Expired license and registration while car traveling within the US
I am traveling by auto entirely within the US. No passport, didn't bring SS card, title or other papers.
Emergency eldercare extended my visit, and both my registration and driver's license expired. I want to return home in the next 2 weeks.
I can't renew my registration online because this is an emisson test year. It's paid up, they are just holding my tags. I am not near any other state that does emissions tests.
I can't renew my driver's license online because this is my year to come in for a vision check/new photo. I will pass.
Should I get DL and reg here?
On the driver's license, bad news: this state wants proof of a) SSN and b) "right to remain in the US", I didn't bring it. Good news: I am in their system, since I had a driver's license here years ago.
On the registration, this state wants title (it's at home) and proof of in-state insurance (I would have to buy that from another insurer at painful cost). This car is not in their system.
I am willing to fly back to my home state (I can) but that will only handle the license, I'd still have to fly back and "drive the gauntlet" with a car with expired tags.
Paying a haulaway company to trailer the car home would be unaffordable and unjustifiable for this car.
I am worried about
- Jail, lawyers, having my car impounded, prohibitive $1000 fines (I can risk a few $100 wrist-slap fines.)
- getting caught in a paperwork catch-22.
- breaking my healthcare, which is currently provided by my home state. I am healthy, and am willing to risk having no healthcare for the journey.
- breaking my excellent, high-limit auto insurance. On principle I refuse to drive without top insurance.
- breaking anything an employer would need to hire me.
So I am trying to get a sense of the risks of going as-is, versus the complications of attempting the paperwork jungle. For instance it would be insane to spend 3 months grinding paperwork if the downside risk is a $100 fine.
How do I get my car and myself home sanely?
Best Answer
I would fly (or take Amtrak/Greyhound) home and renew the license, and get the receipt that your tags are "in suspense" pending the emissions test. I doubt you will be stopped driving home—don't speed—and if you are you can probably talk your way out of it with the receipt.
I would not try driving on an expired license.
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Can you drive around with an expired registration?
In all states in the United States, it is illegal to drive with expired car registration tags. In some states, you can receive a fine for expired registration tags even if you are not currently driving the car. It is your responsibility to pay your tags on time to avoid being pulled over and paying a fine.Can I register a car in Florida with an out of state license?
Registering an Out-of-State Vehicle If you have an out-of-state motor vehicle, you must: Obtain a driver's license in Florida. Obtain auto insurance in Florida. Get a VIN check and official odometer filing done.Can you register a car without a license in NY?
Can you register a car without a license in NY? The quick answer is no. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, you are not required to have a driver's license or learner's permit to apply for vehicle registration or title certificate in the state of New York.Can a non resident register a car in NY?
A NY State Driver License, Learner Permit, or Non-Driver ID card that is current or not expired for more than 2 years can serve as proof of both identity and age. If you don't have one of these, see other kinds of proof you can use. 5 Most states allow a non-resident to register a vehicle.I Was Pulled Over With an Expired Driver's License. What Now? | Law \u0026 You | Legal Advice
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Answer 2
Or if flying or taking a train home is prohibitively expensive, get someone else to drive the car (and you ride shotgun).
Ask around, see if anyone is willing to drive at least some of the way with you. Kind of a modern, legal, reverse hitch-hiking.
:)
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