Can You Legally Drive without a License?

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A state-by-state look at licensing laws
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Driving without a license is illegal in all 50 states as well as DC. Still, there are some nuances to license/motor vehicle laws, considering they’re all state-regulated—and we’re here to help you take a closer look. Read on to learn the ins and outs of driving laws in the United States, including the consequences of driving license-free and the legal workarounds for avoiding license-related problems.

Can you drive without a license legally?

No, it’s illegal to drive without a license in all US states plus DC. If you forget your license and get pulled over, though, it shouldn’t be a big deal—many states forgive drivers who are willing to show their license in court and pay a small fine. Even so, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of bringing your license with you whenever you drive.

Section 1 of 4:

Do you need a license to legally drive?

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  1. In all 50 states plus DC, drivers are required to have an active driver’s license before they hit the road. This legislation applies to both licensed and unlicensed drivers—licensed folks need to have their ID with them whenever they drive, while unlicensed people can’t drive unless they have a learner’s permit (and someone supervising them in the vehicle). [1]
    • Licensing laws exist on a state-by-state basis, and some states (like Alabama, for instance) offer exceptions for vehicles like tractors. [2] This ultimately depends on your local legislature, though, so it’s important to check your state’s license laws to be sure.
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State Legislation
License Laws (by State)
Alabama License Laws
Alaska License Laws (AS28.15.131)
Arkansas License Laws (27-16-602)
California License Laws
Colorado License Laws
Connecticut License Laws
D.C. License Laws
Delaware License Laws
Florida License Laws
Georgia License Laws
Hawaii License Laws
Idaho License Laws
Illinois License Laws
Indiana License Laws
Iowa License Laws
Kansas License Laws
Kentucky License Laws
Louisiana License Laws
Maine License Laws
Maryland License Laws
Massachusetts License Laws
Michigan License Laws
Minnesota License Laws
Mississippi License Laws
Missouri License Laws
Montana License Laws
Nebraska License Laws
Nevada License Laws
New Hampshire License Laws
New Jersey License Laws
New Mexico License Laws
New York License Laws
North Carolina License Laws
North Dakota License Laws
Ohio License Laws
Oklahoma License Laws (47-6-303)
Pennsylvania License Laws (1501)
Rhode Island License Laws
South Carolina License Laws (56-1-440)
South Dakota License Laws
Tennessee License Laws
Texas License Laws (Sec. 521.021)
Utah License Laws
Vermont License Laws
Virginia License Laws
Washington License Laws
West Virginia License Laws
Wisconsin License Laws (343.05(4)(a)3m.
Wyoming License Laws (31-7-106)
Section 2 of 4:

What happens if I forget my license at home?

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  1. Mistakes like leaving your license at home are often treated as “correctable violations,” or infractions that can easily be fixed in court. The exact legal process ultimately depends on the state you live in, but you’ll likely just have to visit your local courthouse and pay a small fine (like $25). [3]
    • Driving with an expired license also tends to fall in this category. If you can renew your license and bring it to your local courthouse, your infraction should be cleared without too much issue.
    • Keep in mind that law enforcement might not be as lenient if you’re repeatedly caught forgetting your license.
Section 3 of 4:

Consequences of Driving Without a License

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  1. Your exact circumstances determine the consequences of driving without a license. If you’re caught driving with a revoked or suspended license, for instance, you could be looking at a pretty serious fine or even jail time. If you’re a repeat offender of driving illegally (like when your license is suspended or revoked), the punishment is even harsher. [4]
    • For example, in Montana, a second offender can be fined up to $500 and spend between 2 days and 6 months in jail.
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Section 4 of 4:

Workarounds to Driving Without a License

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  1. The process for getting your learner’s permit is state-specific , so look up your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for specific instructions on how to test for and receive a learner’s permit. The process may involve: [5]
    • Submitting documentation that proves your citizenship, age, and address
    • Getting a doctor’s signature
    • Passing a knowledge-based exam at a DMV center
    • Note: A learner’s permit isn’t the same as a license, but it gives unlicensed drivers legal permission to drive if they’re accompanied by an adult who’s at least 21. [6]
  2. While it’s not the end of the world to be pulled over without a license, verifying your identity in court and paying a small fine is an unnecessary drain on your time and resources. [7] Should you be on the road and realize your license is missing, drive as carefully as possible to your next destination (ideally, your residence) to prevent any run-ins with police.
    • Try stashing your license in your wallet, or some other item that you carry with you frequently; that way, it’s more likely to always be on your person.
  3. If your license gets suspended or revoked, law enforcement will let you know what has to be done—ultimately, it depends on the state you live in. While your license is suspended, revoked, or otherwise in poor standing, consider alternative means of getting around, like:
    • Carpooling with friends/relatives
    • Taking public transportation
    • Using a ride-share service (like Uber or Lyft)
  4. If you move to a new state, you’ll have around 2 months (60 days) to contact your local DMV and get your license updated. [8] To prevent any future complications in the event that you get pulled over, make sure your license is up-to-date should any law enforcement officer ask to see it.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/teen-drivers-license?language=en_US
      2. ↑ https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-license-information
      3. ↑ https://www.mendocino.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic/correctable-violations
      4. ↑ https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0050/part_0020/section_0120/0610-0050-0020-0120.html
      5. ↑ https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/Driver-Manual/Chapter-1/Pages/Applying-for-a-Learner's-Permit.aspx
      6. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/info-details/junior-operator-license-jol-requirements
      7. ↑ https://www.mendocino.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic/correctable-violations
      8. ↑ https://dmv.nebraska.gov/dl/change-address

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