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Can I change the plates on my car with an out-of-state driver's license?

I used to live in Illinois, but I moved to Missouri. I currently have an Illinois driver's license and Illinois plates, but I want to switch my plates to Missouri. Is this possible?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It depends—you can register your car in a different state than your driver’s license, but most states require you to update your driver’s license and registration within 30 days of moving to the state. 
If you’re moving across state lines, you'll need to transfer your insurance policy, register your car, and get a new driver's license within the first month or two. However, the duration to do so depends on which state you live in.
For example, you must obtain a
California driver's license
within 10 days and vehicle registration within 20 days of moving to the state. In
New York
, drivers must register their vehicle within 30 days of becoming a resident. 
However, some states allow you to register your car in a different state than your license, so long as you can prove residency within that state. However, Missouri is not one of those states.
If you need to switch your car insurance and registration, here’s what you’ll need to do:
  1. Determine how much time you have to switch
  2. Apply for a new driver’s license
  3. Register your car in your new state
View full answer 
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