Can you get a car note without a license

Whether or not you can buy a car when you don't have a driver’s license depends on a number of factors. For the most part, you shouldn’t run into any issues – unless you plan on financing it or registering the car. Even though you shouldn't run into any issues, every situation is unique, and it generally helps to have a valid driver's license if you plan on buying a vehicle.

Can You Finance a Car Without a Driver's License?

To complete the auto financing process, you need to title the vehicle and then get it registered. And this is where you might run into trouble if you don't have a valid driver's license. When it’s time to insure and register it, you’re going to get stuck. You need a valid driver’s license to get full coverage insurance for the car, and, in most states, you can’t register a vehicle or buy license plates without insurance.

If you decide to pay in cash, you could title the car in someone else’s name who does have a driver’s license and they can register it. Keep in mind, though, that the vehicle doesn’t legally belong to you at this point because your name isn’t on the title, and, until you get a driver’s license, you can’t legally drive it on public roads.

What if My License is Suspended?

A common question borrowers often ask is how having a suspended license affects buying a vehicle. It’s possible to finance a car with a suspended license, but it depends on the state you live in. If you do end up getting approved for financing with a suspended license, be aware that you can’t legally drive until your license is reinstated.

Waiting out the suspension isn’t easy, but it’s worthwhile in the end. Plus, this gives you ample time to check your credit reports and scores, do some vehicle research, plan a budget, and save up for a down payment. You can read up on budgeting tips for an auto loan here.

When St. Louis and Florissant drivers have auto finance questions, they know to turn to the experts at Green Light Auto Credit. In the past, we’ve covered whether you can purchase a car without a license. We know you can buy a car without a driver’s license, but what about securing a finance plan? Do you need a license to qualify for an auto loan? Many lenders – including Green Light Auto Credit – do not require a driver’s license to secure an auto loan. We’ll walk you through the basics of getting an auto loan without a license, from securing a low interest rate to finding the right lender!

No license required to apply

Documentation for Car Finance With No License Required

You now know that the answer to “Can I get a car loan without a license?” is “yes.” What comes next? The process of getting an auto loan without a driver’s license is really no different than getting a loan with a license – you’ll just need to provide an alternative form of identification for the lender.

St. Charles drivers who are interested in car finance with no license required at Green Light Auto Credit will need to provide the following documentation:

• Proof of income (2 recent pay stubs)
• Proof of residency (this can be a utility bill)
• Valid State ID

Getting an Auto Loan Without a Driver’s License: Possible Blockers

If you are applying for an auto loan without a driver’s license on the behalf of another individual, like a family member, you shouldn’t run into any issues with most lenders. If you’re applying on your own behalf, however, some lenders might view a lack of a driver’s license as a risk. You may have no intention of driving the vehicle until you’re legally licensed to do so, but from the lender’s point of view, if you were arrested or fined for unlicensed driving of the car they approved your loan for, it would be unlikely that you would be able to continue making the monthly payments.

Buying a car without a license is possible, but you may run into some issues with registration and insurance once you've completed the purchase. If you're thinking about buying a vehicle and don't have a driver's license, here's what you need to know.

Insurance

It can be challenging and expensive to get auto insurance for your vehicle if you don't have a driver's license. Traditional insurers may even refuse to offer you coverage. If you can find coverage, you'll likely pay more since insurers typically view unlicensed drivers as riskier than drivers with a license.

To save yourself some time, consider working with an independent insurance agent who can provide quotes from multiple insurers and may have a better knowledge of which companies will insure unlicensed car owners.

Alternatively, you can add a co-owner during the buying process, and they can apply for insurance coverage for the vehicle. Finally, you can name another person in your household who has a license as the primary driver.

Financing

You don't technically need a driver's license to get an auto loan. But if you don't have another form of photo identification, the lender may not approve your application because you can't prove your identity.

An easy fix for this obstacle is to get a state photo ID, which you can provide to prospective lenders.

Registration

Depending on where you live, you may need a driver's license to register the vehicle. In some cases, you can get by with another form of photo identification but double-check the laws in your state before you start the car-buying process.

Of course, if you live in a state where a driver's license is required, and you have a licensed co-owner, they can register the vehicle using their license.