worth Getting Attorney
-
Settlement Duration
-
Settlement Take Long
-
Property Damage
-
How Long To File
-
To Do Checklist
-
Drug Testing Laws
-
Insurance Increase
-
Uninsured Motorist
-
After Summons Steps
What’s The Next Step After Being Served After A Car Accident
-
Single Car Accidents
-
Borrowed Car
-
Hit Parked Car & Left
-
No Insurance Accident
-
Insurance Report
-
Totaled Not Fault
-
Insurance Go Up
-
Passenger Compensation
-
Time to Report
-
Rear-End Collisions
-
Back And Neck Settlements
Average Car Accident Settlements for Back & Neck Injuries '25
-
Jaywalking Illegal
-
Delayed Symptoms
-
Head-On Collisions
-
T-Bone Accident
-
Top Car Injuries
-
Airbag Injuries
-
Worst Injuries
-
Bus Accident Lawyer
-
Police Report
-
Pedestrian Hit
-
Unknowingly Hit
-
Boat Accident Attorney
-
Unlicensed Driver
-
Hit Parked Car
-
Train Accident Lawyer
-
Lawyer For Minor Accident
-
Collision Type Motorcycles
What’s The Most Common Type Of Collision Between Cars And Motorcycles?
-
No Injury Lawyer
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer for a Non Injury Accident? '25
-
Dot Recordable
-
Broken Side Mirror
Is It Illegal To Drive With A Broken Side Mirror? (May 2025)
-
Revoked License
-
Illegal Drive Barefoot
-
License In Another State
Can You Get A License In Another State If Yours Is Suspended
-
reckless-driving
-
Illegal Driving
-
Vehicular Assault
-
Car Accident
-
Legal Advice
-
Graves Amendment
-
Pedestrian Liability
-
Permit Driving Rules
-
Statute Of Limitations
-
If You Have Insurance
Can Someone Sue You For A Car Accident If You Have Insurance?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
If the state where your license is suspended is part of the Driver License Compact (DLC), suspension information will be shared with your home state.
-
No. Texas is part of the Driver License Compact, so it honors license suspensions issued by other states.
-
Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to get a license in another state if your driver’s license is suspended anywhere in the country. Many states share driving records with one another, and states that don’t share records may have access to databases of “problem” drivers.