CarInsurance.com Insights
- You are not required to have a driver’s license to buy or register a car in New York.
- You can register a car with a suspended license in New York with a valid government ID, but you won’t be able to drive or insure it.
- You must have auto liability insurance coverage to fulfill New York insurance requirements.
In New York, you don’t need a license to buy or register a car, but getting insurance without a license (regardless of your state) can be difficult.
Here’s what you need to know about New York car insurance laws when buying, registering and insuring a vehicle without a license.
Can you insure a car without a license in New York?
A primary driver on an insurance policy should be licensed if they will drive your vehicle regularly. It can be a teen driver, a spouse, a roommate or a caretaker.
Here are the more common reasons you may need car insurance even if you don’t have a vehicle:
- Under-aged driver in the house: Most insurance companies will not let drivers younger than 18 purchase insurance independently because they cannot legally enter into a contract. This means you need insurance coverage if you have a teen child in the house who drives.
- Personal driver or caregiver: If you have lost your license, your license is suspended or you can no longer drive due to health reasons, you may need an insured driver.
While it can be more complex, it is possible to insure a car without a valid license in New York, but you may have to be an excluded driver.
Instead of using your driver’s license on the application for an insurance policy, you may be allowed to apply for a policy using the name and license number of the primary driver of your car. This way, you are listed on the policy but not as a driver.
In addition, you may need to list yourself as an excluded driver on the policy. This means that if you end up behind the wheel of your car (or any car), you will have zero coverage. You will be solely responsible for the cost of any damage you do to your car and other people and their vehicles if you drive a car as an excluded driver.
Not all insurers will exclude an owner from their policy, so you may need to shop around for the proper coverage.
Why you might need car insurance without a license
There are several legitimate reasons someone might need car insurance in New York without having a valid driver’s license. In many cases, vehicle owners still have a financial or legal responsibility to keep their cars insured — even if they aren’t the ones driving.
Common scenarios include:
- Medical or age-related reasons: Seniors or people with medical conditions may own a car but rely on family members or caregivers to drive it.
- Suspended or revoked license: You can maintain coverage to avoid a lapse while waiting for reinstatement.
- Parents of teen drivers: Parents often buy and insure a car for their licensed teen, even if the parent doesn’t drive.
- Car collectors or seasonal vehicles: Owners of classic or rarely driven cars may keep insurance for theft or damage protection.
- Business owners: Fleet or delivery vehicles may be registered under a business even if the owner doesn’t have a personal license.
Maintaining continuous coverage in these cases can help you avoid higher premiums or penalties later on.
Lauren Mckenzie, senior agent with A Plus Insurance in Liberty, South Carolina, said that someone in New York may need auto insurance even without a driver’s license for several reasons: A common one being that they own a vehicle registered in their name but don’t personally drive it.
“The car might be for family use, a caregiver, or simply kept for future use. Insurance still has to be in the owner’s name, even if they’re not licensed,” Mckenzie says. “There are also situations where someone stopped driving due to age or medical reasons, but the vehicle remains in the household so family or an aide can use it to drive them where they need to go. Another scenario is when someone is in the process of getting their license. For example, they’re learning to drive or recently moved from another country and need to insure the vehicle while working toward getting a New York license.”
Read about the penalties for driving without a valid inspection sticker in New York state
What are the minimum insurance requirements in New York?
Every state has minimum car insurance requirements to be legal out on the road. New York law requires that you have auto liability insurance coverage.
The minimum amount of liability coverage in New York:
- $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death for a person involved in an accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more people in an accident
- $10,000 for property damage for a single accident
To meet New York’s requirements, your liability insurance coverage must:
- Remain active while the registration is valid, even if you don’t use the vehicle.
- Be New York coverage that’s issued by a company licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services and certified by the New York DMV.
- Be issued in the name of the vehicle registrant and remain in the name of the registrant at all times.
Penalties for driving without a license or insurance in New York
Driving without a valid license or insurance in New York carries serious penalties, including:
- License and registration suspension of up to one year
- Fines up to $1,500 and possible reinstatement fees
- Vehicle impoundment in severe cases
- Criminal charges for repeated violations
Even if you’re temporarily unlicensed, keeping your vehicle insured can prevent costly penalties and higher rates later.
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How to buy car insurance without a license in New York
Buying car insurance in New York without a driver’s license requires some extra steps, but it’s entirely possible.
Here’s how to do it:
- Gather your vehicle and personal information: You’ll need your VIN, registration, and identification, even if it’s not a driver’s license.
- Choose a licensed primary driver: This person — a family member, friend, or caregiver — will be listed as the main operator of your vehicle.
- Get quotes from insurers that allow unlicensed owners: Not all insurers will issue policies in this scenario. Regional or smaller companies may be more flexible than national carriers.
- Disclose your situation honestly: Never omit your unlicensed status. Misrepresentation could lead to denied claims.
- Provide proof of insurance for registration: The New York DMV requires valid insurance before registering a vehicle, regardless of the owner’s license status.
Wise WordsSome insurers may require you to provide a letter of explanation or additional ID documentation to verify ownership.
Check out experts’ recommendations for the cheapest car insurance in New York
Can you buy a car without a license in New York?
Yes, but you can’t test-drive or drive it off the lot once you’ve bought it. No law says you must have a valid driver’s license to buy a car. However, you will need a government-issued ID to complete the transaction and title or register the vehicle.
