Just lost my US license b/c of my move to UK

Last year I sold my car to my dad b/c I was moving to Leeds. I called the VA dmv and asked what I needed to do and they told me. My parents live in PA so I drove home, handed it over etc...

Fast forward to one year later...

I tried to rent a car last week in PA on my visit home. I was denied and told to call this number. For reference I have a VA license. I had a suspended license. They would not allow me to rent the car on my perfectly good UK license due to the va one being suspended. I found out today that it was suspended b/c I cancelled my car insurance when I moved and sold my car. The car insurance co notified the VA dmv. They sent me letters (that weren't forwarded to my 'rents address) notifying me that I need to tell them what I did with the car. well, I called them to find out why it was suspended today and had to pay an $85 fee to get it lifted after I explained the car was sold.

That was ok, I can handle that. They never told me I was supposed to mail the VA license plates to them, that's why I had the fine. THen after i paid it she said, okay you no longer have a license. My VA license is no longer valid b/c I do not have a VA address/residency. What do I do? Will i have to take a US driving test again if I move back to the states? That's what my mom says. I don't have residency in PA, just a few things sent there once in a while. I am staying the UK indefinitely- so do I wait til we move to the US (if ever) to apply for a license? What do others do that live outside the US but want to maintain a US license.  I do have a british one, so I can still drive on that, this is just frustrating (esp for bars in the US and proof of age).

thanks for any advice!

I maintain my in-laws address as my official address in the states. Since I "officially" have a residence I maintain my drivers license and I also use it as a mailing address for several US credit cards that I maintain.

Will your parents allow you to do this?

yes, they already do, but I only use it for one credit card that is paperless billing. I suppose that will have to suffice, it also means I have to pay an extra tax to the township that they live in. It's just really annoying.

Would love to know if anyone else has run into something like I have

HOW WEIRD!...I thought if you were over 25 (california law) with a valid license you could rent a car...no matter where the license was from... .

HOW WEIRD!...I thought if you were over 25 (california law) with a valid license you could rent a car...no matter where the license was from... .

But her license wasn't valid -- VA suspended it.

But what reeeeka is saying (I think) is that she has a valid license from the UK.

How did they even find out that you had a license in the US at all when you tried to rent the car?

I think as suggested, you will need to get a license using your parents' address.  My DH had to do this when we were about to leave the US.  His OR license was about to expire and I finally convinced him to get an IL license.  So he used my parents' address and he had to take the IL test (right there and then!), and he turned in his OR license to the DMV. 

Why do you have to pay an extra tax to your parents' township?

But what reeeeka is saying (I think) is that she has a valid license from the UK.

Ah, I see!  Tis early!   

Just show your passport for i/d in bars.
Or your UK licence?

I would push the UK license thing.  When my English boyfriend and I go back to the US, he rents the car on his UK license, no Problem.  Why just because you are a US citizen are they checking your previous license history.  If you have it all cleared up, the suspended VA license thing, I don't see why you would need anything other than the UK license.  Call Hertz and ask them some questions about it.  They have the best customer service and should be able to set the record straight.  That must have been so annoying....

Yeah I agree with karin - why should the rental company even know if you had a license before in the US?  If you have your UK license that should be good enough.

Yes, I've run into the same with Maryland.  Since my domicile is no longer in that state, I am not entitled to hold a Maryland license.  Furthermore, if I continue to renew my license using a Maryland address, I responsible for state tax.

It's just easier to let it lapse, particularly as I have no intention of living in the US again.

But what reeeeka is saying (I think) is that she has a valid license from the UK.

yes...she has a valid license from the UK that should be good enough

When I go home in December, I'm using my student loan statements (that go to my parent's house) to re-establish residency in that state.  I lived in a different state as them for a while, but now living in the UK, I prefer to have someone in the state that I am claiming residency in.  They can better help me with state taxes and whatever other matters I may need to attend to.

On a different note, I have been denied a rental car in my home state - that I still hold a valid license from - because I didn't have a UK license! 

They reckon that since I booked the car from the UK that I had to have a UK license.  I was a bit miffed!  So hubs had to rent the car - and then - THEY ASKED FOR MY USA LICENSE TO PUT ME ON AS A SECOND DRIVER!!!!  Good Grief!

When I was in Maine in September - I had booked the car from the UK and preferred to give them my UK license as the car turned out to be cheaper  - insurance was inclusive for UK residents - not so otherwise.

On a different note, I have been denied a rental car in my home state - that I still hold a valid license from - because I didn't have a UK license! 

They reckon that since I booked the car from the UK that I had to have a UK license.  I was a bit miffed!  So hubs had to rent the car - and then - THEY ASKED FOR MY USA LICENSE TO PUT ME ON AS A SECOND DRIVER!!!!  Good Grief!

When I was in Maine in September - I had booked the car from the UK and preferred to give them my UK license as the car turned out to be cheaper  - insurance was inclusive for UK residents - not so otherwise.

Now I've heard everything.     Absolutely ridiculous!