Don’t Miss These Facts
- Your state determines the penalties for driving without a license
- If you forget your license, but it’s valid, you will get a ticket and fine
- Your first offense of driving without a license is a misdemeanor, but subsequent offenses may be felonies
Can you drive without a license? What happens if you drive without a license? Most states require car insurance, but all require drivers to have a license.
Driving without a license will result in fines, impounding your car, and possible jail time. While penalties are stiff for a first offense, drivers with two or more violations can face felony charges.
However, if you’ve just left your driver’s license at home, you will probably receive a traffic ticket and a small fine. If you go to court and show a valid license, the court may drop the ticket.
Your car insurance rates will also increase if you drive without a license. If you’re facing increased rates, shop around to find the best coverage with the lowest rates available.
Keep reading to find out what happens if you drive without a license.
What happens if you drive without a license?
Do you need a driver’s license to buy a car? What about driving a car? Although you don’t need a driver’s license to buy a car, you must have one to drive.
Every state requires drivers to maintain a valid driver’s license to be behind the wheel. This requirement ensures drivers know how to drive and follow traffic rules safely.
However, every state creates its own rules for getting a driver’s license and what happens if you drive without a valid license. Penalties are more severe the more times you are caught driving without a license.
This table shows penalties by the state for driving without a valid license.
| State | Fees | First Offense | Subsequent Offences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Misdemeanor: $100-$500 | Possible imprisonment for no more than 180 days and immediate vehicle impoundment. Possible license suspension increase by 6 months. | |
| Alaska | First Offense - Class A Misdemeanor: 10 days suspended imprisonment provided at least 80 hours of community service are completed; possible forfeiture of the vehicle; license suspension increased by at least 90 days. | Subsequent Offense -Class A Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for at least 10 days; possible forfeiture of the vehicle; license suspension increased by at least 90 days. | |
| Arizona | Class 1 Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for up to 6 months; possible vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days | Driving on a suspended or revoked license - Class 2 misdemeanor This charge carries a potential sentence of 4 months in jail and fines of up to $750. | |
| Arkansas | Misdemeanor: Fine no more than $500 | Imprisonment for between 2 days and 6 months | Shall extend the period of the suspension for an additional like period and, if the conviction was upon a charge of driving while a license was revoked, the office shall not issue a new license for an additional period of one (1) year from and after the date such person would otherwise have been entitled to apply for a new license. |
| California | $300-$1,000 Fine | Imprisonment for between 5 days and 6 months | Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for between 10 days and 1 year; $500-$2000 fine. |
| Colorado | Misdemeanor - No more than $500 | Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, license suspension increased by 1 year. If the license restraint is due to an alcohol-related offense, there is a mandatory 30 days to 1 year in jail for a first offense. Minimum fine of $500 to $1,000. | Subsequent Offense - Driver ineligible to be issued a driver’s license for a period of three years. A second alcohol-based driving under restraint will result in a mandatory 90-day to a 2-year jail sentence. Minimum fine of $500 to $3,000. |
| Connecticut | $150 - $200 | Imprisonment for no more than 3 months | Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 1 year, $200-$600 fine, or both. |
| Delaware | $500-$1,000 | Imprisonment for between 30 days and 6 months. Possible vehicle impoundment of at least 90 days | Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for between 60 days and 1 year; $1,000-$4,000 fine; possible vehicle impoundment of at least 1 year. |
| District of Columbia | $2,500 | Imprisonment for no more than 1 year | |
| Florida | Misdemeanor $500 - $5,000 | First Offense -2nd Degree Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 60 days or $500 fine | Second Offense -1st Degree Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year or $1,000 fine. Subsequent Offense - 3rd Degree Felony: Imprisonment for no more than 5 years or $5,000 fine. Immediate vehicle impoundment. |
| Georgia | Misdemeanor - $500 -$5,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for between 2 days and 1 year; possible additional fine of no more than $1,000. | Second or Third Offenses - High and Aggravated Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for between 10 days and 1 year; possible additional fine of $1,000-$2,500. Fourth or Subsequent Offenses - Felony: Imprisonment for 1-5 years; possible addition fine of $2,500-$5,000. |
| Hawaii | $250-$2,000 | First Offense - Imprisonment for 3-30 days; $250-$1,000 fine; license suspension increased by 1 year; additional, inapplicable penalties. | Second Offense - Imprisonment for 30 days; $1,000 fine; license suspension increased by 2 years; additional. Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for 1 year, $2,000 fine. permanent license revocation; Additional, inapplicable penalties. |
