Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Show If you don’t have a driver’s license, you might wonder if you can buy a car. Fortunately, you can—however, you could have trouble registering and insuring the vehicle afterward. Here’s what you should know about buying a car without a license. Do You Need a License To Buy a Car?Yes—as long as you have the money to cover the purchase along with a valid, government-issued ID, you can legally buy a car without a driver’s license. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to legally drive it without both a license and insurance, though. There are several situations where buying a car could still be worth it, even if you don’t have a license such as if you:
What To Consider Before Buying a Car Without a LicenseWhile you might be able to get a car without a license, there are a few things to consider first. RegistrationEach state as well as the District of Columbia has car registration requirements. If you’re buying a vehicle from a dealer, they will submit title and registration documents to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and provide a temporary registration in the meantime. In order to register your car, most states require you to show proof of insurance and a photo ID—but not necessarily a driver’s license. You’ll only need a license or a learner’s permit if you plan to drive your new car. Keep in mind that requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your local DMV. InsuranceAll states require registered vehicles to be insured, regardless of if you register the car yourself or a dealer does so on your behalf. If you don’t have a license, getting an auto insurance policy could be difficult—and expensive, as not having a license can make you look riskier to insurers. In this situation, it could be a good idea to team up with an independent agent who can help you compare quotes from various car insurance companies that work with owners who don’t have licenses. The type of policy you’ll want is typically known as a non-owner policy, which is offered by most major insurance companies. Note that you’ll typically have to provide the driver’s license information of who will actually be operating the vehicle you want to insure. FinancingIf you want to take out a car loan to purchase a vehicle, you’ll need to provide government-issued photo identification. However, this doesn’t need to be a driver’s license. Featured Partner Offers Loan amount Starts at $7,500 (no max) How to Buy a Car Without a LicenseIf you’re ready to buy a car without a license, follow these steps:
Alternatives to Buying a Car Without a LicenseIf you don’t have a driver’s license, you might still be able to buy a car—but this might not be the best choice for your situation. Here are some alternatives to consider:
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