Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Can I destroy my old driving license?

Am I allowed to cut up my old driving license? It feels wrong to do it since it’s such an important document, but my dad told me I should destroy my old license once I get my new one.

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You’re right to be cautious! You’re not just allowed to cut up your old one—in most states, you are encouraged to destroy your old
driving license
once you receive your new one in the mail. Other states will require you to surrender your old license before you can receive your new one. This is because your old license could be used for identity theft if it falls into the wrong hands.
To destroy an old driving license, you can purchase a shredder or you can just use a pair of scissors to cut the license into small pieces. Try to make the important numbers on the license unreadable before throwing them away.
While you’re learning about safe license disposal, why not learn about staying safe while driving? The
Jerry
app can help you find the best rates on the car insurance coverage you need to stay protected. Jerry compares quotes from over 50 top providers and saves Jerry users an average of $887 per year!
Now that you know you’re allowed to destroy your old license, go to town! As long as you have your new one first, that is.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings