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Moving to the USA by State: DMV, Driver’s License and Car Rules

Every state and DC sets its own deadline for a driver’s license and a car. Each row gives what the state agency says, or says plainly that we could not read it yet.

UKUSA

A few short questions. Nothing is sent until you check and confirm.

How do the states differ for someone moving to the USA?

Federal rules decide what enters the USA, but each state decides when a newcomer needs a driver’s license, how a car is registered and what tax follows. This guide gives every state and the District of Columbia a row: a sourced rule where its agency page could be read, and a plain statement that it is not yet confirmed where it could not.

We’re an introduction service, not a mover. Your enquiry goes to a removal company in our partner network, which tells you what it needs from you and when. It is not the authority on your state’s motor vehicle rules, so use these rows to ask the state agency the right question.

Each row opens with the Census Bureau’s population for the state, then gives what its agency says, in its own words where we quote it. Cities of 50,000 or more are named under their state, so a mover can find the row for a town that has no page of its own. A city or state with a guide on this site is linked from its row. The federal side is in our customs guide and our guide to bringing a UK car.

Quoted wording stays American, as the agencies print it. The rest of the page is in British spelling.

Which countries can skip a state driving test, and is the UK among them?

Thirteen state pages we read name the countries whose licence holders get a test waiver or exemption. The UK is on none of those lists, so a UK licence holder should expect to take tests in these states unless the agency says otherwise. The lists, as printed:

  • Arkansas:

    Manitoba in Canada, Germany, France, Taiwan and South Korea.

  • Connecticut:

    Canada, Germany and France.

  • Delaware:

    Germany, Taiwan and France.

  • Indiana:

    Japan and Taiwan.

  • Kentucky:

    Taiwan and South Korea.

  • Louisiana:

    Germany, Switzerland, South Korea and Taiwan.

  • Massachusetts:

    the Republic of Korea, Germany and France.

  • New Jersey:

    Taiwan and South Korea.

  • Oregon:

    Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

  • Vermont:

    Taiwan.

  • Virginia:

    Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

  • Washington:

    British Columbia (Class 5 only), Germany and South Korea for no tests; Taiwan and Japan through their offices in Seattle.

  • Wisconsin:

    France, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan.

A reciprocity list can change, so confirm it with the state before you book a test. Where a state names no list, its row says so.

What do the Northeast states say to someone moving in from abroad?

Nine states, from Maine to Pennsylvania. New Hampshire and Rhode Island could not be read.

Connecticut

3,688,496 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Connecticut DMV ties a test-free transfer to three countries: “If you have a valid license from Canada, Germany, or France”. The UK is not named there, so a UK licence holder should ask the DMV which tests apply.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Bridgeport 152,273; Stamford 139,535; New Haven 138,774; Hartford 121,981; Waterbury 115,771; Norwalk 94,508; Danbury 89,033; New Britain 76,286; Bristol 62,341; Meriden 60,810
  • West Haven 55,351

Maine

1,414,874 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles sets a short clock for a new resident: “You must obtain a new Maine license within 30 days of becoming a resident of the State of Maine.” The page does not say what a UK licence holder has to pass, so put that to the Bureau.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Portland 69,911

Massachusetts

7,154,084 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Registry of Motor Vehicles lets licence holders from some countries convert without a written or road test. The countries listed on the page we read are the Republic of Korea, Germany and France, and the UK is not among them. The Registry adds: “If you are a licensed driver from a country which does not have an established arrangement with the RMV for license conversion, you cannot convert your driver's license.” It lists the conversion fee as “Class D Driver's License Conversion Fee $115 each”. The Boston guide sets out how the city lets you reserve kerb space for a moving truck. The Somerville guide covers a neighbouring city’s moving van permit.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Boston 672,973; Worcester 213,862; Springfield 154,702; Cambridge 122,588; Lowell 119,971; Brockton 106,134; Lynn 104,236; Quincy 103,173; New Bedford 101,834; Fall River 95,298
  • Newton 90,741; Lawrence 89,320; Somerville 84,211; Framingham 73,021; Haverhill 68,361; Malden 66,370; Waltham 65,037; Taunton 62,522; Revere 60,141; Medford 59,834
  • Weymouth Town 59,759; Peabody 55,953; Chicopee 55,310; Methuen 54,584; Everett 53,572; Barnstable Town 50,101

New Hampshire

1,415,342 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for New Hampshire. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Manchester 116,818; Nashua 92,435

New Jersey

9,548,215 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). New Jersey titles a foreign car before it registers it: “Before you can register a foreign vehicle, you have to get it titled in New Jersey.” The Motor Vehicle Commission adds: “You must submit your request to the central MVC office to obtain a title on a foreign vehicle. Local MVC Agencies cannot issue this type of transfer.” Its reciprocity list reads: “The following countries have reciprocity agreements with New Jersey: Taiwan South Korea”. The Hoboken guide covers temporary no parking signs for a move in Hoboken.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Newark 323,808; Jersey City 302,013; Paterson 161,793; Elizabeth 141,675; Trenton 91,506; Clifton 91,127; Bayonne 74,744; East Orange 72,159; Camden 71,430; Passaic 71,337
  • Union City 66,656; Vineland 62,703; Hoboken 59,027; Plainfield 57,141; New Brunswick 57,133; Perth Amboy 56,739; West New York 53,192

