Can You Buy a Car with a Suspended License?
Need a new vehicle you can rely on to get to work in St. Louis? If your license is temporarily suspended, it doesn’t negate the fact that you need something to drive when the suspension period ends. So you may wonder: can you buy a car with a suspended license? The best-case scenario is that buying a car with a suspended license is possible, but complicated. Learn more with the team at Green Light Auto Credit, below.
Is a Suspended License Considered Valid?
A common question among individuals who’ve had their license suspended is, “is a suspended license considered valid as an I.D.?” So long as the license has not expired, it is still considered valid for identification purposes. But while under suspension, the license is temporarily out of service and you cannot legally drive with it.
What are the Issues That Could Arise When Purchasing a Car with a Suspended License?
Technically speaking, you can purchase a vehicle without a valid driver’s license and instead use your state I.D. But even if you’re successful at doing so, you could run into trouble when you go to insure and register the car; you cannot get car insurance with your name listed as the primary driver without a valid driver’s license, and you cannot register a car that is uninsured in Missouri.
You must also remember, of course, that it is illegal to drive with a suspended license. So, even if you’re able to buy a car at a dealership, you won’t be able to drive it home to Herculaneum.
Can You Finance a Car With a Suspended License?
Is it possible to secure an auto loan with a suspended license? It depends on the lender’s policies. Some lenders are willing to accept a valid state I.D. instead of a driver’s license, but many consider a suspended license to be a red flag. If you have a good relationship with your bank and the suspension is not due to a serious offense, there is a chance they might be willing to approve an auto loan without a license.
Can You Register a Car with a Suspended License?
Can you register a car with a suspended license? Technically, it is possible – but it’s complicated. In Missouri, you must have proof of car insurance before you can register your car. If you already had an auto insurance policy in your name before your license was suspended, you may be able to have your insurance provider update the vehicle info on your policy, thus equipping you to register your new car. However, some insurance companies have been known to cancel auto policies if the policyholder has had their license suspended.
You might also be able to join someone else’s auto insurance policy; just know that this might require you to list that policyholder’s name on your car’s title. But as long as your own name remains on the title too, you should be successful in registering a car in Missouri.
In short, it all comes down to your insurance situation. If you don’t yet have valid insurance or you previously held a policy but it was canceled, you cannot register the car. This means that you will likely need to wait until the suspension on your license is lifted, at which point you can get car insurance and then register your car.
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Can You Buy a Car for Someone Else with a Suspended License?
Your highest chance for success when buying a car with a suspended license is if you’re purchasing it for someone else. Let’s say you and your spouse are in need of a new family vehicle. You should be able to purchase the vehicle –– even with a suspended license –– and register it in the spouse’s name. The spouse would need to drive the vehicle off the lot, and you wouldn’t be able to drive it until your license is reinstated.
Waiting for Reinstatement? Check Out These Helpful Tips!
If you’ve come to the conclusion that the best course of action for your circumstances is to wait until your license is reinstated to purchase a vehicle, we have some homework you can do in the meantime so you’re ready to go when the time comes:
- Check your credit reports. Request a copy of your credit report from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian to check that the information all three major credit bureaus are reporting is correct.
- Work on your credit score. While you wait for your license to be reinstated, this is a great opportunity to work on raising your credit score. The better your score, the better the financing rates you can secure!
- Create a budget. Consider your financial circumstances to determine a budget you should stick to when you do purchase a vehicle.
- Research your options. Would a sedan or an SUV be a better option for your lifestyle? Now is the time to do some vehicle research to determine what type of car you want to buy.
Finance Your Next Car with Green Light Auto Credit
The finance professionals at Green Light Auto Credit are here to help Florissant drivers get back behind the wheel! When you’re prepared to take the next steps, contact us to learn more about our auto loan solutions. We have flexible options for shoppers with bad or no credit and we’re always here to answer your auto financing questions. Apply online to get started today!