Driving Without a Valid Driver's License: State Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
In order to enjoy the privilege of driving on public roadways, motorists must be licensed. A driver's license ensures that motorists know how to operate a vehicle and understand the rules of the road. If you drive without a license, you risk being ticketed or even arrested, depending on the situation. Find out more about the laws in your state with the following guide to driving without a valid driver's license.
| Alabama | License required |
| Alaska | Drivers must be licensed |
| Arizona | License Violations |
| Arkansas | Driver's license required |
| California | Violation of License Provisions |
| Colorado | Licenses for drivers required |
| Connecticut | Motor vehicle operator's license |
| Delaware | Driving without a license |
District of Columbia |
Operation without permit prohibited |
| Florida | Drivers must be licensed; penalties (FS 322.03) |
| Georgia | Valid driver's license required |
| Hawaii | Licensing |
| Idaho | Drivers to be licensed |
| Illinois | Violation of License Provisions |
| Indiana | Driver's Licenses: General Penalty Provisions Driver's Licenses: Penalty Provisions for Operating a Motor Vehicle With Suspended or Revoked Driving Privileges, Licenses, or Permits (Indiana Code 9-24-19) |
| Iowa | Operators licensed (IA Code section 321.174) |
| Kansas | Licenses required (KS Statute 8-235) |
| Kentucky | Operators' licenses Unlawful to drive or permit another to drive without (KRS 186.620) |
| Louisiana | Driver must be licensed |
| Maine | License required (MRS Title 29-A section 1251) |
| Maryland | Drivers must be licensed |
| Massachusetts | Operation of motor vehicle without license |
| Michigan | Violation of license provisions |
| Minnesota | License required |
| Mississippi | Requirement of motor vehicle operator's license |
| Missouri | Operation of motor vehicle without proper license prohibited |
| Montana | Drivers to be licensed (MCA section 61-5-102) |
| Nebraska | Operator's license required |
| Nevada | Licensing of drivers required (NRS 483.230) |
| New Hampshire | License Required (NH Statutes 263:1) |
| New Jersey | Licensing of drivers |
| New Mexico | Drivers must be licensed |
| New York | Licensing of drivers; violations |
| North Carolina | Issuance and renewal of drivers licenses |
| North Dakota | Operators must be licensed |
| Ohio | Operation without valid license prohibited |
| Oklahoma | Class requirements for driver licenses |
| Oregon | Driving Privileges, Licenses, and Permits |
| Pennsylvania | Licensing of Drivers: Violations |
| Rhode Island | License required to drive License to be carried and exhibited on demand (RI Code 31-10-27) |
| South Carolina | Driver's license required |
| South Dakota | Prohibition against driving without license Driving while license is revoked, suspended, or canceled(SD Laws section 32-12-65) |
| Tennessee | License required (TN Code section 55-50-301) |
| Texas | Driver's Licenses and Certificates |
| Utah | Operating motor vehicle without license or registration |
| Vermont | License required (23 VSA section 601) |
| Virginia | Driving without license prohibited; penalties |
| Washington | Driving without a license - misdemeanor Driving without a license - traffic infraction (RCW section 46.20.015) |
| West Virginia | Drivers must be licensed |
| Wisconsin | Operators to be licensed; exceptions |
| Wyoming | License required |
Ticketed for Driving Without a License? Talk to an Attorney
Depending on the circumstances, you may be facing serious sanctions for driving without a valid driver's license. Meeting with an attorney can help you determine your next steps. Find a traffic law attorney licensed to practice in your state.
Next Steps
Contact a qualified traffic ticket attorney to help you get the best result possible.