New York

20,002,427 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The DMV tells a newcomer licensed abroad: “you must pass a written test, complete a five-hour pre-licensing course, and pass a road test”. For an imported car it warns that “The DMV can require your vehicle to comply with the minimum NYS safety and emissions standards even if your vehicle meets or is exempt from federal safety and emissions standards”. The New York guide explains what New York City publishes on kerb space for a moving truck. The Albany guide covers the state capital’s Emergency No Parking signs.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • New York 8,584,629; Buffalo 274,613; Yonkers 212,603; Rochester 206,108; Syracuse 144,896; Albany 101,698; New Rochelle 85,864; Mount Vernon 72,304; Schenectady 69,471; Utica 62,978
  • White Plains 62,871; Troy 50,912

Pennsylvania

13,059,432 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). PennDOT says that holders of a valid foreign licence “are authorized to drive in Pennsylvania for up to one year from their date of entry into the United States”, or until the foreign licence expires, whichever comes first. “International driving permits are strongly recommended, but not required.” The Philadelphia guide sets out the temporary no-parking permit for a moving truck. The Pittsburgh guide covers a moving permit priced by the truck.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Philadelphia 1,574,281; Pittsburgh 307,632; Allentown 126,044; Reading 95,832; Erie 91,838; Bethlehem 79,644; Scranton 75,514; Lancaster 58,366; Harrisburg 50,522

Rhode Island

1,114,521 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for Rhode Island. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure. The Providence guide covers a moving van space and the pod permit.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Providence 195,310; Cranston 84,647; Warwick 84,187; Pawtucket 77,065

Vermont

644,663 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Vermont’s DMV sets a deadline for a licence: “This must be done no longer than 60 days after moving to Vermont”. Its only test-waiver agreement is with Taiwan: “The Vermont DMV has a reciprocal agreement for driver licensing with Taiwan”.

No Vermont city reaches 50,000 residents on the Census Bureau’s 1 July 2025 estimate, so none is named here.

What do the Midwest states say to a newcomer moving to the USA?

Twelve states, from Ohio to the Dakotas. Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota could not be read.

Illinois

12,719,141 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for Illinois. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure. The Chicago guide explains Chicago’s move signs, ward rules and city sticker. The Evanston guide covers an optional moving permit, and the Champaign guide covers meter bags rented from the city.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Chicago 2,731,585; Aurora 181,505; Naperville 153,114; Joliet 152,241; Rockford 147,384; Elgin 115,476; Springfield 112,989; Peoria 110,920; Champaign 91,195; Waukegan 87,940
  • Cicero 81,858; Bloomington 78,804; Evanston 76,380; Decatur 67,884; Des Plaines 58,772; Berwyn 55,001; Wheaton 54,065; Normal 53,275

Indiana

6,973,333 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Bureau of Motor Vehicles says that where an applicant aged 18 or over presents an active licence from a participating country, “the BMV will waive the vehicle skills exam”. The page we read lists Japan and Taiwan under the agreement.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Fort Wayne 275,203; Evansville 116,176; Carmel 105,634; Fishers 104,812; South Bend 103,201; Bloomington 83,307; Noblesville 76,111; Hammond 75,712; Lafayette 71,238; Greenwood 69,349
  • Gary 67,289; Westfield 66,258; Muncie 65,466; Kokomo 59,999; Terre Haute 58,764; Anderson 56,153; Jeffersonville 54,134; Elkhart 54,092; Columbus 52,655; Mishawaka 51,226
  • Lawrence 50,420

Iowa

3,238,387 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for Iowa. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Des Moines 212,086; Cedar Rapids 137,935; Davenport 100,358; Sioux City 86,356; Ankeny 77,833; Iowa City 76,229; West Des Moines 74,224; Ames 68,220; Waterloo 66,919; Council Bluffs 62,680
  • Dubuque 59,148

Kansas

2,977,220 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Kansas Department of Revenue gives a new resident a long window: “You have 90 days after establishing residency”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Wichita 400,987; Overland Park 203,677; Kansas City 157,805; Olathe 150,025; Topeka 125,795; Lawrence 96,367; Shawnee 69,848; Lenexa 60,506; Manhattan 54,673

