Games Learning Resources Visit the Museum
America on the Move
Collection Exhibition Themes
BackSearch
District of Columbia driver license, 1903

Enlarge Image
District of Columbia driver license, 1903
NMAH, Transportation Collections

IN CONTEXT

This object appears in the following sections:


Americans Adopt the Auto: 		Americans Adopt the Auto — Licensing Cars and Drivers


District of Columbia driver's license
Currently on display
 From the Smithsonian Collection
The District of Columbia licensed drivers early. By 1909 it and 12 states, mostly in the East, required licenses. Often, they were a formality.
Physical Description
artifact. paper.
Details
Date Made:
1903
Locations:
Dist of Columbia
History

Early motorists were taught to drive by automobile salesmen, family and friends, or organizations like the YMCA. States required car registrations before they required licenses for drivers. Drivers licenses were issued by 39 states by 1935 and few required a test.


National Museum of American History About This Site | Sponsors | Buy the Book | E-mail Signup | Credits