The issuing authority is the government agency that issued your license
The issuing authority on your driver's license is the name of the government office that created and gave you that license. In the United States, this is always your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it — some states use "Secretary of State," "Department of Transportation," or "Registry of Motor Vehicles." The issuing authority appears on your license as a printed name, usually near the top or bottom of the card.
This matters because the issuing authority tells you which state's rules explore to your license, which state can suspend or revoke it, and which state you would contact if you need to replace it or dispute something on it. Your license is valid in all 50 states, but only the state that issued it can make changes to your record.
Key Takeaways
- The issuing authority is the state DMV or equivalent office that created your license — it appears printed on the card itself.
- Your license is valid nationwide, but only the issuing state can suspend it, revoke it, or change your record.
- If you move to a new state, you will need to get a license from that state's DMV; your old license remains valid but you cannot renew it from out of state.
- The issuing authority name varies by state — some use "DMV," others use "Secretary of State" or "Registry of Motor Vehicles."
How to find the issuing authority on your license
Look at the front or back of your physical license card. The issuing authority name is printed in plain text, usually in a location that varies slightly by state. On many licenses it appears at the top, on others near the bottom. You can also find it by looking at the state abbreviation on your license — that two-letter code tells you which state issued it.
If you have lost your physical license or cannot read the text clearly, you can call your state's DMV directly. The DMV website for your state will also show you what the issuing authority is called in your state, and you can use that to contact the right office if you need to report a lost license or request a replacement.
Why the issuing authority matters when you move
When you move to a new state, you cannot renew your old license through the mail or online with the original issuing authority. Instead, you must visit the DMV in your new state and get a license issued by that state. Your old license remains valid for driving in all states, but you are required by law to get a new one within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days after you establish residency.
The new state's DMV will issue you a license with their name as the issuing authority. Your old license will eventually expire and become invalid, but the issuing authority on it will always be the state where you first got it.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
Only the issuing authority — the state that created your license — can suspend or revoke it. If you get a traffic ticket in another state, that state can report the violation to your home state's DMV, and your home state's DMV can then suspend your license. But the actual suspension order comes from the issuing authority, not from the state where the violation occurred.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you must contact the issuing authority to find out the reason, how long the suspension lasts, and what steps you need to take to get it back. You cannot straightforward get a new license from another state to drive legally — most states share suspension and revocation records through a national system.
Issuing authority names by state
Most states call their licensing office the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but some use different names. Here are the variations you might see:
| State | Issuing Authority Name |
|---|---|
| California, New York, Texas, Florida | Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania | Secretary of State |
| Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island | Registry of Motor Vehicles |
| Georgia, South Carolina | Department of Driver Services |
| Colorado, Wyoming | Department of Revenue (Motor Vehicles Division) |
The exact name printed on your license will match your state's official title for the office. If you are unsure which state issued your license, look at the state abbreviation or seal on the card — that will tell you which DMV office to contact.
What to do if you need to contact the issuing authority
To reach your issuing authority, search online for "[Your State] DMV" or "[Your State] driver's license office." Most states have a main website where you can find phone numbers, office locations, and information about renewing, replacing, or updating your license. You can also visit a local DMV office in person if you need to handle something that cannot be done by phone or mail.
Common reasons to contact the issuing authority include reporting a lost or stolen license, requesting a replacement, updating your address, changing your name, or asking about a suspension or revocation. The issuing authority keeps your driving record and can answer questions about your license status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my license in other states if it was issued in a different state?
Yes. Your license is valid for driving in all 50 states, regardless of which state issued it. However, you must follow the traffic laws of the state you are driving in. If you get a ticket in another state, that violation will be reported to your home state's DMV.
What if I move and my old state's DMV is the issuing authority?
You must get a new license from your new state's DMV. Your old license remains valid for driving, but you are required by law to get a new one within 30 to 60 days of moving. The new license will show your new state as the issuing authority.
Can the issuing authority on my license change?
Only if you move to a new state and get a new license. The issuing authority is tied to the state that created your license. If you stay in the same state and renew your license, the issuing authority stays the same.
What if I cannot read the issuing authority name on my license?
Call your state's DMV or visit their website. You can also look at the state abbreviation or seal on your license — that tells you which state issued it. The DMV website for that state will show you the official name of the issuing authority.
Does the issuing authority affect my insurance or vehicle registration?
No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate documents. Vehicle registration is issued by the state where the vehicle is registered, which may be different from the state that issued your license. Insurance companies recognize licenses from any state.