Destroy it or turn it in to your state DMV

When you receive a new driver's license, your old one is no longer valid for identification or driving. You have two main options: destroy it yourself or return it to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states prefer that you return the old license, though some allow you to destroy it at home. Check your state DMV website or call their main line to confirm what your state requires—the rule varies by state.

If you choose to destroy it yourself, cut the card into pieces or shred it so the information cannot be read. Do not throw an intact license in the trash, since it contains your address, date of birth, and signature. If you return it to the DMV, bring it with you when you renew in person, mail it to the address listed on your renewal notice, or drop it at a DMV office during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Your old driver's license becomes invalid the moment your new one is issued and should not be carried or used.
  • Most states ask you to return the old license to the DMV rather than destroy it yourself, though some allow either option.
  • If you destroy it at home, cut or shred the card so your personal information cannot be recovered from the trash.
  • Check your state DMV's website or call their main number to learn whether your state requires return or allows destruction.
  • Keeping an old license in your wallet creates confusion and may cause problems if you are stopped by police or need to prove your identity.

Why you should not keep your old license

Carrying both an old and new license can create problems in real-world situations. If you are pulled over by police, showing an expired license may confuse the officer or delay the interaction. If you need to prove your identity for a bank account, rental process, or government service, an expired license may not be accepted—and having two licenses in your wallet looks suspicious.

An old license also poses a security risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. Your address, date of birth, and signature are still readable on the card, even though it is expired. Someone could use that information to attempt identity theft or fraud. Removing the old license from circulation protects your personal information.

How to return your license to the DMV

The easiest method depends on how you received your new license. If you renewed in person at a DMV office, you can hand your old license to the clerk before you leave—most offices will take it on the spot. If you renewed by mail, your renewal notice will include instructions for returning the old license, usually with a prepaid envelope or a specific DMV address.

If you renewed online or by phone and did not receive return instructions, call your state DMV's main line and ask where to mail the old license or whether you can drop it at a local office. Some states also accept old licenses at highway patrol offices or other government buildings. Keep the old license until you confirm the new one has arrived and works correctly, then return or destroy the old one within a few weeks.

Destroying your old license at home

If your state allows you to destroy your old license yourself, use a method that makes the card unreadable. A paper shredder works well if you have one. If not, cut the card into small pieces with scissors, making sure to cut through the photo, signature, and any printed numbers. Aim for pieces no larger than a postage stamp.

Do not straightforward throw an intact or partially cut license in the trash. Separate the pieces and place them in different trash bags or bins if possible, so no single piece contains enough information to be useful. Some people prefer to burn the card, but only do this if you have a safe place to burn it and follow local fire codes. Never flush a license down the toilet—the plastic will not break down and can damage plumbing.

What happens if you lose your new license before returning the old one

If your new license is lost or stolen before you return the old one, report the loss to your state DMV right away. You will need to request a replacement, which usually costs a small fee and takes one to two weeks. Once the replacement arrives, you can then return or destroy both the old license and any remaining copies.

In the meantime, keep the old license in a safe place at home rather than carrying it. It is expired and not valid for driving or official identification, but it proves you once held a license if you need to explain a gap in your identification to a government agency or employer.

Special situations: International moves and name changes

If you are moving to another country, check whether that country's immigration office wants your old U.S. license. Most do not, but some may ask for it as proof of your previous identity. Before you destroy it, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to ask. If they do not need it, follow your current state's rules for return or destruction.

If you changed your name when you renewed your license, your old license still shows your previous name. Destroy it or return it as you normally would—do not keep it as a record of your former name, since it is expired and not a valid document. If you need proof of a name change for legal purposes, request an official name-change certificate from the court or vital records office that processed the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old license as a backup ID if I lose my new one?

No. An expired license is not valid identification for driving, voting, or most official purposes. If you lose your new license, report it to the DMV and request a replacement. Do not rely on the old one while you wait.

What if I moved and my old license has my previous address?

Return or destroy it as normal. The address on an expired license is not current and should not be used. If you need to prove your current address, use your new license, a utility bill, or a lease agreement instead.

Do I need to keep my old license for tax or legal records?

No. A driver's license is not a tax document or legal record. If you need proof of identity for legal purposes, your new license serves that function. You do not need to archive the old one.

What if my state DMV did not tell me what to do with my old license?

Call the DMV's main customer service line or visit their website and search for "old license" or "expired license return." Most states have a specific policy posted online. If you cannot find it, ask during your next visit to a DMV office.

Is it illegal to keep an old license?

It is not illegal to keep an expired license at home, but it is not recommended. Carrying it in your wallet or using it as identification is not permitted. Destroy it or return it to avoid confusion and protect your personal information.