Michigan

10,127,884 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Secretary of State sends a new resident to an office for licence, title and registration together, and says: “There is no grace period provided in Michigan law.” For a car owned abroad the page asks for “along with proof of Michigan no-fault insurance for the vehicle”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Detroit 649,095; Grand Rapids 201,183; Warren 137,138; Sterling Heights 133,931; Ann Arbor 122,233; Lansing 113,884; Dearborn 105,611; Livonia 92,603; Troy 88,733; Farmington Hills 83,291
  • Westland 82,333; Flint 79,306; Wyoming 78,588; Rochester Hills 77,539; Southfield 76,111; Kalamazoo 72,683; Novi 67,319; Pontiac 62,077; Taylor 61,279; Dearborn Heights 60,664
  • St. Clair Shores 57,872; Royal Oak 57,583; Kentwood 54,776; Battle Creek 52,021

Minnesota

5,830,405 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for Minnesota. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure. St. Paul has no guide of its own. Its truck parking page says: “Vehicles over 26,000 pounds are prohibited from parking on any city street unless engaged in loading/unloading or providing a service”. It adds that commercial vehicles and vehicles over 10,000 pounds may not park on streets next to residential zoning, with a fine of $250 from 1 July 2024. It names no permit for a household move, so only the loading exemption concerns a mover.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Minneapolis 430,324; St. Paul 306,684; Rochester 124,292; Bloomington 89,034; Duluth 88,330; Brooklyn Park 83,543; Woodbury 81,558; Lakeville 79,270; Plymouth 78,942; Blaine 76,603
  • Maple Grove 73,893; St. Cloud 72,647; Eagan 67,109; Burnsville 65,244; Coon Rapids 64,193; Eden Prairie 63,075; Apple Valley 55,248; Edina 54,356; Minnetonka 53,969; St. Louis Park 50,027

Missouri

6,270,541 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Missouri Department of Revenue’s general licence questions state no rule for a UK licence. On international driving permits the page only says: “You can find information regarding the International Driving Permit (IDP) on the U.S. Department of State website”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Kansas City 521,220; St. Louis 278,144; Springfield 169,847; Columbia 130,851; Independence 121,675; Lee's Summit 107,514; O'Fallon 96,101; St. Charles 72,561; St. Joseph 71,001; Blue Springs 61,632
  • St. Peters 61,479; Joplin 53,930; Florissant 51,124

Nebraska

2,018,006 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Nebraska’s DMV sets 30 days for a driver arriving from another US state: “Any new resident with a valid license from another state must obtain a Nebraska license within 30 days”. The page we read states no foreign-licence rule.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Omaha 488,797; Lincoln 301,522; Bellevue 64,863; Grand Island 53,943

North Dakota

799,358 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Department of Transportation allows a grace period on a licence from another US state: “You may use your non-commercial license from another state for a period of 60 days after you become a resident of North Dakota”. Its page for other nations could not be read, so a UK licence holder should ask it directly.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Fargo 136,275; Bismarck 77,963; Grand Forks 60,365

Ohio

11,900,510 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). For a temporary resident on a visa who is 21 or over, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires the following: “Complete a driver education class at a licensed driver training school with 24 hours of classroom or online instruction, and 8 hours of driving time”. The Columbus guide covers the 906 moving van permit.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Columbus 938,396; Cleveland 363,608; Cincinnati 314,367; Toledo 263,423; Akron 189,691; Dayton 136,688; Parma 78,581; Canton 69,001; Lorain 65,366; Hamilton 64,644
  • Youngstown 58,832; Springfield 58,281; Kettering 57,396; Elyria 53,634; Middletown 52,146; Newark 51,473; Cuyahoga Falls 50,975

South Dakota

935,094 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The South Dakota driver pages and new-driver booklet that we saved state no rule for a foreign licence, so none is given here. Ask the Department of Public Safety.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Sioux Falls 213,748; Rapid City 80,589

Wisconsin

5,972,787 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Department of Transportation waives the knowledge and skills tests for four countries: “Foreign motorists from France, Germany, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) or Taiwan (Republic of China) who apply for a class D Regular Wisconsin driver license may be eligible to have the knowledge and skills tests waived”. It sets the time for a regular licence: “Within 60 days for a regular license”. The Madison guide covers no parking signs for a moving truck and the container permit.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Milwaukee 562,407; Madison 286,233; Green Bay 106,675; Kenosha 99,239; Racine 77,908; Appleton 75,452; Eau Claire 72,465; Waukesha 70,872; Oshkosh 67,460; Janesville 66,929
  • West Allis 60,119; La Crosse 50,784

What do the Southern states and DC say about moving a driver and a car?

Sixteen states and the District of Columbia, from Delaware to Texas. Maryland and South Carolina could not be read.

