US driver's license renewel

Hi guys,

Has anyone had trouble renewing their American driver's licenses from the UK?

The problem I'm facing is that because I renewed my license last time online I'm now required to go to the DPS in person to renew this one! (in Austin, Texas) I wonder if I need a new photograph or something like that. Just the worst timing ever. I'm not planning a trip back to Austin for a long time, and yet I was planning to drive in the US when I visit the east coast this summer.

The last thing I need is more transportation nightmares, after not being able to drive here! At least let me keep my American license, please!!

I am wanting to contact them to see what I can do but I don't know what their rules are for someone keeping their local license once they've moved away. I wonder if I could say I'm away temporarily.

Anyone come across a similar situation?

Thanks,
Tevian

It depends on your state. 

By keeping your license it could be inferred you are keeping your residency in Texas, which is not a big deal as they don't have income tax, but I am not sure about other implications. 

Like bookgrl said, it varies from state to state.  From looking at Texas's DPS, as military or  nonmilitary it looks like you could renew by mail, using the out of country application, including proof of a vision test, and possibly an updated picture?? I'm not clear on that.  Probably best to try and email/call to be sure.

I just tried to renew mine today (from within the US) and it turns out I have to wait until tomorrow to do so, as renewal can only happen 6 months in advance of expiration in NC.

Thanks bookgrl and pickledsakura.

pickledsakura, you don't know how helpful and appreciated those links are that you found. I've been worried for hours. Thank you so much!

Hope your NC renewal goes smoothly.

tevian

pickledsakura, you don't know how helpful and appreciated those links are that you found. I've been worried for hours. Thank you so much!

Great! Happy to help! Hope it works out for you

I'm having the exact same issues with my PA license (annoyingly, I was just there in September and could've done it then had they told me!). Anyone know if I can renew it again online?

Or barring that, what the consequences would be if I just let it lapse and might possibly want to renew it some day? I wouldn't have to take the driver's test all over again, would I? Or are the rules more lax if I just wanted the PA photo ID rather than a driver's license (the chances of me be carded in the States without my passport to hand are much higher than me actually wanting to drive there in the next few years)?

As someone from PA, no.

You need to get a new photo every time you renew, so you need to go in person to get the pic.

This was the catalyst for me to get my UK DL because I paid the money to "renew" online, only to get a d@mn photocard in the mail last year.  I had been home for Thanksgiving and no where on the website did it mention needing to get a photo taken. 

You can get a license that doesn't your photo on it (I had one when I had to renew while fighting forest fires), but then that brings up the question as to whether you still consider yourself a PA resident so should you be paying taxes. 

If you let it expire I would assume you would need to retake the test, but I am not sure about that one.

As someone from PA, no.

You need to get a new photo every time you renew, so you need to go in person to get the pic.

No, I know that's not right because I've already had it renewed once (twice?) using the same photo that was taken when I was at Penn State while I've been here. The only issue last time was that they wouldn't post it outside the state so my parents had to take it then send it on to me afterwards. I'm just worried they won't let me do it again... How did you apply for the license without a photo? I've never heard of those?

I've looked through the PennDOT FAQ and they barely even mention military personnel, let alone persons working abroad. :/

I will do just about anything to not have to retake my driver's test in the US again, but I can't afford a transatlantic flight just to get this stupid license renewed!

I gave up on keeping my PA license - I didn't want to deal with state and local taxes, plus I couldn't get back to renew it there, which was the case the last time - had to go in person and couldn't just renew online.  I sucked it up and got my license here.

I thought I had renewed my license once with an old photo, but I think they might make you do it every other time? 

Or perhaps it is randomly selected because I had my photo taken in 2005 and then had to have it again when it came up for renewal the next time.     

I used to try to get my MA license renewed in advance of expiration whenever we'd be back visiting my parents. They let you do that up to a year in advance of your expiration date. Nowadays you can renew online if you're under 75 but I think you have to do it in person every other time.
I'll probably let it expire next time I move over.

My MA license expired mid last year, before we moved back to the US.  I had renewed it once online during my years in the UK and their rule is every 10 years you have to come into the DMV for an updated photo.  I thought I would have to take the test over when I finally got home, but I just had to show up at the DMV and get the license reinstated with a new photo.  No new test or big hassle.  I think the lady said I had up to a year after my license expired to get it reinstated without taking a test.  I am sure it varies from state to state, but good luck!

I don't know why people can't send in updated photos with every other renewal. (if that's what they require) I mean, to get my passport renewed, and my ILR visa, I just sent in a recent photograph.

It's terrible that we are in the position of losing our licenses over a little rule like that when we very likely want to drive in the US on visits or if we ever move back.

It's so ironic to think that to drive again in the states I would need a valid UK license. Lol

 

I don't know why people can't send in updated photos with every other renewal. (if that's what they require) I mean, to get my passport renewed, and my ILR visa, I just sent in a recent photograph.

It's terrible that we are in the position of losing our licenses over a little rule like that when we very likely want to drive in the US on visits or if we ever move back.

It's so ironic to think that to drive again in the states I would need a valid UK license. Lol

 

Well they are state issued and if you aren't a resident in your state, and not paying taxes, why should they let you keep it?

Well it would be nice, having to still pay federal tax to the US and all.

but I think more than anything I just struggle with losing my ties to the US.