How much is a ticket for driving without a license?
How much is a ticket for driving without a license depends on where you live. If you get caught driving without a license, you can expect to pay a hefty fine, and you may also end up serving jail time. Once you're able to get your license back, you may need to look for SR-22 coverage or high-risk car insurance options.
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Table of Contents
Insurance Feature Writer
Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...
Rachel Bodine
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Eric Stauffer
Updated March 2025
- Driving without a license is a very serious offense that could lead to hefty fines, community service, and even jail time
- Depending on the severity of the incident and how many times you’ve been charged with driving without a license, you could face felony charges
- Laws concerning the penalties for driving without a license vary from one state to the next
If you’ve ever been caught driving with a suspended license — or with no license at all — you may be wondering, “How much is a ticket for driving without a license?”
Driving without a driver’s license is a serious offense, and you can get in a lot of trouble if you are caught driving before you’ve been issued a license or after your license has been suspended for any reason. Anyone caught driving without a license may face serious penalties, including paying a potentially hefty fine.
Shopping for car insurance after getting your license reinstated can be tricky. If you’re currently looking for car insurance coverage, you should shop around and compare different types of car insurance coverage. You will probably be paying higher-than-average rates as a high-risk driver, but you’ll never know until you start your search.
Be sure to use our free quote tool above to look for the best rates on car insurance coverage for high-risk drivers in your area today.
How much is a ticket for driving without a license?
The amount you will pay for a ticket if you’re caught driving without a license will depend on where you live as well as the unique circumstances surrounding your case.
If you are caught driving without a driver’s license — or with a license that has been suspended or revoked — you will have broken the law in all 50 states. In most cases, even the first offense of driving without a license is considered a misdemeanor with much heavier penalties than a simple traffic ticket.
Because driving without a license once is a serious offense, doing so multiple times can lead to felony charges, depending on where you live and the nature of the incident.
Anyone caught driving without a license will face a license suspension of up to a year for the first offense and may be expected to pay up to $2,500. You may also find that your vehicle is impounded and your license plate confiscated.
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Understanding Penalties and Costs for Driving Without a License
Driving without a license and insurance leads to severe consequences. The cost of a ticket for not having a license includes fines, court fees, and potential legal costs. Penalties vary by state but often involve high fines and stricter enforcement when combined with other offenses.
Consequences of Driving Without a License and Insurance
Driving without a license and insurance is a serious violation that can result in significant legal and financial repercussions. When you’re caught driving without both a license and insurance, you can face higher fines and more severe penalties. The combination of these offenses typically results in stricter enforcement and increased costs.
Penalties for Driving Without a License by State
Penalties for driving without a license differ by state. Illinois imposes fines and vehicle impoundment. Kentucky and North Carolina levy steep fines, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses. Arizona also enforces strict fines and potential jail time. Each state’s regulations vary, so knowing local laws is crucial.
First Offense for Driving Without a License in Illinois
In Illinois, the first offense for driving without a license usually results in a fine and possible vehicle impoundment. The cost of a ticket for driving without a license in Illinois can vary, but it generally includes hefty fines and potential jail time.
Driving Without a License in Kentucky
For those caught driving without a license in Kentucky, the penalty can be quite severe. The fine for driving without a license in Kentucky can be substantial, and repeated offenses may lead to more significant consequences.
Penalty for Driving Without a License in North Carolina
The penalty for driving without a license in North Carolina can include both fines and possible jail time. In North Carolina, penalties can escalate with each subsequent offense, making it crucial to address this issue promptly.
Penalties for Driving Without a License in Arizona
Arizona also imposes strict penalties for driving without a license. The state enforces fines and potential jail time based on the severity and frequency of the offense. Repeat offenders may face increased penalties.
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Costs and Fines for Not Having a License
Fines for not having a license are significant and include substantial monetary penalties and additional court costs. The cost of a ticket for not having a license increases with repeated offenses, leading to higher fines and stricter penalties.
Fine for Driving Without a License
The fine for driving without a license varies by state but can be quite high. This fine is often coupled with additional penalties, such as license suspension and vehicle impoundment.
The Cost of a Ticket for Driving Without a License
The cost of a ticket for driving without a license includes not only the fine but also additional expenses such as court fees and possible legal costs. This overall expense can be substantial and burdensome.
No Insurance Ticket in Mississippi
In Mississippi, getting a no insurance ticket can add to the financial strain of driving without a license. The state imposes separate fines for driving without insurance, which can be significant.
