Driving without a valid driver’s license is a serious offense that can result in jail time and higher insurance rates. Charges for driving without a license vary by state, but hefty fines are usually involved if you get caught by law enforcement.

In addition, driving without a license can have major implications for your car insurance coverage. 

“If you are caught driving illegally with a suspended license, you now represent a higher risk to an insurer,” says Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.

Key Highlights
  • Driving without a driver’s license or a suspended or revoked license is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
  • The penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license vary considerably by state.
  • Depending on your state, driving with a suspended or revoked license can result in a fine of up to $25,000.
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Written by:
Mark Vallet
Contributing Researcher
Mark is a freelance journalist and analyst with over 15 years of experience covering the insurance industry. He has extensive experience creating and editing content on a variety of subjects with deep expertise in insurance and automotive writing. He has written for autos.com, carsdirect.com, DARCARS and Madtown Designs to name just a few. He is also a professional blogger and a skilled web content creator who consistently turns out engaging, error-free writing while juggling multiple projects.
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Nupur Gambhir
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Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.

Is it illegal to drive without a driver’s license?

Driving without a driver’s license or driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In most states, the first offense is a misdemeanor. If you have multiple offenses, it can be a felony.

The penalty for driving with a suspended license varies significantly from state to state. A first offense might result in a penalty that keeps you from driving for anywhere from a few months to up to a year. 

A second offense and subsequent offenses will likely result in a longer suspension of your driving privileges. In some states, driving without a license could result in your vehicle being impounded.

Jail time of up to several years is possible, especially after a first offense. You might also be required to perform community service. 

What happens if you get pulled over without a license?

The penalty for driving without a license will vary depending on various factors, including:

  • The state you live in
  • If you were driving with an expired license
  • Whether your license was suspended or revoked 
  • Whether it was a first offense 

Drivers might face hefty penalties that exceed $1,000, a suspension or revocation of their license, and possible jail time.

Here is a breakdown by state of what happens if you get pulled over without a license, according to 2021 data from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Penalties for driving without a license, by state
States Citation Penalties

Alabama

§32-6-19

Misdemeanor: $100-$500 fine; additional fine of $50; imprisonment for no more than 180 days; immediate vehicle impoundment; possible license suspension increase by 6 months.

Alaska

§28.15.291

Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for 2 days and 6 months; possible fine of not more than $500.

Arizona

§28-3473

§28-3511

§13-707

Class 1 Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for up to 6 months; possible vehicle impoundment.

Arkansas

§27-16-303

Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for 2 days to 6 months; possible fine of not more than $500.

California

Veh. Code

§14601

§14602.6

(First Offense): Imprisonment for 5 days to 6 months; $300-$1000 fine.(Subsequent Offense): Imprisonment between 10 days and 1 year; $500-$2000 fine.

Colorado

§42-2-138

(First Offense) Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 6 months; fine of no more than $500; license suspension increased by 1 year.

(Subsequent Offense): Driver ineligible to be issued a driver’s license for a period of three years.

Connecticut

§14-215

§14-227h

(First Offense): Imprisonment for no more than 3 months, $150-$200 fine, or both.

(Subsequent Offense): Imprisonment for no more than 1 year, $200-$600 fine, or both.

Delaware

21 Del. C. §2756

(First Offense): Imprisonment between 30 days and 6 months; $500-$1,000 fine; possible vehicle impoundment of at least 90 days.(Subsequent Offense): Imprisonment between 60 days and 1 year; $1,000-$4,000 fine; possible vehicle impoundment of at least 1 year.

District of Columbia

ND.C. Code Ann.

§ 50-1403.01

Imprisonment for no more than 1 year, fine of no more than $2,500, or both.

Florida

§ 322.34

§ 775.082

§ 775.083

(First Offense) 2nd Degree Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 60 days or a $500 fine.(Second Offense) 1st Degree Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year or a $1,000 fine.(Subsequent Offense) 3rd Degree Felony: Imprisonment for no more than 5 years or a $5,000 fine. Offenders must be imprisoned for a minimum of 10 days.Immediate vehicle impoundment.

