Driving Without a Valid (or on a Suspended) License in Missouri

Missouri prohibits driving without a valid license. This article covers unlicensed driving and driving on a suspended or revoked license, including the penalties for each violation.

Driving Without a License in Missouri

Generally, every person must have a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle on a Missouri highway.

Penalties for Unlicensed Driving in Missouri

Unlicensed driving (meaning you don't have a license at all) is a class D misdemeanor. A first-offense conviction carries a fine of up to $500. A second offense is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. A third or subsequent offense is a class E felony. A class E felony carries up to four years in jail and a maximum fine of $10,000.

A conviction for driving without a license will also add points to the driver's record. A driver will receive two points for a first offense, four points for a second offense, and six points for a third offense.

Penalties for Driving Without Having a Missouri License in Your Possession

A driver who was issued a license but was not carrying it while driving will be presumed to be unlicensed. A properly licensed driver cannot be convicted of a crime in court for not having a license in his or her possession but can be arrested based on this presumption.

Exceptions to Missouri's License Requirement

Non-resident drivers with valid licenses from their home state or country can drive in Missouri without an in-state license, subject to Missouri age restrictions. The temporary operation of farm tractors on the highway is permitted without a valid license. Missouri also permits certain unlicensed inmates to operate correctional facility trucks if supervised.

Driving While Suspended or Revoked in Missouri

A person who operates a vehicle while on a suspended or revoked license is subject to varying penalties depending on the reason for the suspension and the driver's criminal history.

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License in Missouri

A first-offense conviction for driving while suspended or revoked is a class D misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. A second offense is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Penalties for Driving on a DUI-Related Suspended License in Missouri

Driving while suspended or revoked can be a class E felony, punishable by up to four years in jail and a maximum $10,000 in fines, under the following circumstances:

• the driver has three or more prior driving-while-suspended convictions in the last ten years
• the driver has two or more prior driving-while-suspended convictions in the last ten years and has a prior DUI conviction, or
• the driver's license was revoked due to a second-offense DUI.

Points for Driving on a Suspended License in Missouri

A driving-while-suspended or revoked conviction will also result in 12 points being added to the driver's record. The accumulation of 12 points within 18 months results in a one-year driver's license revocation.

Talk to a Missouri Defense Attorney

Driving on a suspended or with an invalid license can result in serious penalties. So, if you've been arrested for one of these violations, it's important to get legal assistance. A qualified attorney can help you decide on how best to handle your situation.