| Idaho | Misdemeanor - $1,000 -$3,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for between 2 days and 6 months; fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 180 days. | Second Offense - Imprisonment for between 20 days and 1 year; fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 1 year. Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for between 30 days and 1 year; fine of no more than $3,000; license suspension increased by 2 years. |
| Illinois | Misdemeanor - $2,500 -$25,000 | First Offense - Class A Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year; fine of no more than $2,500. | Subsequent Offense - Class 4 Felony: Imprisonment for 1-3 years; fine of up to $25,000. Possible vehicle impoundment. Fourth or Subsequent Offenses - Possible seizure of license plate; possible vehicle immobilization. |
| Indiana | Felony - No more than $10,000 fine | Class 6 Felony - Imprisonment for between 6 months and 2 years, 6 months; fine of no more than $10,000. | |
| Iowa | Misdemeanor - $250 -$1,500 | License suspension increased for an additional like period or for one year, whichever is shorter. | |
| Kansas | Misdemeanor: $100 | First Offense - Class B Nonperson Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for at least 5 days; fine of at least $100. | Subsequent Offense - Class A Nonperson Misdemeanor: Imprisonment without eligibility for parole until completion of 5 days; fine of at least $100. License suspension increased by 90 days. |
| Kentucky | Misdemeanor: Up to $250 | First Offense - Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment up to 90 days; license suspension increased by 6 months. Fine up to $250 | Second Offense - Class A Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for between 90 days and 1 year; license suspension increased by 1 year. Third or Subsequent Offense - Class D Felony: Imprisonment for 1-5 years; license suspension revoked for additional 2 years. |
| Louisiana | $500-$2,500 | Person with a Class D or E driver’s license: Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, fine of no more than $500, or both. Driver may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,250. A person with a Class A, B, or C driver’s license: Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, fine of no more than $5,000, or both. Driver may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $2,500. | Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for between 7 days and 6 months; fine of $300-$500; potential civil fine of no more than $1,150. Subsequent Offense - Class A, B, or C driver’s license: Imprisonment for between 7 days and 6 months; fine of $300-$500; potential civil fine of no more than $2,500. License suspension increased by 1 year |
| Maine | Class E Crime: Up to $1,000 | First Offense – Class E: Crimes punishable by up to six months incarceration and a $1,000 fine | |
| Maryland | Misdemeanor - $1,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year, fine of no more than $1,000, or both; possible license suspension increased by no more than 1 year. | Subsequent Offense - Misdemeanor Imprisonment for no more than 2 years, fine of no more than $1,000, or both; possible license suspension increased by no more than 18 months if the second offense, and no more than 2 years for subsequent offenses. Possible vehicle impoundment. |
| Massachusetts | Misdemeanor - $500 -$1,000 | First Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 10 days, $500-$1,000 fine, or both | Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for between 60 days and 1 year. License suspension increased by 60 days. |
| Michigan | Misdemeanor - $500 -$1,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 93 days, a fine of no more than $500, or both. | Second Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both. Cancellation of vehicle registration plates. License suspension increased by like period. |
| Minnesota | Misdemeanor - No more than $1,000 | Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for no more than 90 days, fine of no more than $1,000, or both. | |
| Mississippi | Misdemeanor - $200 -$500 | Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for between 48 hours and 6 months; $200-$500 fine; license suspension increased by 6 months. | |
| Missouri | First Offense - Class D Misdemeanor: Up to $500 fine. No set term of imprisonment, not to exceed one year. | Second Offense - Class A Misdemeanor: Fine not to exceed $2,000. Imprisonment for between 6 months and 1 year. Subsequent Offense - Class E Felony: Imprisonment for no more than 4 years. | |
| Montana | Misdemeanor - No more than $500 | First Offense – Fine not to exceed $500 and term of imprisonment not to exceed 6 months. | Imprisonment for no less than 2 days and not to exceed 6 months, license suspension increased by 1 year, a vehicle used is seized and rendered inoperable for 30 days. |
| Nebraska | First Offense - Class II Misdemeanor: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 1 year; license revocation for a like period. | Second or Third Offense - Class II Misdemeanor: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 2 years; license revocation for a like period. Fourth or Subsequent Offense - Class I Misdemeanor: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 2 years; license revocation for like period. | |
