Are you allowed to buy or register a car with a suspended license?
If your license has been suspended, you may find yourself needing to buy a car without a license. You are allowed to buy or register a car with a suspended license, but you need to have up-to-date car insurance in place. Without insurance, you will need someone to list you on their policy.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Drivers can buy or register a car with a suspended license as long as they have valid car insurance
- Insurers may drop a driver with a suspended license or refuse to sell them suspended license insurance
- If drivers don’t have insurance, they can buy and register a car with a suspended license in a spouse’s name through the spouse’s auto insurance
Are you allowed to buy or register a car with a suspended license? Can you register a car without a license? The answer to both these questions is yes — it is possible to buy or register a vehicle without a license. However, having a suspended license can affect your auto insurance rates.
Still, it is sometimes more difficult depending on whether you had car insurance coverage before your license was revoked.
You will also need a form of ID other than your driver’s license to purchase a car, such as a state photo ID. Read on to learn more about buying or registering a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
Buying a Car With a Suspended License
Can you buy a car with a suspended license? It is possible not to have a license for car purchases, but you will need a valid photo ID and car insurance. Do you need a license to buy a car? Buying a car without a license is much harder if you don’t have insurance beforehand, as you must provide proof of insurance at most dealerships.
Most insurers won’t sell you insurance if you have a suspended license, so if you don’t have insurance before purchasing a vehicle, it can complicate the process. Therefore, waiting until your suspension is over to buy a car is usually best.Kalyn Johnson Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
However, if you want to buy a car without auto insurance, it is only possible if you’re buying a car for someone else with a valid license who is also a listed driver on your insurance policy. While you are the one paying for the car, the vehicle can be registered in your partner’s name.
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Registering a Car With a Suspended License
Can you register a car without a license? Registering a car with a suspended license can sometimes be tricky. Registration requires car insurance. Usually, the only option is to register it in someone else’s name if you don’t have car insurance.
You can legally register your vehicle in most states if you have car insurance. However, check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for their full list of requirements before buying a car with a suspended license and attempting to register the vehicle.
While there usually won’t be a problem registering a car without a driver’s license as long as you meet the car insurance coverage requirements, it is sometimes best to wait until your license is reinstated. Meeting the minimum state requirements for auto insurance is needed. Hence, the process is easier, and you don’t run into any roadblocks.
Other Factors To Consider When You Buy or Register a Car With a Suspended License
Even though you can legally purchase a car and register it with a suspended license, it’s important to note that you can’t drive it. Someone else will have to come to the dealership to drive it off the lot, and you won’t be able to drive it until your license is reinstated.
Suppose you don’t have valid car insurance and you have a suspended driver’s license. In that case, you are better off waiting to buy and register a car, as most insurance companies won’t sell car insurance to drivers with suspended licenses or will drop drivers who become suspended. You usually can’t buy a car without auto insurance.
Buying a Car With a Valid Permit or Hardship License
Can you buy a car with a permit? You may be wondering if you can have another driver purchase a car with a permit if you have a suspended license. A driver with a learner’s permit can get learner’s permit insurance to buy a car, although they won’t be able to drive it without a licensed driver in the car.
Some states, such as Texas, will allow permit drivers to apply for hardship licenses, which can make buying and registering a car easier. For example, the hardship license in Texas enables drivers to prove they need to drive sooner than before the six-month permit mark. In those cases, young drivers can purchase and register a car.
The Final Word on How to Buy and Register a Car With a Suspended License
It is legally possible to buy and register a car with a suspended driver’s license, but you must have valid car insurance in order. If you don’t have valid car insurance, it is best to wait until your driver’s license is reinstated, as most car insurance companies won’t sell car insurance to drivers with suspended licenses.
If you are close to having your driver’s license reinstated and want to find the best rates on car insurance in your area, use our free quote comparison tool below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a car without a license if my license has been suspended?
Yes, you can generally purchase a car even if your driver’s license is suspended. However, keep in mind that driving the vehicle on public roads will still be prohibited until your license suspension is lifted or resolved.
Can I register a car with a suspended license?
The rules regarding car registration with a suspended license can vary by jurisdiction. In some cases, you may be able to register a car in your name even with a suspended license. However, you will typically not be allowed to drive the vehicle legally until your license suspension is lifted.
Can I insure a car with a suspended license?
Yes, you can usually insure a car with a suspended license. Insurance companies generally provide coverage for the vehicle itself, regardless of the driver’s license status. However, you may face challenges when it comes to finding an insurance provider willing to cover a driver with a suspended license. Additionally, it’s important to note that if you do not have a valid driver’s license, any coverage for personal liability or injuries sustained while driving may be limited or excluded.
Can you register a car in North Carolina without a license?
You need a driver’s license and an up-to-date auto insurance policy to register a car in North Carolina.
Can you register a car in Illinois without a license?
You must have a valid driver’s license and insurance coverage to buy and register a car in Illinois.
Can you register a car without a license in Maryland?
Maryland state laws require a valid Maryland driver’s license to register a vehicle in the state, although there are exceptions for out-of-state residents.
What happens if you drive around with a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended license is a serious offense and can result in various penalties, including fines, license extension, further suspension periods, impoundment of the vehicle, and even imprisonment in some cases. The consequences can vary depending on your jurisdiction and the reason for your license suspension.
How do you get around with a suspended license?
You can apply for a restricted license that will allow you to drive to and from work, school, and appointments.
How do I reinstate my suspended license?
The process for reinstating a suspended license varies by jurisdiction and the reason for the suspension. In general, you will need to follow the instructions provided by your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or relevant licensing authority. This typically involves fulfilling any requirements or conditions, such as paying fines, completing traffic school, or providing proof of insurance. Contact your local DMV or licensing authority for specific information regarding your situation.
Will my car insurance rates be affected if my license is suspended?
While your license suspension itself may not directly impact your car insurance rates, there can be indirect effects. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premiums, including your driving history. If your license was suspended due to serious driving offenses or multiple violations, it could indicate a higher risk to insurers. As a result, your rates may increase when you are eligible to reinstate your license or purchase a new policy.
Can I remove coverage from my car insurance policy if my license is suspended?
It is generally not recommended to remove coverage from your car insurance policy if your license is suspended, especially if you still have a registered vehicle. Even if you’re not actively driving, your car may still be at risk of theft, vandalism, or damage from other non-driving incidents. Additionally, maintaining continuous insurance coverage is often required by law in most jurisdictions, regardless of your license status.
Will my insurance company cancel my policy if my license is suspended?
While each insurance company has its own policies and guidelines, it is possible that your insurance company may choose to cancel your policy if your license is suspended. Some insurance providers view a suspended license as an increased risk, and they may consider you ineligible for coverage. It’s important to check with your specific insurance company to understand their policies regarding suspended licenses.
Can I add someone else as the primary driver on my car insurance policy if my license is suspended?
If your license is suspended, you may be able to add another licensed driver as the primary driver on your car insurance policy. However, it’s crucial to provide accurate information to your insurance company. Misrepresenting the primary driver’s information or failing to disclose a suspended license could result in coverage denial or policy cancellation if discovered.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.