Can You Register a Car if Your License Is Suspended

Losing your license can have lasting consequences, but if you're still in the process of obtaining or registering a vehicle, you're probably wondering if your current lack of a valid license will affect the process. So, we did some research to help you understand more about what you can and cannot do with a suspended license.

Registering and Buying a Vehicle: What Can you Do?

Let's get to the heart of this discussion and answer the most pressing question: can you register a vehicle when you have a suspended license? Well, the uncomplicated answer to this is "yes." In most areas, you can still register a car without a license. You're just barred from actually driving the car in question until you get a valid license again.

Of course, there may be variations depending on where you live. Many states view registration and license as two separate entities. As such, having one doesn't affect the other, so you can go on your way to register your car no matter your driving status. Not all areas may feel the same way, so that's why it's important to brush up on the laws specific to your area before making any decision.

Will a Suspended License Prevent you from Buying a Car?

There's no law stating that you need to have a license to purchase a car. So, in theory, you should be able to buy one even with a suspended license. On the other hand, there does enter the issue where many dealerships require proof of insurance before the car can leave their lot.

When you have a suspended license, there's a high chance that your insurance may be cut off until the situation is resolved. Some dealerships might be more lenient of the issue, more so since some don't check driving records. It all depends on where you're purchasing the car from that will determine if you need to provide insurance proof before leaving.

Insurance and a Suspended License

Since one of the hurdles you may face with buying a car is insurance, there may be some ways around the issue. Many companies will outright refuse to insure a car without the driver having a valid license. In this case, if you're open and honest with them, they may tell you a specific workaround.

Some might be willing to allow you to put another person as a primary driver to get or keep the insurance on the car. Be sure that this is someone you trust such as a spouse, parent, adult child, etc. In this situation, some insurance companies may completely remove you from the plan and simply use the other person. This case is more likely with married couples.

If you place a primary driver that lives with you but you aren't married, then you might be able to maintain status as the primary insurance holder, but not the primary driver. Again, it all depends on the insurance company. Since this is a high-risk problem, you will be better off finding a company that specializes in high-risk coverage policies.

Revoked and Suspended: What's the Difference?

If you find yourself in a difficult situation concerning your driving, it's important to understand the different terms. This will help you know what you can and cannot do, and also what you need to do to fix the problem. One of the biggest questions is whether there's a difference between having your license suspended and having it revoked.

In short, there is a clear-cut difference between the two.

Suspended License

When you have your license suspended, it's typically either a definite suspension or an indefinite suspension.

With a definite suspension, there's a set amount of time you have. Once that time has passed and you've done everything required of you, you can get your license back.

When it comes to an indefinite suspension, there's no set time. Instead, you can have your license returned to you when you take action. That may just be paying off whatever fines you have accumulated or by making a court appearance.

Reasons for a Suspended License

There are a handful of reasons as to why your license was suspended. This can include any of the following:

• Failure to pay child support
• DUI/DWI
• Failure to appear in court or pay fees
• Multiple speeding tickets or traffic violations
• Driving without insurance

Revoked License

If you have had your license revoked, this means that you have completely lost the privilege to legally operate a vehicle. Of the two, this is the most serious issue.

This also means that, unlike with a suspended license, there's no reinstatement process. Your license has effectively been canceled out. So, you'll have to go through the process all over again of obtaining a license. Before that, you'll have to get approval from your state's DMV first as well as pay any fines you may have. From there, you'll go through the testing process as if this was your first time getting a license.

Reasons for a Revoked License

There are a few reasons why your license would be revoked, and some are similar as to why your license would be suspended. However, these may be done larger in scale, which is why they call for such drastic consequences.

Here are some of the main reasons:

• Driving without insurance
• DUI/DWI
• Reckless driving
• Convicted of multiple serious traffic offenses
• Failure to answer traffic or court summons
• Altered or fake license plates
• Conviction of a drug-related offense
• Speed contests and drag racing

Final Thoughts

It's no fun dealing with a situation where you have lost your license, especially if driving around is a necessity for you.

In that case, you should follow all the steps you need to so that the issue is resolved. Sometimes, it might be best to wait for your license to be reinstated before registering a vehicle if it won't be driven around by anyone. Otherwise, you may go ahead and get it registered if you know someone else will be behind the wheel.

Can You Register a Car if Your License Is Suspended

Source: https://vehiclefreak.com/can-you-register-a-car-with-a-suspended-license/

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