| Nevada | Misdemeanor - No more than $1,000 | Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both. If the license is suspended, an extension of suspension by like period. If license (revoked), an extension of the period of ineligibility for license by 1 year. | |
| New Hampshire | Misdemeanor - No more than $1,000 | Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for a period not less than 7 consecutive 24-hour periods to be served within 6 months of the conviction, fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 1 year. | |
| New Jersey | $500-$1,000 | First Offense - $500 fine. | Second Offense - Imprisonment for 1-5 days; $750 fine. Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for 10 days; $1,000 fine. License suspension increased by no more than 6 months. |
| New Mexico | Misdemeanor - No more than $1,000 | Imprisonment for 4-364 days; possible fine of no more than $1,000. Possible vehicle immobilization. | |
| New York | Misdemeanor - $250 -$500 | First Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $200-$500 fine, or both. | Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 180 days; fine of no less than $500. |
| North Carolina | Misdemeanor - No more than $300 | First Offense - Class 3 Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for 1-10 days; fine of no more than $200; license suspension increased by 1 year. | Second Offense - License suspension increased by 2 years. Third Offense - Permanent license suspension. |
| North Dakota | Misdemeanor - $1,500 -$3,000 | First, Second or Third Offense - Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $1,500 fine, or both. | Fourth or Subsequent Offense - Class A Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for no more than 1 year, $3,000 fine, or both.Possible destruction of license plate. |
| Ohio | Misdemeanor - $1,000 | First Offense - Unclassified Misdemeanor: Fine of no more than $1,000; 500 hours community service. | Subsequent Offense - 1st Degree Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 180 days; $1,000 fine. Possible license plate impoundment. |
| Oklahoma | Misdemeanor - $50-$1,000 | First Offense - $100-$500 fine. | Second Offense): $200-$750 fine. Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 1 year, $300-$1,000 fine, or both. |
| Oregon | $220-$2,000 | Class A Traffic Infraction: $220-$2,000 fine. Possible vehicle impoundment. | |
| Pennsylvania | $200 | Summary Offense: $200 fine; license suspension increased by 1 year if originally suspended, 2 years if it was originally revoked. | |
| Rhode Island | Misdemeanor - $250-$1,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days; $250-$500 fine; license suspension increased by 3 months. | Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 1 year; $350-$1,000 fine; 2nd Offense - license suspension increased by 6 months, license revoked. |
| South Carolina | $300-$1,000 | First Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $300 fine, or both. | Second Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 60 days, $600 fine, or both. Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 90 days; $1,000 fine. |
| South Dakota | Misdemeanor - No more than $2,000 | Revoked - Class 1 Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year; fine of no more than $2,000. Suspended or Cancelled - Class 2 Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days; fine of no more than $500. | |
| Tennessee | Misdemeanor - $500 -$2,500 | First Offense - Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for not more than 6 months, fine of no more than $500, or both; license suspension increased by the like period of time. | Subsequent Offense - Class A Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for not more than 11 months, 29 days, fine of no more than $2,500, or both; license suspension increased by the like period of time. |
| Texas | Misdemeanor - $500 -$2,000 | First Offense - Class C Misdemeanor: Fine of no more than $500. | Subsequent Offense - Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 180 days, fine of no more than $2,000, or both. |
| Utah | Misdemeanor - $1,000 | Class C Misdemeanor: Imprisonment of no more than 90 days; up to $750 fine. | |
| Vermont | No more than $5,000 | First Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 2 years, fine of no more than $5,000, or both. | Sixth or Subsequent Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 2 years, fine of $5,000, or both. Possible seizure of license plates. |
| Virginia | Misdemeanor - No more than $2,500 | Class 1 Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for no more than 12 months, fine of no more than $2,500, or both. | |
| Washington | Misdemeanor - No more than $5,000 | Gross Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for no more than 364 days, fine of no more than $5,000, or both. | |
| West Virginia | Misdemeanor - $100 -$500 | First Offense Misdemeanor - $100-$500 fine. | Second Offense - Misdemeanor: $100-$500 fine. Third or Subsequent Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for 30-90 days; $150-$500 fine. |
| Wisconsin | $50-$2,500 | Suspended - $50-$200 fine. Revoked - Fine of no more than $2,500.Vehicle may be impounded | |
| Wyoming | Misdemeanor - $750 | Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, fine of no more than $750, or both. | |
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Even though each state has its laws, penalties are much harsher for subsequent offenses.
