Can You Buy a Car Without a License?

Can you buy a car without a license, you ask?

No law forbids you to buy a car if you do not have a driver’s license. However, you’ll need to go through additional hoops to complete the purchase.

For example, the absence can cause problems when buying a car, like applying for auto loans or purchasing insurance. 

In addition, you could need to talk with someone in person, rather than taking everything online.

If you don’t possess a driver’s license, you’ll need a valid ID card.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. How To Buy A Car Without A License?
   • What Challenges Can you Face Buying a Car Without a Driver`s License?
2. How to Register a Car Without a Driver`s License?
3. Reasons to Buy a Car Without Having a Driver’s License
4. After Purchasing a Car, Can You Drive it to Your Home Without License Plates?

How To Buy A Car Without A License?

A driver’s license grants you the legal right to drive a car. However, the absence of a license does not affect your ability to possess a vehicle.

If you possess an authentic, government-issued photo ID, and have the budget, you can buy a car legally. But, without an insurance policy and driver’s license, you cannot legally drive a vehicle. You can bargain terms and deliver the car to you in this situation.

Be aware that a brand new car was never insured. When you buy a car without insurance or license, it must be delivered via tow truck delivery. However, it’s a costly and more complicated procedure than conventional car buying.

If you purchase the vehicle from a private owner, they might allow a relative or friend to return the car to you. If there are any concerns regarding the insurance, they might even agree to drive it independently.

RELATED TOPIC: Credit Cards, Auto Insurance Policies and Car Rentals

What Challenges Can you Face Buying a Car Without a Driver`s License?

If you have to purchase a vehicle without authorization, many hurdles may be in your path if you are in a situation.

Insurance

In most states, insurance for cars is a crucial element of owning a car. Insurance policies not only help a policy protect you financially when you’re involved in an accident, and it protects your fellow drivers from unexpected costs.

The issue with purchasing an unlicensed vehicle is that insurance companies generally require your driver’s license number when you make an application. However, certain insurers are more accommodating and will cover a car purchased by a driver who is not licensed if you supply them with proper details. The most important thing an insurance company must know is that the driver with the most license is the one who owns the vehicle to establish the specifics of the policy and its cost. It will still show as an exclusion person on the insurance.

Registration

The second area that can cause problems is the registration of your car. This is a big problem since you must have a valid driver’s license to be able to register a vehicle in your name. 

In any state, the person who owns the vehicle must file a registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before anyone can drive on highways and roads. Therefore it’s impossible to purchase a car without a driver’s license if you intend to drive it legally when on the public highway.

In short, even if you buy the car you want without a driver’s license, you will not be able to register it under your name.

Financing

The next hurdle is obtaining financing if you purchase a vehicle without a valid license. Usually, you need an ID with a photo to apply for a loan. Although there are other types of identification with photos other than a driver’s license, not having one could trigger an alarm from the lender. 

Although a lender may be open to working with poor credit scores or people who have budgets but not having a driver’s license could cause them to be reluctant to accept.

How to Register a Car Without a Driver`s License?

The DMV must be present with proof of insurance and a driver’s license to register your new vehicle. If you aren’t eligible for the license or insurance, you must register your new car with a third party’s name and share the ownership.

It is essential to select someone you have a solid connection to, such as your spouse, family member, or close friend. 

Keep in mind that the person you choose is the sole owner of the vehicle. Therefore it is vital to select the one you can trust to keep your car from being taken legally from your possession.

When you fill out the form, you are given the option of writing “and”or using the term “or” between the owner’s initials.

The use of “and” indicates that the car cannot be transferred or sold without consent from both parties. 

If you use “or,” it grants one party legal authority to market the car without the other party’s consent. There’s a greater risk associated with this agreement. 

However, the main benefit is that any obligation will not bind your family member or friend if you intend to sell the vehicle.

Reasons to Buy a Car Without Having a Driver’s License

Many people looking to buy an automobile do not possess a driver’s license. But there are many possibilities that someone who does not have one may still want to buy a car.

• You’re buying a gift. You don’t have a driver’s license, and you’d like to give a gift to a friend or family member who is the licensed titleholder.
• You have a caregiver or personal driver. You’re looking to buy a car for someone with a driver’s license. They will take you on tour and assist in taking the care you need.
• You’re learning how to drive. You’re hoping to obtain an endorsement yet want to purchase a vehicle to test your driving skills with a certified driver.
• You’re an owner of a business. You’re looking to expand the fleet of vehicles for your business for employees to use.
• You’re a car collector. You’re looking to buy a car to display in your collection. However, you don’t have plans to drive it.
• Buying a vehicle for a minor who is licensed to drive: Teenagers can’t legally finance a car under most circumstances, but you may still buy a car for your child if they’re licensed, even if you don’t possess one.
• A car to buy for a driver or personal chauffeur: If you’re in an area where you have a chauffeur or private driver, you may purchase the vehicle.

Keep in mind that you’ll be unable to take your car out to a test drive or drive it home following the purchase unless you have a driver’s license.

After Purchasing a Car, Can You Drive it to Your Home Without License Plates?

The person who buys a car can operate the vehicle for not more than 72 days, starting from the purchase date. You can drive the cart only to transport it via the most straightforward route from the point of sale to:

• A location for storage that includes the individual’s home or business;
• An inspection station to serve the purpose of testing emissions or
• A license branch or a full or partial-service provider to register the vehicle.

When operating the vehicle, the driver must be at hand the certificate of title that proves that the vehicle owner.