Why Is It Illegal to Have 2 Drivers Licenses? Legal Implications and Consequences

Having two drivers licenses is illegal in the United States. It’s against the law to possess multiple valid driver’s licenses, whether from the same state or different states. This practice is considered a form of identity fraud and can result in serious legal consequences. States require residents to hold only one valid license to ensure accurate driving records, prevent fraud, and simplify law enforcement efforts.

If you’ve ever wondered about the legality of holding multiple driver’s licenses, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will explore why it’s illegal, the potential consequences, and what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Understanding Driver’s License Regulations

To grasp why having two drivers licenses is illegal, we need to examine the regulations governing driver’s licenses in the United States.

State-Specific Licensing Laws

Each state has its own Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency responsible for issuing driver’s licenses. While the specific rules may vary slightly from state to state, the core principle remains the same: residents are only allowed to hold one valid driver’s license at a time.

States require new residents to surrender their out-of-state license when applying for a new one. This process ensures that individuals don’t maintain multiple active licenses simultaneously.

Federal Oversight of Driver’s Licenses

While states handle the day-to-day operations of issuing licenses, the federal government plays a role in establishing standards and promoting uniformity across the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) works with states to improve traffic safety and reduce accidents.

The REAL ID Act and Its Impact

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set new standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. This act aims to enhance security and reduce identity fraud by requiring states to meet specific criteria when issuing licenses.

Under the REAL ID Act, individuals are prohibited from holding more than one REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. This further reinforces the illegality of possessing multiple licenses.

The Legal Reasoning Behind One-License Policies

There are several important reasons why it’s illegal to have two drivers licenses. Understanding these reasons helps clarify why the law is so strict on this matter.

Preventing Identity Fraud

One of the primary reasons for prohibiting multiple licenses is to prevent identity fraud. If individuals could legally hold multiple licenses, it would be easier for criminals to create false identities or impersonate others.

By limiting each person to one license, it becomes more difficult for someone to assume multiple identities or misrepresent themselves to authorities.

Ensuring Accurate Driving Records

Having a single driver’s license per person helps maintain accurate driving records. If someone could have multiple licenses, they might be able to hide traffic violations or accidents by using different licenses in different situations.

This could lead to dangerous drivers remaining on the road when they should have their licenses suspended or revoked. By centralizing all driving-related information on one license, states can better track an individual’s driving history and make informed decisions about their driving privileges.

Simplifying Law Enforcement Efforts

When law enforcement officers pull over a driver or investigate an accident, they need to quickly and accurately identify the individuals involved. Having a single license per person simplifies this process and reduces the chance of confusion or misidentification.

If multiple licenses were allowed, it would complicate investigations and make it more challenging for officers to determine a person’s true identity and driving history.

Consequences of Holding Multiple Driver’s Licenses

The penalties for having two drivers licenses can be severe. If you’re caught with multiple valid licenses, you may face various legal and financial repercussions.

Legal Penalties and Fines

Most states impose fines for possessing multiple driver’s licenses. These fines can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the state and the circumstances.

In addition to fines, you may face other penalties such as:

License suspension or revocation
Probation
Community service
Mandatory driver’s education courses

Potential Criminal Charges

In some cases, having multiple driver’s licenses can lead to criminal charges. This is especially true if there’s evidence of intentional fraud or if the multiple licenses were used to commit other crimes.

Potential criminal charges may include:

Identity theft
Fraud
Forgery
Falsifying government documents

These charges can result in misdemeanor or felony convictions, depending on the severity of the offense and the state’s laws.

Impact on Insurance Coverage

Having multiple driver’s licenses can also affect your auto insurance coverage. If your insurance company discovers that you have more than one license, they may:

Cancel your policy
Increase your premiums
Deny claims related to accidents or incidents involving the unauthorized license

In some cases, you may even be accused of insurance fraud if you’ve used multiple licenses to obtain different insurance policies or rates.

Exceptions to Single-License Rules

While it’s generally illegal to have two drivers licenses, there are a few exceptions and special circumstances to be aware of.

International Driving Permits

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate driver’s license but rather a translation of your existing license. It’s used in conjunction with your regular driver’s license when driving in foreign countries.

Having an IDP along with your regular license is legal and often necessary for international travel. However, an IDP is not a substitute for a valid driver’s license and doesn’t allow you to hold multiple licenses within the United States.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs)

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) are special licenses required for operating large trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles. While you can’t have multiple standard driver’s licenses, it is possible to hold both a regular license and a CDL simultaneously.

However, you can only have one CDL at a time, and it must be issued by your state of residence.

Temporary Licensing Situations

There are some situations where you might temporarily hold two licenses during a transition period. For example:

When moving to a new state, you may have a grace period to obtain a new license while your old one is still valid.
If you’re renewing your license, you might receive your new license before the old one expires.

In these cases, it’s important to follow your state’s guidelines for surrendering or destroying the old license once the new one becomes active.

