OverviewWho must exchange their out of state licenseYou must exchange your out-state driver license (from another U.S. state or territory, federal district, or Canadian province) within 30 days of becoming a resident of New York. [fn]Definition of Resident per Section 250 (5) of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law: "As used in this section, the term 'resident' shall mean domiciliary, that is, one who lives in this state with the intention of making it a fixed and permanent abode.