Alabama

5,193,088 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says a driver “may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident of the state”. That sentence concerns a licence from another US state, and the page we read gives no foreign-licence rule.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Huntsville 233,627; Mobile 200,824; Birmingham 195,893; Montgomery 195,300; Tuscaloosa 114,316; Hoover 93,550; Auburn 85,113; Dothan 72,060; Madison 67,968; Decatur 58,056

Arkansas

3,114,791 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Arkansas driver manual lists countries under the heading: “Exempt Countries: Manitoba Canada, Germany France Taiwan South Korea”. The UK is not on that list.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Little Rock 206,427; Fayetteville 106,623; Fort Smith 90,855; Springdale 90,685; Jonesboro 83,296; Rogers 76,956; Conway 72,328; North Little Rock 65,120; Bentonville 63,057

Delaware

1,059,952 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Delaware sets 60 days: “Sixty days after the non-resident driver becomes a Delaware resident, he/she must apply for a Delaware driver license”. The DMV also says: “Drivers from other countries may retain their foreign licenses”. All drivers licensed in other countries must pass the knowledge and road exams, with one exception: “Delaware has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, Taiwan (Republic of China) and France”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Wilmington 73,512

District of Columbia

693,645 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). DC DMV says: “you will still have to take and pass the DC DMV driver knowledge test”. It also says: “DC DMV does not accept international driver licenses”. A different line gives a concession: “You will be allowed to keep your out-of-country driver license along with your DC DMV REAL ID driver license”. The Washington DC guide sets out the public-space permit for a moving truck and a moving container.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Washington 693,645

Florida

23,462,518 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). A Florida tax collector’s help page sets out the steps for a car from abroad. It must clear customs, and then a form is needed. Of that form the page says: “This form verifies the VIN and odometer on all vehicles being transferred to Florida from another country”. The same page says: “out of state insurance policies MUST be transferred to Florida, and a new Florida policy issued”. The state motor vehicle department’s own pages could not be read. The Florida guide covers the pet entry rules and says what could not be read on cars.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Jacksonville 1,017,689; Miami 489,812; Tampa 413,554; Orlando 333,888; Port St. Lucie 268,062; St. Petersburg 264,033; Cape Coral 236,264; Hialeah 230,968; Tallahassee 204,902; Fort Lauderdale 188,677
  • Pembroke Pines 176,714; Hollywood 157,019; Gainesville 148,671; Palm Bay 148,092; Miramar 142,570; Coral Springs 138,783; West Palm Beach 127,189; Lakeland 125,520; Pompano Beach 117,211; Clearwater 114,364
  • Miami Gardens 113,579; Davie 110,851; Palm Coast 109,886; Boca Raton 101,582; Fort Myers 101,581; Deltona 100,267; Plantation 99,183; Sunrise 98,846; North Port 96,551; Deerfield Beach 89,339
  • Daytona Beach 88,471; Melbourne 87,097; Homestead 86,242; Kissimmee 85,591; Boynton Beach 82,396; Doral 81,634; Miami Beach 81,594; Largo 80,690; Lauderhill 75,668; St. Cloud 74,960
  • Tamarac 74,134; Ocala 71,753; Delray Beach 69,809; Weston 69,588; Sanford 67,483; Port Orange 66,395; Apopka 65,552; Palm Beach Gardens 63,883; Jupiter 62,350; Winter Haven 62,313
  • North Miami 60,884; Margate 60,070; Coconut Creek 58,626; Sarasota 58,458; Bradenton 58,014; Bonita Springs 57,634; Pensacola 53,817; Clermont 52,812; Pinellas Park 52,295; Ocoee 51,932
  • Fort Pierce 51,737

Georgia

11,302,748 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Department of Driver Services gives a non-citizen a clock: “he or she must obtain a Georgia driver's license within thirty (30) days”. For testing it says: “If you are a driver from a nation that does not have a reciprocal agreement with DDS, you will be required to take and pass a Georgia's written, road and vision test”. The Department of Revenue asks for “we must also have a Certification of Inspection, Form T-22B, completed by a Georgia law enforcement officer”, where a foreign registration replaces the manufacturer’s certificate. The Georgia guide covers the residency test, the title list for a car from abroad and the Port of Savannah.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Atlanta 529,110; Columbus 202,171; Macon-Bibb County 157,556; Savannah 149,440; South Fulton 112,820; Sandy Springs 105,013; Roswell 91,505; Warner Robins 87,761; Johns Creek 80,401; Mableton 78,820
  • Alpharetta 66,921; Albany 66,907; Marietta 63,574; Stonecrest 61,337; Brookhaven 59,643; Smyrna 57,513; Valdosta 56,186; Dunwoody 51,792

Kentucky

4,606,864 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Kentucky lists two reciprocity countries: “Holds an International Driver Permit and a valid license from a reciprocity country (Taiwan & South Korea)”. For any other country: “Holds a foreign license from a country not accepted by the U.S. Vision, Written & Road Testing”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Lexington-Fayette urban county 329,751; Bowling Green 78,505; Owensboro 60,892

Louisiana

4,618,189 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Office of Motor Vehicles gives a deadline: “must be transferred from the state of the previous domicile to Louisiana within 30 days of establishing a domicile in this state”. It exempts “First-time applicants from Germany, Switzerland, South Korea and Taiwan” (and some US territories) from the education and the knowledge and road tests, though not from the vision test. The UK is named in no exemption. The page also says: “Visitors to the United States are not eligible for a Louisiana Driver’s License or Identification Card.”