Ticket for Not Having a License
A ticket for not having a license is typically issued when an individual is caught driving without any valid driver’s license. The consequences of such a ticket include fines and potential legal action.
Fine for Not Having a License
The fine for not having a license often includes hefty monetary penalties. This fine can vary depending on whether it is a first offense or a repeated violation.
Comparing the Penalties
The severity of the penalties for driving without a license can differ significantly across states. For instance, the penalty for driving without a license in Kentucky might be different from the penalties in North Carolina or Illinois. Understanding these variations can help individuals better navigate their legal responsibilities and potential consequences.
What happens if I’m caught driving without a license more than once?
As stated earlier, driving without a license — regardless of the circumstances — is a very serious charge. If you are caught doing so more than once, you may have to pay up to $25,000 and could be charged and sent to jail for up to five years. Lesser charges for multiple offenses of driving without a license include smaller fines and obligatory hours of community service.
You may be caught driving without ever having been granted a license. Charges for this type of action, while still serious, may be less severe than those for driving with a license that’s been suspended or revoked. In many states, driving without ever getting a driver’s license is still considered a misdemeanor.
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What’s the law for driving without a license in my state?
While the laws concerning the penalty for driving without a license vary from state to state, you can rest assured that anyone caught doing so will end up regretting it. The following table outlines each U.S. state’s rules for driving without a license.
Penalties for Driving Without a License by State
| State | Fees | First Offense | Subsequent Offenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $100-$500 | Possible imprisonment for up to 180 days and immediate vehicle impoundment, possible license suspension increase by six months. | N/A |
| Alaska | N/A | First Offense - Class A Misdemeanor: 10 day imprisonment and/or at least 80 hours of community service, possible forfeiture of vehicle, license suspension increased by at least 90 days. | Subsequent Offense -Class A Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for at least 10 days, possible forfeiture of vehicle, license suspension increased by at least 90 days. |
| Arizona | N/A | Class 1 Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for up to six months, possible vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days. | Class 2 Misdemeanor: Potential sentence of four months in jail and fines of up to $750. |
| Arkansas | $200-$500 | Imprisonment for between two days and six months | Suspension of license will be extended by up to two years. |
| California | $300-$1,000 | Imprisonment for between five days and six months | Imprisonment for between 10 days and one year, $500-$2000 fine. |
| Colorado | $100-$500 | Imprisonment for up to six months, license suspension increased by one year. | Driver ineligible to be issued a driver’s license for a period of three years, minimum fine of $500 to $3,000. |
| Connecticut | $150-$200 | Imprisonment for up to three months. | Imprisonment for no more than one year and/or $200-$600 fine. |
| Delaware | $500-$1,000 | Imprisonment for between 30 days and six months, possible vehicle impoundment of at least 90 days | Imprisonment for between 60 days and one year; $1,000-$4,000 fine; possible vehicle impoundment of at least one year. |
| Florida | $500-$5,000 | Imprisonment for up to 60 days or $500 fine. | First Degree Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for up to one year or $1,000 fine. Subsequent Offense- 3rd Degree Felony: Imprisonment for up to five years or $5,000 fine. |
| Georgia | $500-$5,000 | Imprisonment for between two days and one year, possible additional fine of $1,000. | High and Aggravated Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for between 10 days and one year; possible fine of $1,000-$2,500. Fourth or Subsequent Offenses - Felony: Imprisonment for one to five years; possible fine of $2,500-$5,000. |
| Hawaii | $250-$2,000 | Imprisonment for three to 30 days; $250-$1,000 fine, license suspension increased by one year. | Imprisonment for 30 days, $1,000 fine, license suspension increased by two years. |
| Idaho | $1,000-$3,000 | Imprisonment for between two days and six months, fine of no more than $1,000, license suspension increased by 180 days. | Imprisonment for between 20 days and one year, fine of no more than $1,000, license suspension increased by one year. |
| Illinois | $2,500-$25,000 | Imprisonment for no more than one year, fine of no more than $2,500. | Imprisonment for one to three years, fine of up to $25,000, possible vehicle impoundment. |
| Indiana | Up to $10,000 | Class 6 Felony - Imprisonment for between six months and two years, fine of up to $10,000. | Class 6 Felony - Imprisonment for between six months and two years, fine of no more than $10,000. |
| Iowa | $250-$1,500 | License suspension increased for an additional like period or for one year, whichever is shorter. | N/A |
