Can a dealership tell if your license is suspended

A suspended driver’s license typically presents roadblocks in daily life. From making it more challenging to get to and from places you need to go to restricting your personal freedom, many adverse effects usually follow the state’s decision to suspend a person’s driving privileges. Therefore, it sounds logical that in order to buy a new car, you’d need to have a valid license to prove to the seller you can legally drive your new vehicle. Oddly enough, while having a valid driver’s license would make the sale go more smoothly (and allow you to test drive the car and drive it home), you don’t need a valid license to purchase a vehicle in Maryland.

Why Would I Buy a Car without a Valid Driver’s License?

There are a few scenarios in which a person with a suspended license might want to purchase a vehicle. You might consider buying a car while your license is suspended when:

You have a loved one, friend, or employee available to drive you around until your license suspension ends.
You are disabled and want to have a car for your caregiver to drive, but want to retain ownership of the vehicle.
You own a business that requires a vehicle that licensed employees can drive.
You would like to buy the car as a gift for someone who is licensed to drive.
You have an underage child who has a license but is not old enough yet to finance the vehicle.
You wish to purchase a collectible car which you have no intention of driving.

You might hit a snag when you attempt to close the sale without a valid license, but a conversation with the seller or sales manager of the dealership should make it clear that, while you will be purchasing the car, you will not be driving it yourself. As long as you have the funds or access to financing, the seller should work with you.

Is it Legal to Buy a Car while My License is Suspended?

If you have thought about buying a car but the state suspended your license, all hope is not lost. There is no law preventing you from having a valid driver’s license to buy a car; however, you won’t be able to execute a test drive or drive it home yourself unless you’ve obtained a temporary license to drive to and from work. On the whole, it may be more difficult to get a title or insure a new vehicle with a suspended license.

Get Behind the Wheel with the Help of a Suspended License Lawyer

Baltimore suspended license lawyer Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has served Baltimore and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years, helping residents regain their driving privileges and personal freedom. As a former Maryland Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), he fully understands the process behind license suspensions in the state and can fight aggressively against your suspension.

There are many reasons your license may be suspended in Maryland, many of which have nothing to do with your ability as a driver. For that reason, contact attorney Hillel Traub as soon as the MVA notifies you of your license suspension. His insider knowledge of the MVA’s inner workings will help him achieve his goal of overturning or reducing the period of your suspension.

Call (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

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Questions
What happens to your car loan if you lose your license?

"I recently lost my driver's license and now I can't drive the vehicle I financed.

What happens to the car loan itself?"

“Losing your driver’s license shouldn’t have any impact on your car loan at all. Your name is still on the loan and regardless of whether or not you can drive the vehicle, you still own it and are legally required to keep paying your loan.

Your car insurance might be a different story if you get a DUI. If you had your license revoked for other reasons, your insurer may or may not cancel your policy. However, your car will still need to be insured as part of the stipulations of your loan.

If you have a spouse or family member, you might want to add them to your policy so they can drive you to work or wherever you need to go.”

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Can you finance a car with a suspended license in California?

Technically, there is nothing preventing you from purchasing a vehicle while your license is suspended. Any dealership can legally take your money and sell you a vehicle. You can claim ownership of the title immediately.

Can you register a car with a suspended license in GA?

It is legally possible to buy and register a car with a suspended driver's license, but you must have valid car insurance in order.

Can you buy a car with a suspended license in PA?

Can you buy a car without a license in PA? 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.

Can you buy a car with a suspended license in Texas?

Texas Law on Buying a Vehicle without a License There is no law restricting someone from buying a vehicle without a license. You won't be able to test-drive the vehicle yourself before purchase, and you'll have to arrange another way to take the vehicle from the lot rather than you driving it home.