You may want to purchase a vehicle if you don’t have a license. Here are a few:
- You have a disability and need a car for a caregiver to drive.
- You own a business and need a vehicle for licensed employees to drive.
- You have an underage child with a license but can’t legally finance a car.
- You have a driver.
However, getting a driver’s license has benefits beyond those for the driver – a study from the Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that each driver in New York could save $17 per year on their auto insurance policy if every qualified driver could get a license.
Can you register a car without a license in New York?
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, you are not required to have a driver’s license or learner’s permit to apply for vehicle registration or title certificate in New York. These requirements also apply to registering vehicles like a boat, a snowmobile or an ATV.
In New York, the name on the title of a car can be different from the name on the registration.
Per the New York DMV website, “if the registration and title show two different names, the owner (the name on the title certificate) must authorize the other person to register the vehicle by completing box 3 on the Vehicle Registration/Title Application (PDF) (MV-82) form.”
Insurance options for unlicensed drivers in New York
Depending on your situation, different types of coverage may fit your needs:
- Named-driver policy: You can own a car but name someone else (like a spouse, child, or caregiver) as the primary driver.
- Non-owner car insurance: Ideal if you frequently borrow cars or need proof of insurance to reinstate your license but don’t own a vehicle.
- Storage or comprehensive-only coverage: If your car is parked or not in use, you can drop liability and carry only comprehensive insurance to protect against theft, vandalism, or fire.
Choosing the right policy type helps you stay compliant with state laws while avoiding unnecessary costs.
Can you register a car with a suspended license in New York?
In New York, a license or permit is not required to buy or register a car as long as you have a valid government ID. Registering a vehicle doesn’t mean you can drive it. Getting caught driving on a suspended license is a significant offense and will result in sky-high insurance premiums, possible jail time and a longer license suspension.
Can you register a car online in New York?
Yes, online car registration in New York is available. You’ll need your registration (plate) number, registration class, the last name of the person on the registration (or business name) and a credit card or (pinless) debit card to pay the fee.
Can you register and insure a car with a permit in New York?
You do not have to have a license or permit to register a car, but insuring it could be more complicated.
However, buying a car with a permit is difficult as most permitted drivers are underage. Typically, auto dealers won’t sell to minors; you must be 18 to buy a car in most states. Furthermore, auto insurers are unlikely to insure underaged drivers as an auto policy is a contract and can’t be legally entered into until the age of maturity, which usually is 18.
How to register a car in New York without a license
You can register a car in New York even if you don’t have a valid driver’s license — but you must show proof of insurance and valid identification.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of insurance (New York State Insurance ID card)
- Vehicle title or proof of ownership
- Proof of identity (state ID, passport, or other DMV-approved document)
- Payment for registration and title fees
If someone else will be the main driver, list them on your insurance and registration paperwork. You’ll be responsible for keeping the policy active and updated.
Wise WordsYou cannot legally drive the car until you or your listed driver has a valid license — but you can still register, insure and own it.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car insurance without a license in New York
Can you get car insurance in New York without a driver’s license?
Yes, you can buy car insurance in New York without a valid driver’s license, but you’ll need to list a licensed driver as the primary operator of the vehicle.
Can I register a car in New York with an out-of-state license?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind you are required to exchange your out-of-state driver’s license for a New York license within 30 days of becoming a resident of New York.
Who can be listed as the primary driver if I don’t have a license?
A licensed family member, friend or caregiver who will regularly drive your car can be listed as the primary driver on your policy.
Why would someone need car insurance without a license?
Common reasons include owning a vehicle for someone else to drive, maintaining insurance while your license is suspended or keeping coverage to avoid a lapse while resolving medical or legal issues.
“Some people may also need to carry insurance because of a license suspension. In order to get their license reinstated and avoid further penalties or fees, they may need to maintain an active insurance policy (such as SR-22–type requirements),” Mckenzie says. “Even if they aren’t currently driving during the suspension, the coverage must stay in place.”
Can I insure a car if my license is suspended or revoked in New York?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to file an SR-22 certificate (or financial responsibility form) to prove insurance coverage before reinstating your license.
Can I register a car in New York without a license?
Yes. New York allows unlicensed owners to register a vehicle as long as they provide valid insurance, identification and the required documentation.
Does New York require proof of insurance to register a car?
Absolutely. New York DMV requires proof of a valid auto insurance policy before issuing registration or plates — even if the owner doesn’t have a license.
Can I buy a car without a license in New York?
Yes. You can legally purchase a car without a driver’s license, but you won’t be able to drive it off the lot or register it without valid insurance coverage.
Will insurance cost more if I don’t have a license?
Possibly. Insurers may charge higher premiums or limit policy options for unlicensed owners due to the increased risk and administrative complexity.
Can I use my business or company name to insure a car without a license?
Yes. If the vehicle is for business use, you can insure it under your company name as long as the listed drivers are licensed and approved by the insurer.
Can an unlicensed driver be excluded from a policy in New York?
Yes. If an unlicensed household member owns a car but doesn’t drive it, the insurer can exclude them as an operator to avoid coverage conflicts.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
Fiscal Policy Institute. “Driving Together: Benefits of Allowing All New Yorkers to Apply for Licenses.” Accessed October 2025.
New York Department of Motor Vehicles. “How to renew a registration.” Accessed October 2025.
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