Georgia

§40-5-121

(First Offense) Misdemeanor: Imprisonment between 2 days and 1 year; possible additional fine of no more than $500.(Second or Third Offenses) High and Aggravated Misdemeanor: Imprisonment 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 additional fine of $2,500-$5,000.License suspension increase of 6 months. Reinstatement fees of:(First Offense): $210, or $200 if paid by mail.(Second Offense) $310, or $300 if paid by mail.(Subsequent Offenses) $410, or $400 if paid by mail.

Guam

No Information

Hawaii

§291E-62

*This statute applies to drivers who have had their license revoked, suspended, or canceled due to a charge of Driving Under the Influence, (DUI)(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, inapplicable penalties.(Subsequent Offense): Imprisonment for 1 year; $2,000 fine; permanent license revocation; Additional, inapplicable penalties.

Idaho

§18-8001

(First Offense) Misdemeanor: Imprisonment between 2 days and 6 months; fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 180 days.(Second Offense): Imprisonment between 20 days and 1 year; fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 1 year.(Subsequent Offense): Imprisonment between 30 days and 1 year; fine of no more than $3,000; license suspension increased by 2 years.

Illinois

625 ILCS

5/6-303

730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55

730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-45

(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

Ind. Code Ann.

§ 9-30-10-16

§ 35-50-2-7

Class 6 Felony: Imprisonment between 6 months and 2 years, 6 months; fine of no more than $10,000.

Iowa

§321.218

Simple Misdemeanor: $250-$1,500 fine; license suspension increased for an additional like period or for one year, whichever is shorter.

Kansas

§8-262

(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

§ 186.620

§189A.090

§532.020

(First Offense) Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for at least 90 days; license suspension increased by 6 months.(Second Offense) Class A Misdemeanor: Imprisonment 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

§32:415

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.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.(Subsequent Offense): Imprisonment 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 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

Title 29-A

§2412-A

Class E Crime

(First Offense): $250.

(Second Offense): $500.

Possible license suspension of 1 year.

Maryland

§16-303

§16-402

§ 27-101

§ 27-111

(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

Ch. 90; §23

(First Offense): Imprisonment for no more than 10 days, $500-$1,000 fine, or both(Subsequent Offense): Imprisonment between 60 days and 1 year.License suspension increased by 60 days.

Michigan

§257.904

(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’s registration plates.

License suspension increased by like period.

Minnesota

§171.24

§609.02

Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 90 days, fine of no more than $1,000, or both.

Mississippi

§63-11-40

Misdemeanor: Imprisonment between 48 hours and 6 months; $200-$500 fine; license suspension increased by 6 months.

Missouri

§302.321

(First Offense) Class D Misdemeanor: No set term of imprisonment; not to exceed one year.(Second Offense) Class A Misdemeanor: Imprisonment between 6 months and 1 year.(Subsequent Offense) Class E Felony: Imprisonment for no more than 4 years.

Montana

§61-5-212

§61-5-102

(First Offense): Fine of no more than $500.(Second Offense): Imprisonment between 2 days and 6 months; fine of no more than $500; license suspension increased by 1 year.

Nebraska

§60-4,108

(First Offense) Class II Misdemeanor: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 1 year; license revocation for like period.(Second or Third Offense) Class II Misdemeanor: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 2 year; license revocation for like period.(Fourth or Subsequent Offense) Class I Misdemeanor: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 2 years; license revocation for a like period.

Nevada

§483.560

§193.150

Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both.If the

license (suspended), extension of suspension by like period.If the license (revoked), extension of period of ineligibility for the

license by 1 year.If license (restricted), revocation of restricted license and extension of period of ineligibility for a license, permit or privilege to drive for 1 year.These terms are to run consecutively.

New Hampshire

§263:64

Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for at least 1 week; fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 1 year.

