ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Planning a move out of Florida, but still have a minor traffic ticket pending?
While it may seem like something that can wait, unresolved violations can follow you across state lines and create problems when it’s time to get a new driver’s license.
A Florida driver’s license typically remains valid for a limited time after someone establishes residency in another state. However, most states require new residents to transfer their out-of-state license within a set period, often 30 to 90 days, depending on state law.
When that transfer happens, state motor vehicle agencies routinely check the National Driver Register, a federal database that tracks license suspensions, revocations, and unresolved traffic violations nationwide.
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If Florida reports an unpaid citation, a missed court date, or an outstanding compliance issue, the new state may delay or deny the issuance of a driver’s license until the matter is resolved. In some cases, driving privileges could be suspended altogether.
The process works both ways. Just as Florida would require a driver to clear outstanding violations from another state before issuing a license, other states apply the same standard to Florida records.
Drivers planning to relocate are encouraged to resolve any pending tickets, pay fines, complete required courses, or satisfy court obligations before moving. Doing so can help avoid delays, additional fees, and unexpected driving restrictions after arrival in a new state.