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • New Orleans 362,154; Baton Rouge 222,795; Shreveport 175,902; Lafayette 123,311; Lake Charles 82,676; St. George 78,536; Kenner 65,136; Bossier City 63,259

Maryland

6,265,347 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for Maryland. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure. The Rockville guide covers a city request for temporary no-parking signs.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Baltimore 569,997; Frederick 92,059; Gaithersburg 71,113; Rockville 67,563; Bowie 58,383

Mississippi

2,954,160 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Department of Public Safety’s manual sets two clocks: “you must obtain a Mississippi driver's license within sixty days. You must obtain a Mississippi license plate/tag within thirty days”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Jackson 141,196; Gulfport 76,506; Southaven 57,819

North Carolina

11,197,968 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). NCDMV sets a 60-day clock: “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”. It also warns that “North Carolina law enforcement authorities do not recognize international driver licenses”. The Asheville guide covers downtown parking space closures. Durham has no guide of its own: the PARKDURHAM permit we read lists moving among its uses (“when such parking is needed for construction, maintenance, repair, servicing, demolition, loading, unloading or moving”) at “Permits are $16.50 per day, per parking space.” but is a contractor permit, and its application asks for a contractor permit number and a contract number, so a household mover cannot count on it.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Charlotte 964,784; Raleigh 506,306; Greensboro 308,667; Durham 305,561; Winston-Salem 257,271; Fayetteville 209,120; Cary 183,582; Wilmington 126,809; High Point 120,571; Concord 114,598
  • Greenville 96,443; Asheville 93,523; Gastonia 87,067; Apex 80,419; Jacksonville 72,732; Huntersville 68,535; Chapel Hill 63,565; Kannapolis 61,708; Burlington 61,496; Wake Forest 58,147
  • Mooresville 55,842; Rocky Mount 55,120; Holly Springs 50,288

Oklahoma

4,123,288 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Service Oklahoma’s transfer page gives no rule for a UK licence. It says only: “If you are a new resident to Oklahoma, you will need to apply for an Oklahoma Driver License.”

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Oklahoma City 719,849; Tulsa 416,209; Norman 130,943; Broken Arrow 124,991; Edmond 100,479; Lawton 90,503; Moore 63,609; Midwest City 58,799; Enid 50,297; Stillwater 50,046

South Carolina

5,570,274 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for South Carolina. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Charleston 159,423; Columbia 147,035; North Charleston 129,245; Mount Pleasant 95,469; Rock Hill 75,911; Greenville 75,310; Summerville 53,177; Goose Creek 52,010; Greer 50,007

Tennessee

7,315,076 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Tennessee’s Department of Safety says a foreign licence can stay in the driver’s hands: “Only foreign country licenses/IDs may be retained.” For a car, the county clerk titles an import against a list of papers: “To obtain a Tennessee title and/or registration for a vehicle imported into the United States from another country, submit the following to your local county clerk”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Memphis 609,647; Knoxville 202,021; Chattanooga 194,144; Clarksville 188,829; Murfreesboro 171,178; Franklin 90,226; Johnson City 74,943; Jackson 69,339; Hendersonville 64,266; Smyrna 63,321
  • Spring Hill 61,336; Kingsport 57,530; Bartlett 56,416; Gallatin 54,590; Lebanon 53,412; Collierville 51,909; Cleveland 51,172; Columbia 50,072

Texas

31,709,821 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Comptroller says Texas “imposes a $90 new resident tax on any motor vehicle purchased outside Texas and brought into Texas for use by a new resident”, and TxDMV says: “you must register the vehicle within 30 days of bringing the vehicle to Texas, and the vehicle must pass a Texas inspection before it can be registered”. The Texas guide covers the 30-day registration clock, the emissions counties and the new resident tax. The Austin guide covers the right-of-way parking permit.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Houston 2,397,315; San Antonio 1,548,422; Dallas 1,329,491; Fort Worth 1,028,117; Austin 1,002,632; El Paso 683,012; Arlington 402,134; Corpus Christi 317,247; Plano 293,028; Lubbock 273,071
  • Laredo 269,515; Irving 257,076; Garland 249,625; Frisco 236,955; McKinney 236,001; Grand Prairie 209,434; Amarillo 205,130; Brownsville 192,957; Denton 169,431; Killeen 161,883
  • Mesquite 150,693; McAllen 150,640; Pasadena 148,539; Waco 147,788; Midland 147,615; Round Rock 141,282; Lewisville 139,006; Carrollton 134,562; Abilene 131,588; Pearland 129,930
  • College Station 127,472; Odessa 122,707; New Braunfels 122,492; League City 119,905; Conroe 119,564; Richardson 118,542; Tyler 113,723; Allen 113,447; Beaumont 112,967; Edinburg 110,700
  • Sugar Land 107,726; Georgetown 106,907; Wichita Falls 101,951; San Angelo 100,640; Temple 98,412; Bryan 91,996; Leander 91,132; Mission 88,992; Baytown 86,561; Mansfield 84,444
  • Longview 83,236; Pharr 80,830; Flower Mound 79,540; Cedar Park 79,032; San Marcos 77,830; Missouri City 77,327; Harlingen 72,467; North Richland Hills 70,843; Kyle 69,917; Pflugerville 68,316
  • Rowlett 67,890; Victoria 66,500; Fulshear 64,630; Celina 64,427; Wylie 63,842; Little Elm 62,727; Euless 60,008; Texas City 59,733; Burleson 56,907; DeSoto 56,681
  • Port Arthur 55,804; Rockwall 53,980; Galveston 53,636; Sherman 52,417; Grapevine 50,714; Waxahachie 50,090

