Does My Driver’s License Have to Match My Vehicle Registration?

As a resident of Florida, if you want to get out on the open road, you need to make sure that you adhere to the state’s driver’s license and vehicle registration requirements. Failure to adhere to these requirements could get you in trouble with the law.

While some traffic offenses are punishable as infractions, others can lead to formal criminal charges. It is important to obtain the advice of an experienced traffic attorney in all such cases to ensure your legal rights are protected.

Understanding Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration Requirements

Generally speaking, your driver’s license and registration need to match. This means that these documents should have the same home address. Both these documents also need to be up to date for you to operate a vehicle on Florida roadways.

New residents of Florida are given a grace period to update their vehicle registration and driver’s license after moving to the state. Newcomers to the state must register their vehicle within 30 days of formally becoming residents of Florida. You also have 30 days from establishing residency in Florida to obtain a valid state-issued driver’s license.

If you already live in Florida and you move to a different address or change your name, similar restrictions apply to ensure that your driver’s license and registration not only match but remain current. You have 30 days following a name and/or address charge to update your driver’s license as well as the registration to your car.

Potential Legal Consequences for License or Registration Issues

Outside the previously mentioned exceptions, should law enforcement pull you over to find that your license or registration are out of date, or otherwise do not match, you could find yourself slapped with an infraction, at best. In some cases, you could face a criminal misdemeanor charge.

For example, if you do not register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or fail to renew your registration, that can be an infraction or a second-degree misdemeanor. An infraction carries moderate legal consequences but can still result in financial penalties.

Lack of valid registration can be an infraction if has been less than six months since it expired. Otherwise, lack of valid registration is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to two months in jail, $500 in financial penalties, and up to six months of probation.

Failure to update your license after moving or having a name change, or to simply renew it when the time comes, can also result in penalties including fines and points on your license. Repeat offenders can face harsher penalties and upgraded charges.

Speak with Us if You Are Cited for Failure to Register or Renew Your License and Registration

If you have received a citation or charge for having an expired vehicle registration, an unregistered vehicle, failure to update your license, or similar non-moving violations, you should consult with our defense attorneys as soon as possible. Traffic offenses should be taken extremely seriously, and you need an attorney who can leverage the best possible defenses to resolve your case.

Depending on the chain of events leading to the charge, consequences can include fines, loss of driving privileges, and even jail time. Contact our office today to speak about your case in a one-on-one legal consultation.