Third Coast Auto Group Official Blog
Can you buy a car without a driver’s license in Texas?
By Product Expert | Posted in Texas, Tips and Tricks on Saturday, March 16th, 2019 at 9:13 am
Though typically individuals wait to buy a car until after they have a driver’s license, a variety of situations may arise where someone wants to buy a car despite not having a valid license. This could range from reasons such as buying the car as a gift, to buying it for an employee to drive, or buying only for use on one’s personal property.
If you’re planning to do this yourself, you’re probably wondering: is it legal to buy a car without a driver’s 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.
If you’re buying a vehicle just to use on your own property, such as on a farm, you won’t need to have a license to use it there. You just won’t be able to drive the vehicle on public roads.
If you’re thinking of getting a license, make sure you know the Learner, Provisional, and Full License Requirements in Texas.
Do you need a driver’s license to register and plate a vehicle in Texas?
According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, you do not need a driver’s license to register and plate a vehicle.
Unfortunately, you need auto insurance to register a car, and in order to get auto insurance, you need a driver’s license.
If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can use that to register and insure your vehicle in Texas. However, if you have no license, it will be difficult to get insurance, as the insurance company needs to check your driving history and generate a rate for you. They do this using a valid U.S. driver’s license.
Why would someone buy a car without a license?
Though initially this may seem like a pointless thing to do, there are several reasons someone without a license might want to buy a car. Disabled individuals may need a car for their caregiver to drive but want to have complete ownership of the vehicle. Business owners may need vehicles for their licensed employees to drive, even if they don’t have a license themselves.
Someone may be buying a car as a gift, or for a family member who can’t legally finance the vehicle themselves. Others might be buying a car for their collection or for their chauffeur to drive them around in.
Let your friends know!