For example, drivers without Los Angeles car insurance or a valid driver’s license will only be charged a fine up to $1,000 the first time caught driving without a license but can be charged up to $2,000 per offense.
In addition to fines, drivers can have their cars impounded, be ineligible to receive a valid driver’s license for a set period of time and may even be sent to jail. Your car insurance rates will also increase significantly for several years.
Remember that letting someone without a license drive your car will most likely void your car insurance. So, if that person wrecks your vehicle, you’ll have to pay for costly repairs yourself.
What are the types of driver’s license violations?
According to NOLO, there are several types of driving without license violations. Although some are more severe than others, they all come with fines and harsher penalties for more than one violation.
Types of driver’s license violations include:
- Not ever having a valid driver’s license
- Having an expired license
- Not changing your license when you move states
- Not having your license on you
- Having a suspended or revoked license
There are several reasons your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked, including too many points on your license, not maintaining the correct amount of insurance, and being charged with a DUI.
While you may receive a fine for driving with an expired license or not having your license with you, driving with a suspended or revoked license will carry much stiffer penalties.
If you’re wondering how to drive without a license legally, there isn’t a way to get around needing a license to drive.
In some cases, you may be able to get a hardship license if yours has been suspended or revoked. Although a hardship license is a valid driver’s license, you will be greatly restricted on where and when you can drive.
For example, a hardship license may let you drive to work, the grocery store, and the doctor’s office. However, you won’t be able to drive to the movies or on a road trip.
What happens if you get pulled over without a license on you?
Not having a valid driver’s license and not having your license with you are two vastly different things. As we’ve discussed, driving without a valid license leads to severe penalties like significant fines and even jail time.
However, if you simply left your driver’s license at home, penalties are much less severe. A police officer can use your personal information, such as name and date of birth, to determine if you have a valid driver’s license.
If your information shows you have a valid license but not with you, you will typically receive a traffic ticket and a fine.
Although a judge can choose to reduce or drop the traffic ticket if you show up at court with your driver’s license, that’s not always the case. So be prepared to pay your fine just in case.
Is driving without a license a felony?
Driving without a valid license is a serious offense and earns you more than a traffic ticket. However, most states are more lenient for a first-time offense.
The first time you are caught driving without a license, you may be charged with a misdemeanor, and fines may not be as hefty. However, if you are driving with a suspended license, your suspension will likely be lengthened.
Can you go to jail for driving without a license? Yes, you may be sent to jail for driving without a license, but it typically won’t happen the first time.
Second and subsequent offenses come with more significant fines and can lead to felony charges. Not to mention, your car can be impounded, and you can face jail time.
Driving Without A License: The Bottom Line
Driving without a license brings headaches and is costly. In addition, while first-time offenders may be charged with a misdemeanor, drivers can face felony charges for repeated behavior.
Drivers can also face significant fines and jail time, especially if alcohol is involved. However, drivers who have a valid license but don’t have it with them typically receive a traffic ticket and a small fine.
If your license has expired or you haven’t changed it after a move, you can still be charged with driving without a license.
To avoid hefty fines and other severe penalties, ensure your license is valid before getting behind the wheel.