Virginia

8,880,107 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Virginia’s DMV names Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan on its reciprocal list, and the UK is not among them: “you are not eligible for foreign reciprocity and must pass the two-part knowledge exam, road skills test and a vision screening”. The page places a check with the issuing country, which can take up to fifteen days, under the reciprocal countries only. For an imported car: “All imported vehicles less than 25 years old must provide proof of compliance with, or exemption from, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)”. The Virginia guide covers the tests and the titling file. The Alexandria guide covers reserved street parking and the Norfolk guide covers the General Use permit.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Virginia Beach 453,737; Chesapeake 255,332; Richmond 237,257; Norfolk 231,013; Newport News 183,230; Alexandria 160,662; Hampton 137,315; Suffolk 104,699; Roanoke 99,111; Portsmouth 96,777
  • Lynchburg 81,347; Harrisonburg 50,839

West Virginia

1,766,147 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Division of Motor Vehicles gives a clock for a car: “New Residents must have their vehicles titled and registered within thirty (30) days of establishing residency.” The page we read states no foreign-licence rule.

No West Virginia city reaches 50,000 residents on the Census Bureau’s 1 July 2025 estimate, so none is named here.

What do the Western states say about moving your licence and car?

Thirteen states, from Arizona to Hawaii. Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Utah could not be read.

Alaska

737,270 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Alaska DMV lets a visitor drive on a foreign licence and then requires a transfer once resident: “If you are becoming a resident of Alaska, you must transfer your out-of-state driver license within 90 days”. It runs immigration documents through the federal SAVE programme, and where a manual check is needed it says: “This can take approximately 8 weeks.”

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Anchorage 287,155

Arizona

7,623,818 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for Arizona. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Phoenix 1,665,481; Tucson 548,371; Mesa 513,656; Gilbert 287,285; Chandler 278,748; Glendale 260,572; Scottsdale 243,006; Peoria 200,881; Tempe 190,571; Surprise 175,304
  • Buckeye 125,445; Goodyear 125,359; Yuma 105,227; Avondale 100,983; Queen Creek 89,770; Maricopa 78,362; Flagstaff 77,260; Casa Grande 69,753; Marana 65,523; Lake Havasu City 59,358
  • Prescott Valley 52,423

