Transfer drivers license?

[captainyeti 2]

So I just my K1 visa in the mail a few days ago and figuring out all of my moving details for some point in may and right now I'm trying to figure out what I should do about my license. I have seen lots of the topic on this site about people from different areas in Canada moving to different states in the US and were able to transfer/convert their existing Canadian one to the state where they will live.

I'm coming from Ontario and moving to Pennsylvania. If anyone has any info on the subject I'd greatly appreciate your wisdom! Just trying to figure out the best and easiest way to go about getting my license in PA.

[VeeNDee 44]

Just did some Google searching for you and find the Pennsylvania driver's license site information:

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/new_residents/driver_license.shtml

Looks like you may be out of luck for an easy route :-/ Unless I'm reading it incorrectly.

Any non-U.S. Citizen who has established residency in Pennsylvania can obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license through the initial learner's permit application process. Customers with a valid foreign license from France, Germany, or a U.S. Territory may transfer their valid license to a non-commercial Pennsylvania license. Holders of a valid foreign license with a valid international permit may drive up to one year before obtaining a Pennsylvania driver's license.

[tdotca 41]

I wish it was easy here in California. To get DL here, you need to take both the written and the driving tests. You'd think it would be consistent in all states. My CDN DL is valid until 2017 so maybe I hold off ( even though I know I cannot use it for so long).

[2 canucks 12]

Pa is very easy! It's just a simple transfer. No test needed and if you don't have a rental agreement or something showing your address, you just bring someone with you that already has a DL at that address.

Pa is very easy! It's just a simple transfer. No test needed and if you don't have a rental agreement or something showing your address, you just bring someone with you that already has a DL at that address.

[BatmanFlow 481]

I wish it was easy here in California. To get DL here, you need to take both the written and the driving tests. You'd think it would be consistent in all states. My CDN DL is valid until 2017 so maybe I hold off ( even though I know I cannot use it for so long).

Actually as a permanent resident in California you cannot use your Canadian drivers license effective 10 days after the day you became a permanent resident (aka your POE date)

As a visitor there wasn't an issue but as a permanent resident it's different. I already got my written done. Doing my behind he wheel this Friday

From the dmv site

"If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents."

Get is done asap. Don't want a ticket and they can also impound your car for up to 30 days if you catch you.

[tdotca 41]

@BatmanFlow , yes I have seen that on the CA 's DMV site. I miss driving but where I currently live is not conducive for me to drive so I am in no rush to get my DL.

[Ms Hogan 295]

Just call the local office of the DMV or BMV where you are moving and ask them specifically. And be prepared to be told one thing by one person and then have to do another. I researched mine carefully. I also made some phone calls. I was told one thing by one person and something else online. I just went in person, brought in all my documents not knowing what they may or may not ask for and jumped through the necessary hoops. I'm in OH, not PA but I still believe your best bet is to talk to someone where you are moving specifically.

I wound up having to do a driving test!! That was actually funny and enjoyable to be honest.