You don’t need a license to buy a car in Pennsylvania, but you do need a license to register a vehicle in Pennsylvania. Here’s what you need to know.
If you’re a young driver or have had your license suspended but want to purchase a car, it’s natural to have questions. Can you buy a car without a license? Can you register a car without a license? And can you put a car in your name without a license? Fortunately, In Pennsylvania, you don’t need a driver’s license to buy or register a car. And while getting car insurance in Pennsylvania without a license can be difficult, it’s not impossible.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about buying and registering a car in Pennsylvania without a license.
- You can buy a car without a driver’s license in Pennsylvania.
- You must have a valid form of Pennsylvania identification to apply for a vehicle title and registration.
- According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, you need valid Pennsylvania identification to register a car with an out-of-state license.
- You can register a car in Pennsylvania with a suspended license but can’t drive it. To register a car, you will need valid Pennsylvania identification.
Can you buy a car without a license in Pennsylvania?
Technically yes, but you will not be able to test drive the car or drive it off the lot. No law in Pennsylvania says you must have a valid driver’s license to buy a car, but you will need a government-issued ID to complete the transaction and title or register the car.
A person may need to purchase a vehicle without a license for several reasons:
- You have a disability and need a car for your caregiver to drive.
- You own a business and need a vehicle for your licensed employees to drive.
- You have an underage child with a license and can’t legally finance a vehicle.
- You have a personal driver.
Can you finance a car in Pennsylvania without a license?
You may wonder: Can you get an auto loan without a license? The rules on financing a car in PA for someone who does not have a driver’s license may vary between dealerships. If you don’t have a license, explain your situation to the salesperson. They might be willing to help you. You must provide all the relevant documents, such as a government-issued ID and income statement. You may also need proof that the DMV has not suspended your license.
Can you register a car without a license in Pennsylvania?
You don’t have to have a driver’s license, but you need a form of Pennsylvania-approved identification.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, individuals must have a valid form of Pennsylvania ID to apply for a vehicle title and registration.
You must provide one of the following credentials for identification purposes:
- Valid Pennsylvania photo driver’s license
- Valid Pennsylvania photo ID card
- Valid U.S. Armed Forces Common Access Card for dependents of the Armed Forces
- Valid United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card
So, while you do not need a Pennsylvania driver’s license, you will need a valid ID from the list above to title and register a car in Pennsylvania.
Can you register a car in Pennsylvania with an out-of-state license?
You cannot register a car in Pennsylvania with an out-of-state license. According to the Pennsylvania DOT, you need valid Pennsylvania identification to register a vehicle in Pennsylvania.
Can you register a car with a suspended license in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but you will need a valid Pennsylvania identification document from the list above. Remember, just because you can register a car doesn’t mean you can drive it. If you get caught on the road with a suspended license, you will face a significant driving offense on your record, sky-high insurance premiums, possible jail time and a longer license suspension.
How do I register a car in Pennsylvania?
Here are the registration requirements in Pennsylvania:
- Apply for Pennsylvania title and registration of their vehicles within 20 days of establishing residency in Pennsylvania.
- Give the DMV your out-of-state title when applying for a new one.
- If you still owe money on a car with an out-of-state title, you may have to refinance the balance or pay off the out-of-state bank or lender.
- You won’t be issued a Pennsylvania title until the out-of-state title is submitted with a completed Form MV-1.
To title and register your vehicle, you will need to bring the following items with you to the authorized agent:
- A valid title for all the vehicles you want to register in Pennsylvania, issued in your name, from your previous state.
- Proof of Pennsylvania insurance, such as a valid insurance identification card, declaration page of an insurance policy, a copy of a valid binder or a copy of an application for insurance to the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan for all of the vehicles you will be registering. These documents must indicate both effective and expiration dates.
- A tracing of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the verification of the VIN by an inspection mechanic or notary public at a dealership or issuing agent.
- Appropriate title, lien, registration fees and sales tax (if applicable).
- If you are titling and registering a leased vehicle, the leasing company must also complete Form MV-1L.
What are the minimum insurance requirements in Pennsylvania?
Every state has minimum car insurance requirements to be legal out on the road. When registering a car, you must show proof of Pennsylvania auto insurance. This means all motor vehicles out on the road in Pennsylvania must have liability insurance; this includes cars, vans, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trucks, and buses.
You are in compliance with Pennsylvania law if you have liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
- $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for damage to the property of another person
This insurance is referred to as 15/30/5. It is woefully inadequate if you are in a severe accident. You will be on the hook for accident costs beyond your coverage levels.
You may want to put higher limits to better protect yourself and your assets. If you have a loan on your vehicle, your lienholder will typically require you to have collision coverage and comprehensive insurance on the car.
The bottom line
Whether you’ve recently moved to Pennsylvania, are a first-time driver or have had your license suspended, it’s important to know the rules and restrictions regarding getting a Pennsylvania driver’s license and purchasing, registering and insuring a vehicle in the Keystone State. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or inquire with your car insurance agent when in doubt.
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy a car with a temporary license?
Yes, you can purchase a car with a temporary license in Pennsylvania, according to Dennis Shirshikov, adjunct professor of economics at the City University of New York. However, registration and insurance can present challenges. Consult your local Department of Motor Vehicles and insurance provider to understand specific requirements and limitations.
Can I buy a car with a learner’s permit in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can purchase a vehicle with a learner’s permit or other temporary license in Pennsylvania. However, a Pennsylvania learner’s permit cannot be used for identification purposes to title and register a vehicle in the state, and your car insurance company will typically require a valid driver’s license.
Can I insure and register a car in my name with a conditional license?
Yes. If you have a conditional license, often issued if your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked due to alcohol- or drug-related matters, you should be allowed to insure and register a vehicle, according to personal injury lawyer Jonathan Rosenfeld. However, your insurance company may have particular requirements or restrictions regarding coverage with a conditional license; consult with your carrier on these rules.
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Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. “Buying a vehicle.” Accessed April 2024.
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. “Motor vehicle information for new residents.” Accessed April 2024.
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. “Restore your vehicle registration.” Accessed April 2024.
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. “Insurance overview.” Accessed April 2024.
- Nexstar Media Inc./PA Homepage. “Can you buy a car without a license?” Accessed April 2024.
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