New Jersey

N.J.S.A.

39:3-40

(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

§66-5-39

Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for 4-364 days; possible fine of no more than $1,000.

Possible vehicle immobilization.

New York

V&T 511

(First Offense) Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $200-$500 fine, or both.

(Subsequent Offense) Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 180 days; fine of no less than $500.

North Carolina

§20-28

N.C.G.S.A.

§15A-1340.23

(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

§39-06-42

§ 12.1-32-01

(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

§4507.02

(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

Title 47:

§6-303

Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $50-$300 fine, or both.

(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

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann.

§ 811.175

Class A Traffic Infraction: $220-$2,000 fine.

Possible vehicle impoundment.

Pennsylvania

75 Pa. CSA

§1543

First Violation: Summary Offense; $200 fine; license suspension increased by 1 year if originally suspended, 2 years if it was originally revoked.

Second Violation: Summary offense; fine of $1,000; imprisonment for no less than 90 days.

Subsequent Violation: 3rd Degree Misdemeanor; fine of $2,500; imprisonment for no less than 6 months.

Puerto Rico

No Information

Rhode Island

§31-11-18

HB 7679 (2016)

(First Offense) Violation: $250-$500 fine.(Second Offense): $350-$500 fine(Subsequent Offense) Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for up to 90 days, $500-$1,000 fine, or both and license suspension for up to 90 days.

South Carolina

§56-1-460

(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

§32-12-65

(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

§55-12-131

§55-50-504

(Non-Resident) Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for not more than 6 months, fine of no more than $500, or both.

(Resident) (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.

(Resident) (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

Tex. Transp. Code Ann.

§ 521.457

Tex. Penal Code Ann.

§ 12.23

§12.22

(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

§53-3-227

§76-3-301

Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment of no more than 6 months; $1,000 fine.

Vermont

§674

(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

§46.2-301.1

§18.2-11

Class 1 Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 12 months, fine of no more than $2,500, or both. Vehicle may be impounded for up to 90 days.

Washington

§46.20.345

Gross Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 364 days, fine of no more than $5,000, or both.

West Virginia

W. Va. Code Ann.

§ 17B-4-3

(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

§343.44

(Suspended): $50-$200 fine.

(Revoked): Fine of no more than $2,500.

Vehicle may be impounded.

Wyoming

§31-7-134

§31-4-104

Misdemeanor: Fine of no more than $750, or both.

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What’s the difference between a suspended license and a revoked license?

Driving with a suspended or revoked license is unwise. Here is a quick overview of these two violations.

What is a license suspension?

A suspended license is a temporary loss of your driving privileges, often due to excessive points on your license, driving without proof of insurance, or another major offense. 

Once the period of suspension is over, the suspension ends automatically in some states, and your license is reinstated. You might need to apply to the department of motor vehicles in other states to have the suspension lifted.

There can be factors that lessen the severity of driving on a suspended license, including whether or not you knew you were driving on a suspended license.

“When it comes to driving without a license in Florida, the first offense is often ‘without knowledge,’ which means the driver didn’t know that their license was suspended,” says Arion Hunt, founder of the Arion Hunt Law Firm in Orlando, Florida. “This carries a civil infraction moving violation penalty similar to a speeding ticket.”

There are a few different reasons you could be unaware that your license is suspended and not know it. Most often, it is the result of unpaid traffic tickets.

“I would say that the vast majority of drivers charged with this are surprised to learn their license is suspended, and all of them are shocked to learn of its consequences,” says Derek Andrews, an attorney with Larkin Ingrassia, LLP in Newburgh, New York.  

Every state law is different in how it deals with driving when you have a suspended license. 

What if your license is revoked?

If your license has been revoked, it means that the license has been terminated, usually because of a serious infraction, such as a DUI.

The penalty for driving with a revoked license varies by state. A hefty fine might be involved. Your license suspension time will be increased and you will face the possibility of serving time in jail, which varies by the offense and the laws in your state.