| Kansas | $100 | Class B Nonperson Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for at least five days, fine of at least $100. | Imprisonment without eligibility for parole until completion of five days, fine of at least $100, license suspension increased by 90 days. |
| Kentucky | Up to $250 | Imprisonment up to 90 days, license suspension increased by six months, fine up to $250 | Imprisonment for between 90 days and one year, license suspension increased by one year. |
| Louisiana | $500-$2,500 | Imprisonment for no more than six months, fine of no more than $500. | Imprisonment for between seven days and six months, fine of $300-$500. |
| Maine | Up to $1,000 | Up to six months incarceration and a $1,000 fine | N/A |
| Maryland | $1,000 | Imprisonment for no more than one year, fine of no more than $1,000. | Imprisonment for no more than two years, fine of no more than $1,000. |
| Massachusetts | $500-$1,000 | Imprisonment for no more than 10 days, $500-$1,000 fine, or both | Imprisonment for between 60 days and one year, license suspension increased by 60 days. |
| Michigan | $500-$1,000 | Imprisonment for no more than 93 days, a fine of no more than $500, or both. | Imprisonment for no more than one year, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both, cancellation of vehicle’s registration plates. |
| Minnesota | Up to $1,000 | Imprisonment for no more than 90 days, fine of no more than $1,000, or both. | N/A |
| Mississippi | $200-$500 | Imprisonment for between 48 hours and six months, $200-$500 fine, license suspension increased by six months. | N/A |
| Missouri | N/A | Class D Misdemeanor: Up to $500 fine, imprisonment for up to one year. | Class A Misdemeanor: Fine not to exceed $2,000, imprisonment for between six months and one year. |
| Montana | $500 | Fine not to exceed $500 and imprisonment for up to six months. | Imprisonment for up to six months, license suspension increased by one year, vehicle used is seized and rendered inoperable for 30 days. |
| Nebraska | N/A | Class II Misdemeanor: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for one year; license revocation for like period. | Class II Misdemeanor: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for two years; license revocation for like period. |
| Nevada | Up to $1,000 | Imprisonment for no more than six months, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both. | N/A |
| New Hampshire | Up to $1,000 | Imprisonment for a period not less than seven consecutive 24-hour periods to be served within six months of the conviction, fine of no more than $1,000. | N/A |
| New Jersey | $500-$1,000 | N/A | Imprisonment for one to five days, $750 fine. |
| New Mexico | Up to $1,000 | Imprisonment for four to 364 days, possible fine of no more than $1,000, possible vehicle immobilization. | N/A |
| New York | $250-$500 | Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $200-$500 fine, or both. | Imprisonment for no more than 180 days, fine of no less than $500. |
| North Carolina | Up to $300 | Class 3 Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for one to 10 days, fine of no more than $200, license suspension increased by 1 year. | License suspension increased by two years. |
| North Dakota | $1,500-$3,000 | Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $1,500 fine, or both. | Imprisonment for no more than one year, $3,000 fine, or both, possible destruction of license plate. |
| Ohio | $1,000 | Fine of no more than $1,000, 500 hours of community service. | Imprisonment for no more than 180 days, $1,000 fine, possible license plate impoundment. |
| Oklahoma | $50-$1,000 | N/A | $200-$750 fine. |
| Oregon | $220-$2,000 | Class A Traffic Infraction: $220-$2,000 fine, possible vehicle impoundment. | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | $200 | $200 fine, license suspension increased by one year if originally suspended, two years if originally revoked. | N/A |
| Rhode Island | $250-$1,000 | Imprisonment for no more than 30 days; $250-$500 fine; license suspension increased by three months. | Imprisonment for no more than one year; $350-$1,000 fine. |
| South Carolina | $300-$1,000 | Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $300 fine, or both. | Imprisonment for no more than 60 days, $600 fine, or both. |
| South Dakota | Up to $2,000 | Imprisonment for no more than one year; fine of no more than $2,000. | N/A |
| Tennessee | $500-$2,500 | Imprisonment for no more than six months, fine of no more than $500, or both. | Imprisonment for no more than 11 months, 29 days, fine of no more than $2,500, or both. |
| Texas | $500-$2,000 | N/A | Imprisonment for no more than 180 days, fine of no more than $2,000, or both. |
| Utah | $1,000 | Imprisonment of no more than 90 days, up to $750 fine. | N/A |
| Vermont | Up to $5,000 | Imprisonment for no more than two years, fine of no more than $5,000, or both. | Imprisonment for no more two years, fine of $5,000, or both, possible seizure of license plates. |
| Virginia | Up to $2,500 | Imprisonment for no more than 12 months, fine of no more than $2,500, or both. | N/A |
| Washington | Up to $5,000 | Imprisonment for no more than 364 days, fine of no more than $5,000, or both. | N/A |
| West Virginia | $100-$500 | N/A | Misdemeanor: $100-$500 fine, imprisonment for 30-90 days; $150-$500 fine. |
| Wisconsin | $50-$2,500 | N/A | N/A |
| Wyoming | $750 | Imprisonment for no more than six months, fine of no more than $750, or both. | N/A |
As you can see, the penalties vary from one state to another, but you can count on a serious fine and potential jail time.
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What happens if you get caught driving without a license but with a permit?
While some states have laws that differ on the topic of driving with a permit, others do not. You need to check with your state. Even if you have a permit, if you are driving without a licensed driver in the car, you can still be charged with driving without a license. (For more information, read our “Can you drive by yourself with a permit?“).
To learn the penalty for driving without a license under the age of 18 in your state, consult your state’s department of motor vehicles website. You are certainly subject to a fine if you are driving without a license and are underage. There is also a chance you will have to wait to obtain your driver’s license, and you may have to complete a certain number of community service hours.
What happens after I’m caught driving without a license?
Once you are charged with driving without a license, you will have to pay any necessary fines and potentially serve jail time or complete community service hours. You can expect your license to be suspended or revoked — or for the suspension to last longer — after you are charged. (For more information, read our “Can I get car insurance without a license?“).
You may have to wait several months, or even a few years before you are legally allowed to drive again. When you are able to drive, you will need to make sure your car is covered with proper insurance. Because driving without your license is a factor that affects car insurance rates, you will probably end up paying higher-than-average rates for coverage.
If you have a difficult time finding car insurance coverage in your state, you may want to look for coverage for high-risk drivers. Be sure to compare quotes from multiple companies in your state before you decide on coverage to find the cheapest option possible.
You can use our free quote tool below to find and compare car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in your area today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you get caught driving without a license?
You may face hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, and potentially jail time. Additionally, your license could be suspended or revoked, and you may need to pay higher insurance rates once you get your license reinstated.
How much are tickets for driving without a license?
Fines for driving without a license can range up to $2,500 or more, depending on the state and circumstances.
How much is a child restraint ticket in Mississippi?
The fine for not using proper child restraints in Mississippi can vary, but it generally ranges from $25 to $100.
How much is a citation for driving without a license?
Citations for driving without a license can be substantial, often including fines up to $2,500, in addition to other penalties.
How much is a ticket for not having a license plate?
The fine for not having a license plate varies by state, but it can be several hundred dollars.
How much is a ticket for not having a license?
Fines for driving without a license typically range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the state and whether it’s a first or repeat offense.
How much is a ticket for not having a license in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, a ticket for driving without a license can be up to $1,000, plus additional court costs.
How much is a ticket for not having a license in Texas?
In Texas, the fine for driving without a license can be up to $200, but repeat offenses or additional circumstances may increase the penalty.
How much is a ticket for not having a tag in Mississippi?
The fine for not having a tag in Mississippi typically ranges from $100 to $500.
Can I use a hospital bill as proof of residency?
Yes, a hospital bill can be used as proof of residency if it includes your name and address, but it’s best to check with your local DMV for accepted forms of proof.
Can you get your driver’s license without a permit?
Can you buy a car with a suspended license?
Can you get your license with unpaid tickets?
Can you go to jail for driving without a license?
Can you go to jail for driving without a license in Illinois?
Can you go to jail for driving without a license in Louisiana?
Can you go to jail for driving without a license in North Carolina?
How much are you willing to pay for your car insurance next year?
How much is the fine for driving without a license?
How much does a personalized license plate cost?
How much does an expired tag ticket cost?
How much is a ticket for an expired license?
How much is a ticket for an expired tag in Mississippi?
Is driving without a license a felony?
Is driving without a license a felony in Illinois?
Is driving without a license a misdemeanor?
Is driving without insurance a misdemeanor in New York?
What happens if you get stopped without a license?
What happens if you drive without a license?
What happens if you get caught driving after a seizure?
What happens if you get caught driving without a license plate?
What happens if you get caught driving without a license while underage?
What happens when your driver’s license is suspended?
What is the fine for driving without a license?
What should I plead if charged with driving without a license?
What happens when your license is suspended?
Why is my tag so expensive?
How long will I be in court for a speeding ticket?
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