Criminal charges and jail time are the most serious consequences
Obtaining a driver license through fraud — using false documents, lying about your identity, paying someone to forge records, or bribing an examiner — is a crime in every state. The specific charge varies by what you did and where you live, but common charges include identity fraud, document forgery, bribery, and making false statements to a government agency. These are not traffic violations; they are felonies or misdemeanors that can result in jail time, fines, or both.
Jail sentences for driver license fraud typically range from a few months to several years, depending on the severity and your state's laws. A first offense might result in 6 months to 2 years; repeat offenses or schemes involving multiple people usually carry longer sentences. Fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and you may also be ordered to pay restitution to the state for the cost of the investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Getting a driver license illegally can result in criminal charges including identity fraud, document forgery, or bribery, which are felonies or misdemeanors depending on your state and what you did.
- A criminal conviction for license fraud will appear on your permanent record and can prevent you from getting jobs, housing, loans, and professional licenses that require a background check.
- Your license will be revoked when ready once the fraud is discovered, and you will be prohibited from obtaining a new one for a set period or permanently in some states.
- Driving with a fraudulently obtained license is illegal, and you can be charged with additional crimes if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident.
- Immigration status can be affected by a criminal conviction, and non-citizens may face deportation proceedings as a result of license fraud charges.
A permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing
Once you are convicted of driver license fraud, that conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless you later have it expunged or sealed — and expungement is not automatic and varies by state. Employers, landlords, and lenders routinely run background checks, and a fraud conviction signals dishonesty and untrustworthiness to them.
Many employers will not hire someone with a fraud conviction, especially for jobs involving money, access to sensitive information, or positions of trust. Landlords often deny housing to people with criminal records. Banks and credit companies may deny you loans or credit cards. Professional licenses — for nursing, teaching, real estate, or other fields — often require a clean background, and a fraud conviction can disqualify you permanently.
License revocation and inability to drive legally
The moment a state discovers that your license was obtained fraudulently, it will revoke it. You cannot straightforward renew it or explore for a new one; you are blocked from the system. The length of time you are prohibited from reapplying varies by state — some impose a waiting period of one to five years, while others may bar you permanently depending on the circumstances.
During this time, you cannot legally drive. If you are caught driving without a valid license, you face additional criminal charges for driving with a suspended or revoked license, which carries its own fines and potential jail time. This can trap you in a cycle where you cannot work because you cannot get to a job, or you risk further legal consequences by driving anyway.
Additional charges if you drive or cause an accident
Driving with a fraudulently obtained license is itself illegal. If you are stopped by police, you will be charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license in addition to the original fraud charges. If you are involved in an accident while driving on a fraudulent license, the consequences multiply: you may face criminal charges for the accident itself, your insurance will likely deny coverage because you were driving illegally, and you could be held personally liable for all damages.
Victims of accidents you cause while driving on a fraudulent license can sue you directly for medical bills, vehicle damage, and other losses. Unlike insurance, which has limits, a personal lawsuit can result in a judgment that follows you for years and can lead to wage garnishment or asset seizure.
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a criminal conviction for driver license fraud can trigger deportation proceedings. Immigration law treats fraud convictions as crimes of moral turpitude, which is grounds for removal from the country. Even if you have a green card or are in the process of becoming a citizen, a fraud conviction can result in denial of citizenship and deportation.
The consequences are the same whether you are undocumented or have legal status. A conviction can also make you ineligible for future immigration benefits, including asylum, cancellation of removal, or family-based sponsorship. If you are facing driver license fraud charges and are not a citizen, you should speak with an immigration attorney when ready, as the criminal case and immigration case are connected.
Civil liability and insurance denial
Beyond criminal penalties, you may face civil lawsuits from people harmed by your actions. If you caused an accident while driving on a fraudulent license, injured parties can sue you for damages. Your auto insurance will almost certainly deny your claim because you were driving illegally, leaving you personally responsible for all costs — medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A judgment against you in a civil case can result in wage garnishment, where a portion of your paycheck is automatically sent to the person you owe. This can continue for years and makes it difficult to rebuild financially after the criminal case ends.
Difficulty obtaining a legitimate license later
After your revocation period ends, you will have to reapply for a driver license from the beginning. Some states require you to retake the written test and driving test, even if you passed them before. More importantly, the fraud will be part of your record, and the DMV may scrutinize your process more carefully or require additional documentation to prove your identity and residency.
In some cases, states may impose additional restrictions on your license, such as requiring an ignition interlock device or limiting when you can drive. These restrictions can last for years and serve as a permanent reminder of the fraud conviction on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my driver license fraud conviction expunged?
Expungement rules vary by state. Some states allow certain fraud convictions to be expunged after a waiting period, while others do not. You would need to petition the court, and the judge decides whether to grant it. An attorney in your state can tell you if your conviction is may be able to access and help you file the petition.
What if I used someone else's identity to get a license?
You face additional charges beyond license fraud, including identity theft. The person whose identity you used may also file a civil lawsuit against you. If that person suffered financial harm or damage to their credit, you could be liable for those damages as well.
Will a fraudulent license charge affect my ability to travel?
A criminal conviction can affect travel. Some countries will not allow entry to people with fraud convictions. If you are not a citizen, a conviction can trigger deportation and make it impossible to travel internationally. Even as a citizen, a conviction may complicate international travel and could result in denial of entry to certain countries.
Can I be charged if I only tried to get a fraudulent license but did not succeed?
Yes. Attempting to obtain a fraudulent license is a crime in most states, even if you were caught before the license was issued. Charges might be attempted fraud or conspiracy, depending on what you did and whether others were involved.
What should I do if I am accused of driver license fraud?
Contact a criminal defense attorney when ready. Do not speak to police or the DMV without an attorney present. An attorney can review the evidence, explain your options, and work to minimize the consequences. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations.