What happens if you get caught driving with an expired license?
So, what happens when your license expires but you still need to drive? Driving with expired license penalties include fines of up to $250 and points against your driver license. Depending on the number of traffic violations on your record, your car can be impounded and you could be arrested for driving without a driver’s license. If you get caught driving with an expired license by a police officer, your auto insurance rates could also increase due to the points on your license.
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Kristen Gryglik
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Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
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UPDATED: Jun 14, 2023
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 14, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Depending on the state you live in, you could face tickets, fines, motor vehicle impoundment, or even arrest if you get caught driving with an expired license. Read on for how to get a car out of impound. While penalties are different in every state, it’s important to make sure you never let your driver’s license expire. No matter where you live, it’s always illegal to drive without a valid license.
In most states, it is customary to have residents undergo the driver’s license renewal process every four years. Depending where you live, your driver’s license will most likely expire on your birthday. If your birthday is coming up, check and see if your current driving license is set to expire. If you don’t renew your driving license within the renewal period and then get caught driving with an expired one, you could be in real trouble.
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Can I drive with an expired license?
If the police officer who pulls you over is in a good mood that day, he could let you off with a simple warning. He could also give you a “fix-it ticket,” which requires you to follow the driver’s license renewal process by a certain date and submit proof, otherwise face fines. If he decides to punish you or your license expiration, expect some (or all) of the following fines for driving with an expired license:
- A ticket up to $250
- Points added to your record
- Impoundment of vehicle
- Arrest
Like stated above, the penalty will be dependent on the state in which you live. In New York State, the fines could range from $25 to $40 if your license expired within 60 days of the stop. If more than 60 days, the fine could be anywhere from $75 and $300. In the state of Wisconsin, you could be fined up to $500 and face jail time if you get caught more than once. In Illinois, you will be automatically given a two-month suspension for your first offense and could be thrown in jail for up to a year for repeat offenses. As you can see, the penalties range from minor to severe.
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What are the insurance penalties for non-renewal?
Perhaps the most significant hit on your bank account won’t come from the fine or the penalty from law enforcement. If you get caught driving with an expired license, your insurance rates could shoot up and not go back down for years! If you are designated as a high-risk driver, you will have to pay high-risk car insurance rates.
Most likely, the infraction will result in “points” added to your record. These points are a nuisance because of how difficult they are to get removed. Getting points removed from your license can take time, so it’s best to try to avoid them. They almost always will result in your insurance premiums being increased when it comes time to renew your policy.
An additional thing to consider is that if you get into a car accident while operating a vehicle with an expired license, your insurer could deny claims. By not being legally authorized to drive your car, you could be responsible for thousands of dollars (or more) because the insurance company could deny coverage.
How long can you go without renewing your driver’s license?
Depending on the state you live in, renewing an expired license can be an easy task or a hard one for eligible drivers. You usually just have to stop by your local Department of Motor Vehicles office and wait in line with your expired license. Sometimes you can simply renew your driver’s license online or apply for a temporary license, but you do need to meet the requirements in your state for online renewal eligibility.
Other drivers may need to go to their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles office or their driver license office. Most states require a vision test and a new photo, so be prepared for that. Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles will most likely charge you between $25 and $150 renewal fee for license renewal, even if you choose online renewal.
Always be sure to not let your expired license sit for too long without renewing. If you wait past your state’s limit or grace period, you might need to retake your driving test (written and/or road). To learn the requirements and cost for renewing your valid driver’s license, please check your state’s registry
Once you get your license current, you’ll want to get the best car insurance rates. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool and get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for driving with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license can result in fines of up to $250, points against your driver’s license, impoundment of your vehicle, and even arrest. Additionally, your auto insurance rates may increase due to the points on your license.
Will my insurance be affected if I drive with an expired license?
Yes, driving with an expired license can have insurance penalties. It can lead to points on your driving record, which may result in increased insurance premiums. Furthermore, if you get into an accident while driving with an expired license, your insurance company may deny coverage.
How long can I go without renewing my driver’s license?
The length of time you can go without renewing your driver’s license depends on the state you live in. It is important to renew your license before it expires to avoid legal trouble. Some states require renewal every four years, while others may have different renewal periods.
What happens if I get caught driving with an expired license?
If caught driving with an expired license, the consequences can vary depending on the state. You may receive a warning, a “fix-it ticket” requiring you to renew your license by a certain date, or fines ranging from $25 to $500. Repeat offenses could result in more severe penalties, including license suspension and imprisonment.
Can I still get car insurance with an expired license?
It may be challenging to get car insurance with an expired license. Insurance companies typically require a valid driver’s license to provide coverage. Driving without a valid license can be considered a high-risk behavior, which may affect your ability to obtain insurance or result in higher premiums if you do find coverage.
Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.