Consequences of Driving Without a License in 2024
Every state determines its own penalties if you get caught driving without a license. Although penalties vary for each infraction, you can expect fines and possible jail time. While driving without a license is usually a misdemeanor, it can be a felony if your license has been suspended or revoked. However, if you leave your driver’s license at home, you will only be issued a ticket.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
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UPDATED: Jan 28, 2024
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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: Jan 28, 2024
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 auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance 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
- Driving without a license is usually a misdemeanor but can still result in fines and jail time
- Penalties for driving without a license will vary by state
- You can get auto insurance without a license if you are listed as an excluded driver
While there are many reasons you may be driving without a license, none of them are legal. In most cases, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and can expect fines and maybe jail time, depending on your state.
However, if you are driving with a revoked or suspended license, you may be facing a felony and much more severe penalties.
You can definitely expect higher auto insurance rates if you’ve been charged with driving without a license. You might have to get high-risk auto insurance, which is significantly more expensive.
Keep reading to learn more about what happens when you drive without a license. Whether or not you have a driver’s license, you may still need auto insurance. Enter your ZIP code now to compare free auto insurance quotes from companies in your area.
What is the penalty for driving without a license?
All states require you to have a valid driver’s license to get behind the wheel. This requirement is to ensure you understand the rules of the road and can safely reach your destination.
Although every state has its own laws regarding unlicensed drivers, you can generally expect to see fines and possible jail time. Your vehicle can also be impounded. However, these penalties may vary based on your particular situation. (For more information, read our “What happens if your car is impounded?“).
If you are under 18 or only have a driving permit, you may face longer wait times to get your driver’s license. Some states may not allow you to get a license until you reach a certain age or require additional training.
This table breaks down penalties for driving without a license in each state. You can see that some states have higher penalties for driving without a license than others.
Penalties for Driving Without a License by State
| 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 | 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. 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. 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, 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, the 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 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 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. |
If you’ve just left your driver’s license at home, you will likely only receive a ticket for not having your license with you. Sometimes, the ticket can even be dismissed if you show a valid license.
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Is driving without a license a felony?
According to NOLO, some people may drive without a license because they never got one in the first place, didn’t apply for a new license when they moved, or have had their license revoked or suspended.
If you have never had a valid driver’s license, didn’t renew your license, or didn’t apply for a new license when you moved to a new state, you will usually face a misdemeanor charge. Penalties will generally be mild but will depend on the situation.
However, if you are driving with a suspended or revoked license, you may be charged with a felony. If you have your driver’s license revoked or suspended, it’s because you committed a significant infraction, such as reckless driving, getting a DUI, or causing multiple accidents.
Whatever the reason, your state decided you shouldn’t be behind the wheel. If you continue to drive, your penalties will severely increase and can include jail time and much higher fines.
Can you get auto insurance without a driver’s license?
Even if you don’t have a valid driver’s license, there may be times you will need auto insurance.
If you don’t plan on driving but own a vehicle, you will need to be listed as an excluded driver on auto insurance. For example, if you cannot drive and have another person drive you around in your car, the auto insurance will need to include you as the owner.
If your driver’s license is suspended, you may be able to get a hardship license. This type of license allows you to continue to drive for specific reasons like going to work or doctor’s appointments. You must have auto insurance in place even with a hardship license.
Penalties for driving without insurance are similar to driving without a license. You can face fines, having your car impounded, and possible jail time. Also, the consequences of driving without a license and registration are similar.
Driving without a license, insurance, and registration leads to fines and maybe even jail time. Losing your vehicle is also a possibility.
Additionally, your auto insurance rates will skyrocket if you have a suspended or revoked license.
Read more: Can I buy auto insurance without having a license?
Driving Without a License: What You Need to Know
While driving with a license is a misdemeanor in most cases, it can be a felony if your license has been suspended or revoked.
Every state determines its own penalties for driving without a license, but you can expect fines and possible jail time. In addition, penalties will increase significantly with more infractions.
You can still get auto insurance if you don’t have a valid driver’s license, although rates will be much higher. Since every car insurance company will offer you different rates, shop around for coverage.
Now that you know the penalties for driving without a license, make sure you have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance to avoid fines and jail time. Enter your ZIP code now to compare auto insurance quotes from nearby companies for free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to drive without a license?
Driving without a license refers to operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license issued by the appropriate licensing authority.
What are the potential consequences of driving without a license?
The consequences of driving without a license can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances. However, some common consequences include:
- Legal penalties: Driving without a license is generally considered a traffic offense or a misdemeanor, which can result in fines, probation, community service, or even imprisonment in some cases.
- Increased insurance costs: If you drive without a license and are involved in an accident, your insurance company may refuse to cover any damages or injuries. Moreover, when you eventually obtain a license, insurance providers may view your previous actions as high-risk, resulting in higher insurance premiums.
- Vehicle impoundment: Law enforcement authorities may impound the vehicle if the driver is found to be driving without a license, and the owner may have to pay fees to retrieve the impounded vehicle.
- Suspension or revocation of driving privileges: Driving without a license can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges, making it illegal for you to drive for a specified period. The duration of the suspension or revocation may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the number of offenses committed.
Can I get insurance coverage if I drive without a license?
It is unlikely that you will be able to obtain insurance coverage if you are driving without a license. Most insurance companies require a valid driver’s license as a prerequisite for providing coverage. If you drive without a license and are involved in an accident, your insurance company may refuse to cover any damages or injuries, leaving you personally responsible for all expenses.
Will driving without a license affect my future insurance rates?
Yes, driving without a license can have a significant impact on your future insurance rates. Insurance companies consider driving without a license as a high-risk behavior, which may result in higher premiums. When you eventually obtain a license, insurance providers may review your driving record, including any previous instances of driving without a license, and adjust your rates accordingly.
What should I do if I am caught driving without a license?
If you are caught driving without a license, it is essential to comply with the instructions of law enforcement officers. You may be issued a citation or be required to appear in court. It is advisable to consult with a legal professional who can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and options.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
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.