where can i register a car without a license

[McBrynlee]

You generally cannot register a car in your name without a valid driver's license in most U.S. states. The driver's license is the primary form of identification used by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to establish your identity and residency. However, there are specific exceptions and alternative pathways, primarily if you are the vehicle's owner but do not drive, such as for business, inheritance, or collectible purposes.

The core requirement for registration is proving ownership (via a title) and your identity and residency. Since a driver's license serves as the standard proof, you'll need to provide alternative documentation if you don't have one. Acceptable alternatives can include a state-issued identification card, a passport, or in some cases, a combination of documents like a birth certificate along with utility bills to prove residency.

Some states may have more nuanced rules. For instance, if the car is primarily for a licensed driver in your household, you might be able to register it, but the licensed driver may need to be present or sign specific forms. The process for registering a car for a business entity (like an LLC) is different and typically requires business documentation instead of a personal driver's license. The most reliable approach is to contact your local DMV office directly or check their official website for the precise list of required documents for your situation.

State	Acceptable Primary ID (Instead of Driver's License)	Special Considerations / Notes
California	State ID Card, Passport	Requires proof of California residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement).
Texas	State ID Card, Passport, Military ID	May require a Verification of Texas Residency (VTR-214) form.
Florida	State ID Card, Passport	The vehicle must have Florida insurance; the insurer may require a licensed primary driver.
New York	State ID Card (Non-Driver ID), Passport	The registration may be flagged if no licensed driver is associated with the vehicle.
Illinois	State ID Card, Passport	Often requires a Licensed Driver Affidavit if the owner is unlicensed.

[SanAiden]

It's a real headache, but it can be done. I bought a project car to restore, and I don't even have a permit. The DMV folks said I needed a state ID card, which I got pretty easily. The main thing was proving I owned the car with the title and showing I lived in the state with a couple of utility bills. They didn't really care that I couldn't drive it; they just needed to know I was the legal owner.

[SanLane]

From a legal standpoint, vehicle registration and driver licensing are separate actions. Registration establishes ownership for tax and title purposes. The challenge is that a driver's license is the most efficient ID for the DMV. Without it, you must provide equally robust proof of identity, like a state ID or passport, and proof of residency. Some states may also require you to designate a licensed driver responsible for the vehicle's operation on public roads.

[LeRicardo]

I went through this when my grandfather left me his classic car in his will. I don't drive, but I wanted to keep it in the family. The key was getting a state-issued identification card first. At the DMV, I brought the will, the title, my new ID, and a bank statement. It took a bit longer than a standard registration, but they processed it because I could prove I was the legal owner and a state resident.