Driving without a license is illegal in California and can result in either a misdemeanor or an infraction charge. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances of the offense. If charged as a misdemeanor, the maximum penalty is six months in jail and a $1,000 court fine. If charged as an infraction, the maximum penalty is a $250 court fine.

To avoid being charged with driving without a license, it is important to have a valid drivers license that is issued by the state in which you reside and for the type of vehicle you are driving. If you are stopped by the police and do not have your valid license with you, this will be ticketed as an infraction. In many cases, you can have the infraction dismissed by proving to the court that you were driving with a valid license at the time you were ticketed.

If you do not have a license at all, then the offense is more serious and could be charged as a misdemeanor, which means you might face up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. To avoid these penalties and impact on your record, it is best to replace your drivers license immediately if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can replace your lost California license by visiting a local DMV office, paying the $30 licensing fee, and taking a photograph and scanning your thumbprint to confirm your identity.