Can You Buy a Driver's License, and What Happens If You Do

You cannot legally buy a driver's license in the United States

A driver's license is a document issued only by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) after you pass a written test and a driving test. There is no legal way to purchase one, and attempting to do so is a crime.

If someone offers to sell you a driver's license — whether online, in person, or through a contact — that person is selling a forged document. Using a fake or purchased license can result in felony charges, jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and loss of your ability to drive legally for years.

Key Takeaways

Driver's licenses are issued only by state motor vehicle agencies after you pass both a written and driving test — they cannot be purchased.
Buying or using a fake license is a felony in all states and can result in jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record.
If you cannot pass the driving test, you can retake it as many times as needed; most states charge a small fee per attempt.
If you lost your license or it expired, you can renew it through your state's DMV without retesting, which is faster and cheaper than the original process.
If you are struggling with the written or driving test, free or low-cost driving schools and tutoring services exist in most areas.

What happens if you buy or use a fake license

Using a forged or purchased driver's license is typically charged as a felony, not a misdemeanor. The specific charge varies by state — it might be called forgery, fraud, identity fraud, or possession of a fraudulent document — but the consequences are serious in all of them.

A felony conviction for a fake license can mean 1 to 5 years in prison, fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, and a permanent criminal record. That record affects your ability to find work, rent housing, get loans, and obtain professional licenses. You will also lose your driving privileges, sometimes for years after your sentence ends.

Law enforcement and the DMV have become more sophisticated at detecting fake licenses. Bouncers, police officers, and TSA agents at airports are trained to spot them. Getting caught is not rare — it happens regularly, and the consequences are not worth the risk.

If you failed the driving test, you can retake it

If you did not pass the written test or the road test, you can retake it. Most states let you retake the test the same day or within a few days, though some require a waiting period of a few days to a week. Each attempt costs a small fee — usually between $10 and $50 — but there is no limit on how many times you can try.

If you are struggling with the written test, you can study the official DMV handbook for your state, which is free and available online. Many states also offer the written test in multiple languages. If you are struggling with the road test, a professional driving instructor can teach you the specific skills the examiner is looking for and help you understand what went wrong on your first attempt.

If you lost your license or it expired, you can renew it

If you already have a valid license but lost it or it expired, you do not need to retake the tests. You can renew your license through your state's DMV, usually by mail, online, or in person. Renewal is faster and cheaper than getting a license for the first time — you typically pay a renewal fee (usually $20 to $100) and submit proof of identity and residency.

If your license expired more than a certain number of years ago (this varies by state, usually 5 to 10 years), you may need to retake the written test but not the road test. Check your state's DMV website to see what applies to you.

If you cannot drive due to a disability or medical condition

If you have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from driving, you may still be able to get a license with accommodations. These might include an automatic transmission vehicle, hand controls, a longer road test route, or an oral version of the written test instead of a written one.

Contact your state's DMV and ask about accommodations for your specific condition. You will likely need a letter from a doctor or medical professional describing your condition and what accommodations would help you drive safely. The process takes longer than a standard license, but it is the legal way forward if you want to drive.

If you need to drive before you have a license

In most states, you can drive with a learner's permit before you pass the road test. A learner's permit requires only that you pass the written test, and it lets you drive on public roads as long as a licensed driver is in the car with you. This is the legal way to practice driving before your road test.

Some states also issue temporary licenses or provisional licenses to people who have passed the road test but are waiting for their permanent license to arrive in the mail. If you need to drive when ready after passing your test, ask the DMV examiner what temporary documentation they can give you on the spot.

Where to find help if you are struggling

If you are struggling to pass the written test, many communities offer free or low-cost DMV test prep classes through libraries, community colleges, or nonprofit organizations. These classes teach you the material on the written test and help you understand what the examiner is looking for on the road test.

If cost is the barrier — if you cannot afford the test fee or the driving school — ask your local DMV about fee waivers or reduced fees for people with low income. Some states and counties have programs that cover test fees for people who meet income requirements. Your local library or 211 (a helpline that connects you to local services) can point you toward these programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to drive without a license if I am waiting for mine to arrive?

It depends on your state. Some states issue a temporary permit or receipt when you pass your road test that you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license. Others do not. Ask the DMV examiner what you are allowed to do between passing the test and receiving your license in the mail.

What if I bought a fake license before I knew it was illegal?

Contact a criminal defense attorney when ready. Do not use the fake license. An attorney can advise you on your specific situation and may be able to help you avoid the worst consequences, especially if you have not yet used it or been caught with it.

Can I get a license if I have a criminal record?

Most criminal records do not disqualify you from getting a driver's license. However, certain convictions — like DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license — may result in a suspended or revoked license. Check your state's DMV website or call them to learn about your record affects your driving status.

What if I cannot pass the written test because I cannot read?

Most states offer the written test in multiple languages and can read the questions aloud to you. Some also offer the test in Braille or on a computer screen with audio. Contact your state's DMV and explain your situation — they have accommodations available.

How much does it cost to get a driver's license?

The cost varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to $200 for a first-time license, including the written test fee, road test fee, and the license itself. Renewal costs less, usually $20 to $100. Some states charge more for REAL ID-compliant licenses. Check your state's DMV website for exact fees.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.