California

39,355,309 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). California’s DMV gives a short clock for a car brought in: “you must register it within 20 days of becoming a resident or bringing it into the state”. A direct import also needs this: “A certificate stating that the vehicle has been inspected by a California Air Resources Board-licensed laboratory.” For a licence from another country it says: “Note If you have a valid DL from another country, an accompanying driver is required to and from the drive test.” The California guide sets out the DMV, smog and imported-car rules, and the San Francisco guide the transportation agency’s temporary signs for a moving truck. The Los Angeles guide covers kerb colours, the overnight parking district and the transportation department’s sign contact. The San Jose, Berkeley, Santa Monica and Santa Barbara guides cover those cities’ permits for a moving truck.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Los Angeles 3,869,089; San Diego 1,406,106; San Jose 989,814; San Francisco 826,079; Fresno 555,549; Sacramento 536,449; Long Beach 450,469; Oakland 440,838; Bakersfield 422,165; Anaheim 341,008
  • Stockton 324,597; Riverside 323,057; Irvine 318,764; Santa Ana 315,586; Chula Vista 275,533; Santa Clarita 228,430; Fremont 226,442; San Bernardino 222,044; Fontana 221,223; Modesto 219,652
  • Moreno Valley 214,263; Oxnard 199,651; Huntington Beach 191,451; Glendale 187,160; Ontario 187,013; Elk Grove 185,007; Santa Rosa 179,437; Rancho Cucamonga 177,856; Oceanside 170,483; Garden Grove 170,455
  • Lancaster 170,084; Roseville 167,302; Palmdale 161,845; Corona 161,734; Salinas 159,134; Hayward 157,113; Sunnyvale 156,577; Pomona 147,807; Visalia 146,541; Escondido 146,030
  • Victorville 141,395; Fullerton 138,675; Torrance 138,391; Orange 138,365; Pasadena 135,804; Santa Clara 133,446; Clovis 129,347; Simi Valley 124,861; Vallejo 123,287; Concord 123,261
  • Fairfield 122,489; Thousand Oaks 122,230; Berkeley 121,911; Antioch 118,958; Menifee 118,592; Temecula 114,865; Richmond 114,861; Murrieta 114,124; Carlsbad 112,260; Santa Maria 111,390
  • San Buenaventura (Ventura) 109,914; Costa Mesa 108,881; Downey 108,468; Jurupa Valley 107,311; Rialto 106,554; West Covina 105,301; Chico 105,081; El Monte 105,075; Vacaville 103,850; San Mateo 103,337
  • Burbank 102,988; Hesperia 102,605; Tracy 101,901; El Cajon 101,755; Inglewood 101,662; Daly City 101,261; Merced 99,724; Vista 98,274; Norwalk 97,104; Chino 96,957
  • Manteca 96,693; San Marcos 94,908; Indio 94,269; Redding 94,092; Hemet 93,649; Folsom 91,983; Carson 90,808; Compton 90,500; Mission Viejo 90,484; Santa Monica 90,082
  • South Gate 90,071; Westminster 88,966; Rancho Cordova 87,554; Santa Barbara 86,422; Citrus Heights 86,348; Lake Forest 86,333; San Ramon 86,209; Whittier 85,815; Mountain View 85,438; San Leandro 85,353
  • Livermore 83,457; Perris 83,237; Hawthorne 82,741; Redwood City 82,178; Newport Beach 81,977; Buena Park 81,741; Alhambra 79,820; Upland 79,446; Milpitas 78,596; Lakewood 78,010
  • Tustin 77,843; Pittsburg 77,542; Chino Hills 77,519; Alameda 76,876; Rocklin 76,821; Napa 76,562; Apple Valley 75,247; Lake Elsinore 75,067; Bellflower 74,719; Pleasanton 74,556
  • Redlands 74,128; Tulare 73,907; Turlock 72,864; Dublin 71,602; Eastvale 70,594; Walnut Creek 70,012; Yuba City 69,485; Lodi 69,100; Madera 69,017; Baldwin Park 68,880
  • Camarillo 68,652; Palo Alto 67,609; Redondo Beach 67,281; Brentwood 66,607; Davis 66,110; Yorba Linda 65,632; Union City 65,282; South San Francisco 64,941; Laguna Niguel 64,107; Lynwood 63,512
  • Porterville 63,088; Woodland 62,513; Hanford 62,229; San Clemente 62,226; Santa Cruz 61,797; La Habra 60,908; Beaumont 60,835; Gilroy 60,764; Encinitas 60,736; Montebello 60,693
  • La Mesa 59,914; Petaluma 59,688; San Rafael 59,410; Pico Rivera 58,915; Gardena 58,460; Cupertino 58,333; Santee 58,205; National City 57,807; Highland 57,614; Monterey Park 57,457
  • Lincoln 57,367; West Sacramento 56,216; San Jacinto 56,014; Fountain Valley 55,508; Yucaipa 54,953; Placentia 54,911; Arcadia 54,117; Colton 53,383; Palm Desert 53,259; Cathedral City 52,375
  • Delano 52,334; Novato 51,947; Diamond Bar 51,884; Huntington Park 51,544; Paramount 50,755; Watsonville 50,716; San Luis Obispo 50,636

Colorado

6,012,561 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for Colorado. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Denver 740,613; Colorado Springs 494,743; Aurora 410,053; Fort Collins 171,500; Lakewood 156,927; Thornton 147,766; Arvada 122,901; Westminster 116,182; Greeley 115,073; Pueblo 110,404
  • Centennial 108,658; Boulder 105,689; Longmont 100,109; Castle Rock 83,815; Loveland 81,387; Broomfield 79,174; Commerce City 72,345; Grand Junction 71,827; Parker 65,985

Hawaii

1,432,820 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Hawaii has no state-wide motor vehicle office: “Hawaii does not have a statewide Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicle Registration is managed by each county government”. The Department of Taxation says that “sales or use tax paid to another state or country may be used to offset the Hawaii use tax”, and that “property that is in Hawaii for 365 days or less is deemed in the State for temporary use”. The Hawaii guide covers the county offices, the use tax and the rabies quarantine.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Urban Honolulu 341,868

Idaho

2,029,733 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). The Transportation Department sets the clock: “within 30 days of residing in Idaho, whether your out-of-state credential has expired or not”. It also says: “ITD does not issue international driving permits for Idaho drivers”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Boise City 238,429; Meridian 142,988; Nampa 120,384; Caldwell 76,629; Idaho Falls 71,785; Pocatello 58,771; Coeur d'Alene 58,179; Twin Falls 56,216

Montana

1,144,694 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for Montana. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Billings 121,239; Missoula 78,903; Great Falls 60,208; Bozeman 58,814

Nevada

3,282,188 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Nevada’s DMV says: “You must switch your out-of-state license to a Nevada one within 30 days of moving”. The new-resident page states the test rule: “Never licensed or foreign country license holders Must take knowledge and skills tests”. It also says: “Nevada law requires you to surrender your out-of-state license or ID to get a Nevada one”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Las Vegas 679,817; Henderson 353,289; North Las Vegas 296,653; Reno 283,621; Sparks 111,902; Carson City 58,571

New Mexico

2,125,498 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for New Mexico. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure. The Albuquerque guide covers the city’s Moving Van Permit on permit parking streets.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Albuquerque 556,588; Las Cruces 116,978; Rio Rancho 114,419; Santa Fe 89,837

Oregon

4,273,586 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Oregon DMV gives new residents 30 days to get a licence and to title and register a vehicle: “As a new Oregon resident, within 30 days you must”. Among the reasons to take the knowledge test it lists: “Your license is from a country other than Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan”. It also says: “You must turn in any driver license, permit, or ID Card from Oregon, another state or country if you have one”. A car titled elsewhere carries a “$9 VIN Inspection Fee - if done in Oregon”. The Portland guide covers the city’s temporary street use permit for a moving truck.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Portland 635,109; Salem 181,779; Eugene 178,618; Gresham 111,513; Hillsboro 111,126; Bend 107,342; Beaverton 97,842; Medford 86,494; Corvallis 61,499; Springfield 61,431
  • Tigard 57,929; Albany 56,894

Utah

3,538,904 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Not yet confirmed: the state’s motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so this guide states no deadline, licence rule or car rule for Utah. Ask the state agency before you rely on any figure.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Salt Lake City 218,428; West Valley City 137,491; West Jordan 116,812; Provo 114,527; St. George 108,713; Lehi 95,313; Orem 95,214; Sandy 92,386; Ogden 89,510; South Jordan 87,614
  • Layton 85,308; Eagle Mountain 66,557; Millcreek 63,926; Herriman 63,282; Saratoga Springs 61,397; Taylorsville 57,484; Logan 55,576; Murray 53,297; Draper 50,652

Washington

8,001,020 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). Washington’s Department of Licensing says: “You have 30 days after you move to Washington to get your driver license”. The UK is not in its table of test-free countries, and for a licence from a country not listed it says: “A license from a country or Canadian province not listed above Must complete all the steps to getting your first license”. For a car, the Department of Revenue exempts a vehicle used elsewhere for more than 90 days before the move from use tax, but “The vehicle must also be licensed in Washington within 30 days of moving to this state.” The Seattle guide sets out the Restricted Area Truck Permit for a moving truck.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Seattle 784,777; Spokane 230,783; Tacoma 229,816; Vancouver 199,698; Bellevue 154,193; Kent 134,871; Everett 113,567; Spokane Valley 108,405; Renton 104,975; Federal Way 99,729
  • Yakima 97,458; Kirkland 97,410; Bellingham 96,395; Kennewick 88,366; Auburn 86,301; Pasco 82,848; Redmond 82,506; Marysville 77,686; Shoreline 66,542; Sammamish 66,110
  • Richland 65,258; Lakewood 62,755; Lacey 58,833; Olympia 56,724; Bothell 52,199; Burien 51,859

Wyoming

588,753 residents on 1 July 2025 (Census Bureau). WYDOT allows a long period: “You have one year from the time you establish residency to be issued a Wyoming driver license”.

Cities of 50,000 or more, with the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025:

  • Cheyenne 66,507; Casper 58,771

Which states could we not read yet, and what should you ask?

12 states have a row with no rule in it, because their motor vehicle pages returned an access error to a script on 4 and 5 November 2026. A person with a browser may read them; we do not guess. The states are:

  • Arizona; Colorado; Illinois; Iowa; Maryland; Minnesota; Montana; New Hampshire; New Mexico; Rhode Island; South Carolina; Utah

For any state, put four questions to the agency in writing: how long a new resident from abroad has to get a licence, whether a UK licence earns a test waiver, how long a car brought from abroad has to be registered, and which customs or safety papers it wants first.

Your removal company can say when the car and the belongings will arrive, but it cannot start a state clock for you. For the order in which the paperwork falls, read our UK to USA guide.

Questions about state rules for a UK mover

Can a UK driver keep a UK licence after moving to the USA?

It depends on the state.

Delaware says drivers from other countries may retain foreign licences, and DC lets you keep it alongside a DC licence. Nevada requires you to surrender an out-of-state licence to get a Nevada one.

Does a UK licence let me skip the driving test?

Not on any reciprocity list we could read.

Virginia names Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, and Washington names British Columbia, Germany and South Korea. Expect tests unless the state agency tells you otherwise.

How soon must I register a car after the move?

California says 20 days.

Texas, West Virginia and Washington say 30 days, and DC and North Carolina say 60. The clocks differ by state and some states could not be read.

Why are some states marked not yet confirmed?

Their motor vehicle pages returned an access error to us, so the guide states no rule rather than guessing.

Ask the state agency or read the page in a browser.

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