In most states, driving with a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor for a first offense. When you are a repeat offender with a second or third offense, you might be looking at a felony and could spend some time behind bars.

“A driver who continues to drive on a suspended license gets labeled ‘habitual’ and faces felony charges, a $5,000 fine, five years of jail and parole. A judge can also order additional requirements on a case-by-case basis,” Hunt says.

Can you get car insurance without a license?

Yes, but it can be difficult. If you don’t have a license or currently have a suspended, revoked or expired license, you may still need insurance for various reasons.

Here are a couple of reasons you may need car insurance coverage without a license:

  • You have a driver under 18 in the house: Most insurance companies will not let a driver under 18 purchase insurance coverage on their own because they cannot legally enter into a contract. So, if you have a teen child in the house who drives, you still need insurance coverage regardless of whether or not you drive.
  • You have a personal driver or caregiver: If you have lost your license or can no longer drive due to health reasons, you may need a personal driver. If they are driving your car, you will need to insure the car.

A primary driver can be anyone who is licensed and will drive your car regularly. It can be a spouse, teenager, roommate or caretaker. However, the insurance premium will be based on the primary driver’s record. So, choose someone with a decent driving record to keep your premiums affordable.

You may need to list yourself as an excluded driver on the policy. When this is the case, you will have no coverage if you decide to drive. That means you will be financially responsible for any damage to your car and other people and their vehicles if you are at fault in an accident.

Can you get insurance with a suspended license?

You may still be able to get auto insurance with a suspended license, but it will be expensive, and you’ll have to meet certain conditions. 

“A suspended license can result in much higher premiums and even losing coverage with your current insurer,” Walker says. 

You can still apply for coverage if you don’t have a policy and your license is suspended. But you will likely have to get a policy from a car insurance company that accepts high-risk drivers.

You must show that your license suspension is for a short period, such as 30 days. Once your driving privileges are restored, you must show proof of reinstatement to your insurer.

If you have a long-term suspension, you might find a car insurance company that will allow you to buy a policy with another person named as the primary driver. You will not be listed on the policy until you get your license back.

Learn more: Can I get a license in another state if my license is suspended?

Can insurance companies tell if your license has been suspended?

Insurance companies are not customarily notified if your license is suspended. The burden of telling the insurer about a suspended or canceled license is yours. 

It is written into some policies that if your license is suspended, you must inform your insurer within a specific period, such as 30 or 60 days.

It is also possible that your insurer will find out about the suspension if it checks your driving record when the policy comes up for renewal. 

Insurance companies are usually unaware you need an SR-22 unless you tell them. Your driving record with a DUI or suspended license may make them ask if you need one, but the DMV doesn’t usually alert insurers. That is your job. 

If you are applying for new insurance, the insurer will ask for your driver’s license number and will see the status of your driving privileges. 

Will you pay a higher insurance premium after driving with a suspended license?

In addition to the fines for driving without a valid license, you can expect your insurance rates to increase. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is severely frowned upon by insurers, as they deem it high-risk behavior. So, expect your rates to climb.

“Rates can easily increase anywhere between 25% to 30% when an insurance company sees that you were arrested for driving with a suspended or revoked license,” says Sa El, co-founder of Simply Insurance.

If your license is suspended or revoked for a long time – six months to a year or more – it will only increase your insurance pain. If your license has been suspended for a long period, your insurer might cancel your policy once it learns of the suspension.

This gap in coverage can lead to higher rates when you apply for coverage later, as insurance companies do not like to see a coverage gap.

Can you go to jail for driving without a license?

If you drive without a license in any of the 50 states — or the District of Columbia — you will face penalties. 

Although the precise nature of these penalties can vary widely depending on the state you are in, the bottom line remains the same: Driving without a license is a serious offense everywhere. 

In some cases, you might face fines. In more serious matters, you might be looking at jail time. And there are situations where you will face both fines and potential time behind bars. 

How long can you go to jail for driving without a license?

