You’re probably still reeling from the shock of discovering that your license is going to be suspended. You know you can’t drive as normal while your suspension is in place, but you also need to get to work and other places. What are your options? Self-driving car alternatives like ride-sharing services don’t seem like viable options right now. Keep reading to find out more about driving with a paper license or no license at all!
Can You Drive With A Paper License?
Yes, you can drive with a temporary paper license. This is typically issued when you pass your driving test and are waiting for your official license to arrive in the mail. The temporary license is only valid for a certain period of time, so make sure you get your official license as soon as possible.
How Can You Drive With A Temporary Paper License?
Stay in touch with the DMV
The first thing you should do is stay in touch with the DMV. You should call or email them to let them know that you have a valid out-of-state license but can only get an updated one once the storm passes. If you just go missing and don’t communicate with them, you could get fined and/or even have your license revoked.
Use a ridesharing app
Another way you can drive with a temporary license is to use a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft. This is only possible if your state has a process in place for temporary licenses for non-commercial drivers. If it doesn’t, you can try reaching out to the ridesharing service in your area and see if they’ll let you drive with a copy of your out-of-state license. If they do, you can get a temporary paper license from the DMV and then let the company know that you have it.
Get an electronic copy of your license
In some states, you can get an electronic copy of your license. This way, you can show it to law enforcement when they pull you over instead of a physical copy. In states like Florida, you can request an electronic copy of your license online. You may be required to pay a small fee to have your license scanned and sent to you electronically. You can also ask your DMV if they offer this service.
Obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate
Another thing you can do is obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate. Once you have it, you can use it to apply for an updated license. This process takes longer than getting an electronic copy of your license, but it’s a good idea to do this anyway in case your license takes longer than expected to arrive. You can definitely get a temporary paper license from the DMV, but you may want to just get the birth certificate and start the process with that instead.
Drive with a notarized affidavit
If you can’t get an electronic copy of your license or a certified copy of your birth certificate, try getting a notarized affidavit. Notaries are government officials who can verify your identity and make sure you’re the person you say you are. Witnesses can also sign an affidavit if they’ve known you for a while. Driving with a notarized affidavit is a last resort because it’s basically a declaration that you have no other way of getting your license updated. Not only do you have to explain why you can’t get your license updated (like a hurricane), but you also have to promise to get your license updated as soon as you can.
Get an Extension on Your License and/or Registration
You can get an extension on your license and/or registration. If a hurricane is coming, you may need more time to get your license or registration updated. In some states, you can get an extension on these documents until you’re able to get them updated. You can also try to get a temporary license until your other documents are updated. If you’re able to get an extension on your documents, make sure you get a paper license for the remaining time that you have. You don’t want to risk getting pulled over with an expired license!
What Does A Temporary License Look Like?
- In most states, your temporary paper license will be a copy of your regular driver’s
- license. It might be printed on different paper, and it might have a different barcode, but it’ll look like your regular license.
- The picture on your paper license might be a little grainy and black and white, but it should be clear enough to identify you.
- Your paper license might also have a different ID number than your regular license. The number and date of issuance on the paper license will be different, of course.
- That’s because your normal license has been suspended and can’t be used to drive.
- You might also get a temporary paper license if your license is lost or stolen. In that case, you’ll have a paper license until you get a replacement license in the mail.
Can You Get A Restricted License During Your Suspension Period?
- If you’re driving with a temporary paper license and your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a restricted license.
- A restricted license lets you drive to certain places and for certain purposes. For example, you can drive to and from work with a restricted license.
- Your state’s DMV or BMV can tell you if you’re eligible for a restricted license.
- Depending on the circumstances, you may have to pay a fine, attend traffic school, and/or complete other requirements before you can get a restricted license.
- You’ll usually have to continue driving with your temporary paper license while you wait for your restricted license to be approved.
What Happens When You Break The Law?
- If you’re driving with a suspended license and get pulled over, it’s unlikely that the officer will be lenient.
- You could be charged with a crime if your driving with a suspended license leads to an accident.
- If your license is suspended because you owe fines or fees, driving with a suspended license might be considered a violation of your probation.
Can You Drive With No License At All?
- Yes, but you shouldn’t. Driving without a license is illegal, and it can have serious consequences.
- Driving without a license is a serious offense in most states.
- You could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, you may even face jail time.
- Driving with no license can also lead to more serious problems, like being unable to rent a car or get other forms of identification.
- If you need to drive while your license is suspended, you should be careful to avoid getting pulled over. If you get a ticket, it could make your suspension even longer.
Conclusion
Driving with a temporary paper license is different in every state. In some states, you cannot drive with a temporary paper license. In others, you can drive with a temporary paper license so long as you have your test waiver in the vehicle. If you have not yet passed the knowledge or driving test, you won’t be able to get an unrestricted driver’s license or a driver’s license that allows you to drive for work purposes.