The Process of Transferring a Driver’s License

Understanding the process of transferring a driver’s license can help you avoid accidentally holding multiple licenses.

Moving to a New State

When you move to a new state, you’re typically required to obtain a new driver’s license within a certain timeframe. This process usually involves:

Surrendering your old license from your previous state
Providing proof of residency in your new state
Passing any required tests (vision, written, or driving)
Paying the necessary fees

Time Limits for License Transfer

The time you have to transfer your license varies by state. Common timeframes include:

10 days
30 days
60 days
90 days

It’s crucial to check your new state’s specific requirements and complete the transfer within the allotted time to avoid penalties.

Required Documentation

When transferring your license, you’ll typically need to provide:

Your current, valid out-of-state license
Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
Proof of residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreement)
Social Security number
Proof of legal presence in the U.S. (for non-citizens)

Always check with your new state’s DMV for a complete list of required documents.

Common Misconceptions About Multiple Licenses

There are several myths and misunderstandings about having multiple driver’s licenses. Let’s address some of the most common ones.

“It’s Legal if They’re from Different States”

Some people believe that it’s okay to have multiple licenses as long as they’re from different states. This is not true. It’s illegal to hold valid licenses from multiple states simultaneously, regardless of where they were issued.

“I Can Keep My Old License as a Backup”

Another misconception is that you can keep your old license as a backup or secondary form of identification. Once you’ve been issued a new license in your current state of residence, your old license is no longer valid and should be surrendered or destroyed according to your state’s guidelines.

“Having Two Licenses Provides More Freedom”

Some individuals mistakenly think that having multiple licenses gives them more freedom or options when driving. In reality, using multiple licenses can lead to legal troubles and is not worth the risk.

How Licensing Agencies Detect Multiple Licenses

State DMVs and other licensing agencies have various methods for detecting when someone holds multiple licenses.

Interstate Databases and Information Sharing

Many states participate in information-sharing programs that allow them to cross-reference license data. The Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the National Driver Register (NDR) are examples of databases used to track problem drivers and prevent the issuance of multiple licenses.

Biometric Identification Methods

Some states use biometric data, such as facial recognition technology, to prevent individuals from obtaining multiple licenses under different names. These systems can match photos across different license applications to identify potential fraud.

Penalties for Providing False Information

When applying for a license, you’re required to provide accurate information. Lying on your application or failing to disclose information about previous licenses can result in severe penalties, including fines and criminal charges.

The Future of Driver’s Licensing

The world of driver’s licensing is evolving. Here are some trends and potential changes we might see in the coming years.

Digital Driver’s Licenses

Many states are exploring or implementing digital driver’s licenses that can be stored on smartphones. These digital IDs could make it easier to update information and harder to maintain multiple licenses.

Enhanced Interstate Cooperation

As technology improves, we may see even greater cooperation between states in sharing driver information. This could lead to more efficient detection of multiple licenses and other forms of fraud.

Potential National License Standards

While driver’s licensing is currently handled at the state level, there’s ongoing discussion about implementing national standards. This could potentially lead to a more unified system and make it even more difficult to hold multiple licenses.

What to Do If You Accidentally Have Two Licenses

If you find yourself in a situation where you have two valid driver’s licenses, it’s important to take action to rectify the situation.

Reporting to Your State’s DMV

Contact your current state’s DMV immediately to report the situation. They can guide you through the process of resolving the issue and ensure that your driving record is accurate.

Surrendering Duplicate Licenses

You’ll likely need to surrender any duplicate licenses you have. Follow your state’s guidelines for turning in or destroying old licenses.

Addressing Potential Legal Issues

If you’ve unknowingly used multiple licenses or there are discrepancies in your driving record due to having multiple licenses, you may need to work with the DMV to resolve these issues. In some cases, you might want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in traffic law.

FAQs About Driver’s License Legality

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about the legality of driver’s licenses.

Can I Have Licenses from Two Different Countries?

While you can’t have multiple U.S. driver’s licenses, it is possible to hold a valid license from another country along with your U.S. license. However, once you become a resident of a U.S. state, you’re typically required to obtain a license from that state and may need to surrender your foreign license.

What If I Need to Drive in Multiple States?

A driver’s license issued by any U.S. state is valid for driving in all other states. You don’t need separate licenses for different states, even if you frequently travel or work across state lines.

How Does This Affect Military Personnel?

Military personnel have some unique considerations when it comes to driver’s licenses. Many states allow active-duty military members to maintain their home state license even while stationed elsewhere. However, they still can’t hold multiple valid licenses simultaneously.

Let’s Complete: The Importance of Complying with Driver’s License Laws

Understanding why it’s illegal to have two drivers licenses is crucial for all motorists. By following the law and maintaining only one valid license, you can avoid legal troubles, ensure the accuracy of your driving record, and contribute to overall road safety.

Remember, if you’re moving to a new state or have concerns about your license status, always check with your local DMV for the most up-to-date information and guidelines. Staying informed and compliant with driver’s license laws helps create a safer and more efficient driving environment for everyone on the road.