Tips for navigating the process of buying a car without a valid driver’s license
(iSeeCars) — You need a valid driver’s license to drive a car, but do you need one to buy a car? The answer is no. However, this makes the car buying process a bit more difficult. Here’s how to buy a car without a license:
Reasons for buying a car without a license
It may seem counterintuitive to buy a car without a license, but there are many scenarios where someone might choose to buy a car without a driver’s license. Some possible scenarios include:
- You plan to get your license and see your dream car before you become a licensed driver.
- You are giving a car to a family member or friend. In this case, you will need to put the car title in the name of the person you are gifting the car to.
- You are a business owner and need a vehicle for business purposes.
- You cannot drive and purchase the vehicle for a carer or nanny.
- A carer will drive the car as you are unable to drive due to a disability.
- Are you a car collector or are you buying the car as an investment?
- You are buying the car for a minor to practice with a learner’s permit. Note that a licensed driver must be in the car with a minor who has a learner’s permit.
Do you need a license to register a car?
A vehicle must be registered in the owner’s name before it can legally be driven on public roads. To register a vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you need proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license. Since you don’t have a driver’s license, you will need to register the vehicle in someone else’s name and make them the owner. If you are buying a vehicle for your business, you can register it under your business name. Note that some states do not require you to register antique or collector cars, so registration may not be necessary if you do not drive it on the road.
Can you buy a car with a suspended license?
If your license is suspended, you will only be able to buy a car in certain states. You may have a provision that allows you to drive in certain circumstances such as traveling to and from work or medical appointments. In many cases, you will be able to buy a car, but you will not be able to get car insurance or vehicle registration. Having a suspended license will also affect your financing, as some lenders will not provide financing to a driver with a suspended license. Be sure to check with your state’s DMV to find out the rules.
Buying a car without a license
If you are shopping for a vehicle through a dealership or private seller, you will not be able to test drive the vehicle without a license. If you are buying the vehicle for someone else, be sure to take them with you to test drive the new or used car.
Can you finance a car without a valid license?
It is possible to finance a car without a licence, but the process will depend on the lender. Many online lenders and car dealerships do not require a valid driver’s license for a car loan. You’ll just need another form of photo ID, such as a government-issued photo ID. However, some banks and car dealerships won’t give you a car loan if you don’t have a license. Keep in mind that credit unions are often more accommodating and will likely be more willing to extend a loan to someone without a license. Taking the essential guide with you when you apply can increase your chances of securing a loan. Other options include paying in cash or with a low-interest credit card.
Getting car insurance without a license
In most states, you cannot register a vehicle or get license plates without proof of insurance. It is possible to get car insurance for a disqualified driver, but like any other step in the car buying process, it can be challenging. Some insurance agencies won’t give you a policy if you’re not the primary driver, so you’ll have to shop around. One workaround is to add a co-owner during the car buying process and have them apply for insurance coverage.
Another way to get car insurance as an uninsured motorist, you will need to list yourself as an excluded driver on the policy and name someone with a license as the primary driver. Your insurance policy will be based on information about the licensed operator, so the insurance company will likely look at their credit score or credit report as well as their driving history. Be aware that you will pay high premiums if the licensed driver is reckless or dangerous on the road.
The bottom row
Although it is possible to buy a car without a license, it adds further complications to the already difficult process of buying a car. Even if you don’t plan to drive the vehicle, it may be worth getting a license for the car buying process if you are able to do so.
More from iSeeCars.com:
About iSeeCars.com
iSeeCars.com is a car search engine that helps shoppers find the best deals on cars by providing key insights and valuable resources like iSeeCars Free VIN Check Reports and Best Car Rankings. iSeeCars.com has saved consumers over $332 million to date by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, rate and rank millions of new and used cars .
This article, Can you buy a car without a license?originally appeared on iSeeCars.com.