Penalties for driving without a license vary from state to state. 

For example, in Alabama, you could face up to 180 days in jail. In Arizona, that period jumps to six months. 

In California, a first offense might get you anywhere from five days to six months behind bars. A second offense could result in up to a year in jail. 

The more serious your crime, the longer of a sentence you might face. 

For example, after at least four offenses in Georgia, you could end up behind bars for five years. In Kentucky, you could face five years of jail after a third offense. 

FAQ: Suspended licenses and revoked licenses

Can you drive without a license in your possession?

The penalty for driving without a license in your possession isn’t as serious as driving with a suspended or revoked license. While you will most likely get a ticket, it is a traffic infraction, not a misdemeanor.

If you show up at court with your valid driver’s license, there is a good chance the ticket will be dismissed, although you may need to pay a fine.

How much will you pay for driving without a license if you get pulled over?

The penalty you will pay for driving without a license costs depends on several factors. Factors that impact the fine include: 

  • The state you are driving in
  • Whether your license is suspended or revoked 
  • Whether it is your first offense of this nature

Fines vary from state to state. For example, you might pay $50 in Wisconsin if you are driving on a suspended license, or up to $25,000 if caught for the second time in Illinois, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, or NCSL.

You can generally expect fines to range up to $1,000 for a first offense. The penalty for a second offense can easily be $2,500 or more.

What is the penalty for driving without a license if you’re under 18?

In most states, the same penalties will apply regardless of your age. If a minor has a valid license and forgot it at home, a traffic ticket and a fine will likely be the penalty.

However, a teen who decides to take a car out for a spin with a suspended or revoked license likely faces steeper penalties. In most states, the first offense is a misdemeanor with a hefty fine.

Many states suspend a license for a certain number of months when a person is caught driving without a license. This penalty will most likely be applied to teens as well, delaying their right to get a license for the same amount of time.

What happens if a 15-year-old gets caught driving without a license?

In most states, a 15-year-old is too young to qualify for a driver’s license. That means a 15-year-old who drives without a license would face the same types of penalties as anyone who drives without a valid license. 

As noted above, getting caught in this way also might mean that the teen will have to wait longer than normal before being granted full driving privileges. 

What happens if an unlicensed driver drives your car?

Never let an unlicensed driver get behind the wheel of your car. The penalty for doing so can be severe. 

Car insurance follows the car, not the driver. So, if an unlicensed friend or family member gets into an accident with your car, it is your insurance that would be responsible for the claim.

If you allowed an unlicensed driver to get behind the wheel, your insurance company has the legal grounds to deny your claim, since insurers generally have rules that state that the driver must have a valid license.

So, you’ll be legally responsible for paying for the other driver’s car, medical bills and legal defense if they decide to sue you. 

You can also expect a significant increase in your insurance costs or even policy cancellation, making finding a new policy challenging and expensive.

Can you get a hardship license if your license is suspended?

If your license is suspended, there may be a way to get back on the road with a hardship license, which might be issued when your standard driver’s license has been revoked or suspended. 

A hardship license allows you to drive, but only under certain circumstances and for approved reasons, mainly to get back and forth to work.

A hardship license will come with various restrictions depending on your state. In most cases, you can only drive to approved locations, such as  work, child care or school, and a few stores for errands. Many states assign a nighttime curfew.

Resources & Methodology

Sources

National Conference of State Legislatures. “Driving While Revoked, Suspended or Otherwise Unlicensed: Penalties by State.” Accessed February 2024.

Laura Longero

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Laura Longero

Executive Editor

Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.

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Contributing Researcher

Mark is a freelance journalist and analyst with over 15 years of experience covering the insurance industry. He has extensive experience creating and editing content on a variety of subjects with deep expertise in insurance and automotive writing. He has written for autos.com, carsdirect.com, DARCARS and Madtown Designs to name just a few. He is also a professional blogger and a skilled web content creator who consistently turns out engaging, error-free writing while juggling multiple projects.