It has already been two months since I moved to Austin, Texas. I am adapting well after the move, but there is one issue I have not resolved yet. It is the driver's license problem.

I found out that I have to exchange my CA license for a Texas license within 90 days of moving to Texas.

I briefly thought, can't I just keep both licenses? But the law prohibits holding driver's licenses from two states at the same time.

In the end, my CA license will be confiscated by the DPS (Department of Public Safety).

The exchange process is simpler than I thought, but there are some documents needed.

First, a valid CA driver's license. You can exchange it even if it is close to expiration, but if it has completely expired, you may have to retake the test.

Second, identification and proof of legal residency. A passport or green card is typical.

Third, proof of social security number. One of the Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 is sufficient.

Fourth, two documents proving Texas residency. Recent utility bills (electric, gas, water), bank statements, lease agreements, or vehicle insurance documents are acceptable.

Fifth, a vision test. This is conducted right at the DPS counter.

Lastly, a fee of about $33 to $40. They accept both cash and card.

I gathered all the documents in a file before going to the DPS.

Just in case, I brought three residency proofs and included the W-2 with my social security number on it.

Many Texas DPS locations operate on an appointment basis, so I scheduled a time online. Arriving at the appointment time can significantly reduce waiting time.

At the counter, the staff took my CA license for verification and scanned my ID, residency proof, and social security proof one by one.

I sat in front of the vision test machine and read a few lines to pass immediately. A few minutes later, I had my photo taken.

The important thing here is that the CA license must be returned on the spot.

Once the process is complete, they give you a temporary paper license. The official TX license in plastic card form usually arrives by mail within two weeks.

In conclusion, it is impossible to keep the California license while also having a Texas license.

However, it is possible to apply for a CA state ID card for identification purposes instead of a driver's license. For example, if you have real estate in California or need to maintain a bank account, you can use the 'state ID card' instead of a driver's license.

Although exchanging licenses seems bothersome, if you prepare the documents properly, it can be done at the DPS counter in 10 to 15 minutes.

Only after completing this process did I finally feel like, 'Now I am really a Texan' haha.

Today, I am also free from my wife's nagging, who changed her license here earlier.