Not having a driver’s license doesn’t mean you have to give up on the convenience and flexibility that owning a vehicle provides. You can actually enjoy the perks of having a car under your name, even if you can’t drive it yourself.
No license doesn’t automatically mean no sale. In most cases, you can buy a car even if you don’t have a driver’s license. You obviously won’t be able to drive it until you get a license, but you can legally own a vehicle even if you don’t plan on getting a license any time soon.
Here are common reasons why you might want to buy a car without a license:
Depending on where you live, however, you might run into a few problems if you’re a car owner without a driver’s license. Here are factors to consider when buying a car without a license:
Depending on where you live, you usually have to get liability insurance to register your vehicle. Some dealerships will also ask for proof of insurance before they release your new car.
Unfortunately, most insurance companies only approve policies if the car owner has a license. To get insured, unlicensed owners typically have to list a licensed family member or friend as the primary driver.
When buying a car, most consumers take out an auto loan through the dealership or a traditional lender. Unfortunately, some dealerships and banks consider unlicensed buyers as too risky, so you might find it hard to get your loan approved.
One possible solution is to ask a family member or friend who’s a licensed driver to be your co-signer. Lenders are more likely to approve your loan if you have a legal driver as a co-signer.
If a loan isn’t possible, paying for the vehicle in cash or with a low-interest-rate credit card is another option.
Without a license, you can’t drive your newly purchased vehicle home yourself. You’ll have to go with one of these options instead:
Vehicle registration laws can vary per state. When registering a car, most states ask for a driver’s license as proof of your identity and age. However, some states also allow other kinds of proof, such as a learner’s permit, non-driver ID card, or passport.
You can also register the car in another person’s name or, if it’s a fleet vehicle, under your business name. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for more information on your state’s specific laws on vehicle registration.
Yes, most dealerships will let you buy a car with a learner’s permit. However, you’ll need a co-signer who’s also a licensed adult, such as a parent or guardian. Rather than applying for a new policy, parents usually just add the new vehicle to their existing family insurance policy.
Keep in mind that even if you have successfully financed, insured, and registered your new car, you can’t drive it without a licensed driver with you in the vehicle at all times.
There are no laws prohibiting minors from buying a vehicle, but most states will require an adult co-signer when financing, registering, and insuring the vehicle.
A co-signer doesn’t automatically co-own the vehicle. While they help finance the car, their name has to be listed on the title for them to be considered a co-owner. The same goes for co-insurers. Unless the co-signer and co-insurer’s names are on the deed of sale, then you retain full ownership of the car.
In most states, you can buy a car with a suspended license. However, you’re likely to run into some issues when insuring, financing, and registering your new vehicle.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.