Do I need to report my new state driver license ID number for tax filing?

I moved across state lines back in August and have been working remotely for the same company ever since. It's been about 6 months now and I still haven't gotten around to getting a new driver's license in my current state. With tax season approaching, I'm suddenly wondering if this is going to cause problems. Do I need to have a driver's license from my current state to file my taxes properly? Or can I just use my old one from my previous state? I'm worried because my W-2 will show my new address but my ID is still from my old state. Will this trigger some kind of flag or cause issues with my filing? Any advice would be super appreciated... feeling a bit stressed about this!

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19 comments

StarSailor}

•8M

You typically don't need your driver's license number to file your federal taxes. The IRS uses your Social Security Number as your primary identifier, not your driver's license. However, some states do require driver's license information when filing state taxes electronically as an anti-fraud measure. This varies by state, and the requirement is usually just to enter the ID number - not necessarily that it matches your current state of residence. For your federal return, your change of state won't matter as long as you use your current address. For your state returns, you'll likely need to file a part-year resident return for both states (the state you moved from and your new state). Check the specific requirements for both states regarding ID verification during e-filing.

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StarSailor}

•8M

If your new state specifically requires an in-state driver's license for filing, you might need to use an alternative identification option. Many states offer alternatives like state ID numbers, "None," or "Out-of-state license" options during the filing process. If no alternative is available (which is rare), you might need to paper file instead of e-filing for that state. Most states understand that not everyone has an in-state license immediately after moving, so they typically have accommodation options during filing.

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Zainab Ismail

•8M

After moving to a new state last year and facing the exact same issue, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it saved me so much hassle. I was confused about whether I needed to update my license right away or if my old one was fine for taxes. The tool analyzed my situation and confirmed that for federal taxes, my license didn't matter - only my SSN. For state taxes, it walked me through exactly what ID options I could use for both states and even helped me figure out how to handle the part-year resident situation. Super helpful for cross-state moves!

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Zainab Ismail

•8M

It has a database of state-specific requirements that's regularly updated, so it shows you exactly what ID options are accepted for electronic filing in each state. For example, in my case, it showed that my new state allowed using an out-of-state license with a "recently moved" designation. The difference from just googling is it creates a personalized checklist based on your specific situation - so not just the ID requirements but also all the forms you need for a mid-year move, how to handle income sourcing between states, and tax reciprocity rules. It basically compiled everything I needed in one place.

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Yara Nassar

•8M

Just wanted to update that I actually tried taxr.ai after my skeptical comment. Pretty impressed! It immediately showed me that my state (Michigan) accepts out-of-state licenses for first-year residents, but that I needed to select a specific option during filing. It also flagged that I needed to file in both states and showed exactly which forms I needed. I was able to file without getting a new license, though the tool did mention that state law requires getting a new license within 30 days of establishing residency (unrelated to taxes, just general compliance).

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Keisha Robinson

•8M

If you're having trouble getting clear answers about driver's license requirements for your state taxes, try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was on hold with my state tax department for HOURS trying to confirm if I could use my out-of-state license. With Claimyr, I got connected to a real person at the tax agency in under 20 minutes. They have this demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The state tax rep confirmed I could use my old license this year but should update it for compliance with state residency laws (not tax related).

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Keisha Robinson

•8M

They use technology that navigates the phone trees and holds your place in line for you. When a human finally answers, you get a call connecting you directly to that person. You don't lose your place in line - they just do the waiting for you. You're right to be skeptical - I was too. But it literally saved me from spending my entire afternoon on hold. The system called me back when an actual human picked up, and I got my answer about using my out-of-state license in about 2 minutes once I was connected to the right person.

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Paolo Ricci

•8M

I have to eat my words. After my skeptical comment, I tried Claimyr for a different tax issue (but asked about the license thing too). Got a call back in 35 minutes connecting me to an actual IRS person. I explained my situation about moving states and not having a new license yet, and they confirmed it's not an issue for federal taxes. They also suggested I call my state tax agency to confirm their specific requirements, which I did using Claimyr again. State confirmed I can use my old license this year but suggested getting it updated soon. Definitely saved me hours of hold time!

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Amina Toure

•8M

Yes, exactly. The tax filing and driver's license requirements are separate issues. Most states require you to get a new license within a certain timeframe after establishing residency, typically 30-90 days depending on the state. While you may be able to file your taxes using your old license number, you could potentially be stopped for a traffic violation and face additional penalties for not having updated your license within the required timeframe. Some states can be quite strict about this.

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Giovanni Ricci

•4M

I was in a similar situation last year when I moved from Texas to Colorado and was worried about the same thing! Here's what I learned: for federal taxes, your driver's license number isn't even required - the IRS only cares about your SSN. For state taxes, most states have workarounds for people who haven't updated their licenses yet. However, I'd strongly recommend getting your new state license ASAP regardless of taxes. I got pulled over for a minor traffic violation about 8 months after moving and the officer was not happy that I hadn't updated my license within the required 30-day window. Ended up with an additional fine on top of the original ticket. The tax filing worked out fine with my old license, but the DMV compliance issue was definitely a headache I could have avoided!

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