What would happen if I renewed my drivers license in a state I no longer live in?

Question

My drivers license expired while I was in mid move from pennsylvania to delaware. Because my license is expired, as far as delaware is concerned, I don't have one, and I need to get one like I've never had one before. I need to apply for a permit, wait a while, then take a written test and a road test. I really don't want to do that, because of the time and the cost involved. What would happen if I renewed my license in PA when I don't live there anymore? I would renew it there just so I could turn around and have it transferred to delaware, which is a much simpler process. Anyone have any idea what could happen if I tried this?

Answer 1

i think you have to renew your license in the state you live in.

Answer 2

That won't work (because they will send it to your old address, and USPS doesn't forward DMV mail) and it's also illegal.  

I don't think you need to apply for a permit if you've held a license, especially if it's been expired for less than a year.  Check the DE rules.

Answer 3

I moved another and kept my tex lic. for years,, worst that will happen if you get stopped you can get ticket for not getting not getting your state license with 30 days of moving.  go with it..but since you let it expire pa my not renew that easy. whatever you do dont drive without a license you are asking for big trouble and big increase in insurance rate

Answer 4

You probably wouldn't get away with it.  The new license would have to come to your old address.  Most DMV mail has an endorsement such as: "do not forward" or "address service requested".  If so, that mail would be returned to the DMV with the reason it is being returned such as no longer at this address and/or with your new address provided

Answer 5

I'm pretty sure, especially since you're in a new state without a valid drivers license, you're going to have to retake the written test and driving test.

No sweat, though. They're ridiculously easy, and laughable if you've been driving for at least a few years.

Answer 6

I'm pretty sure that since you moved it wouldn't be a good idea to renew in your old state. My brother went back and forth from Missouri to Kansas for years but always got his license in Missouri but at some point in time, he got pulled over and they suspended his license because he was living in Kansas again but driving as a Missouri resident...

I don't really understand why Delaware is making you get a permit and go through that whole process again... unless your under 18...

here in Missouri, you can get your license without getting a permit or anything as long as you are over 18..