Driving Without a License Is More Common Than You Think — Especially in Prince George’s County.
Many people facing a “Driving Without a License” charge in Prince George’s County are not hardened criminals — they are everyday drivers caught in complicated licensing situations. Some believed their license was still valid. Others recently moved to Maryland and didn’t know they had only 60 days to switch their out-of-state license. And many simply had no alternative transportation for work, medical needs, or urgent family responsibilities.
The Law Offices of David R. Waranch helps drivers across Prince George’s County resolve these cases effectively, strategically, and with minimal long-term consequences. Whether you were stopped in Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Lanham, Bowie, Laurel, Suitland, College Park, or Greenbelt, we understand how these cases are handled at both the Hyattsville and Upper Marlboro District Courts.
We also defend related charges, including Driving While Revoked, Driving While Suspended, and Driving Without Insurance.
What “Driving Without a License” Means in Maryland
Under Maryland Transportation §16-101, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle on public roads without a valid driver’s license. In Prince George’s County, police commonly issue this charge during routine traffic stops, accident investigations, and identification checks along major roadways such as Route 50, BW Parkway, Route 295, Route 202, Route 214, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
You may be charged if you:
- Never held a valid license in any state
- Allowed your Maryland license to expire
- Moved to Maryland and did not convert your license within 60 days
- Relied on an international license beyond Maryland’s allowed timeframe
This is a criminal “must appear” citation. You cannot simply pay the ticket online. You must appear in the Prince George’s County District Court — usually in Hyattsville or Upper Marlboro depending on the location of your stop.
Penalties for a first offense include:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Fines up to $500
- Up to 5 driving points
- Difficulty obtaining a Maryland license in the future
Repeat offenses can result in up to one year in jail. Proper representation is essential to avoid this.
The Types of “Driving Without a License” Charges in Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County issues several variations of this charge, and each requires a tailored defense approach.
- No License in Possession — You are licensed but did not have the physical license with you.
- Never Licensed — You have never obtained a license in any state. This carries higher penalties.
- Expired License — Your license lapsed, and your driving privilege was removed.
- Suspended or Revoked License — A more serious offense. See our Driving While Suspended and Driving While Revoked pages.
- Out-of-State License Not Converted — Maryland requires conversion within 60 days of residency.
Identifying the correct type of citation helps us reduce or even dismiss the charge entirely. For many clients, getting properly licensed before court significantly improves the outcome.
Why You Need a Prince George’s County Traffic Lawyer
A Driving Without a License charge is not minor — it is a criminal case. Understanding how these charges are treated across the state often starts with speaking to a Maryland traffic lawyer who handles license-related offenses regularly. An experienced PG County traffic attorney can change the entire trajectory of your outcome.
- Challenge the legality of the traffic stop — If the stop was improper, the charge may be dismissed.
- Negotiate reduced or amended charges to avoid jail and a permanent record.
- Help you obtain a valid Maryland license before court.
- Appear in Hyattsville or Upper Marlboro District Court on your behalf.
- Prepare strong mitigation evidence that Prince George’s County judges respect.
Our firm has represented drivers throughout the county for years and understands how local prosecutors approach license-related cases. Working with a seasoned Prince George’s County traffic lawyer ensures your defense is aligned with local court expectations.
Where We Handle Driving Without a License Cases in Prince George’s County
We defend drivers throughout PG County, including:
- Hyattsville
- Upper Marlboro
- Lanham
- Bowie
- Laurel
- College Park
- Suitland
- Greenbelt
Whether the stop occurred near Route 50, I-495, Route 295, Central Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Highway, or along University Boulevard, we understand the specific court tendencies and local enforcement patterns.
Related Traffic Defense Services in Prince George’s County
- Driving While Suspended
- Driving While Revoked
- Driving Without Insurance
- DUI Charges
- Bench Warrants
- Maryland Traffic Violations
Maryland Counties We Serve
- Montgomery County
- Baltimore County
- Anne Arundel County
- Prince George’s County
- Howard County
- Frederick County
Take the First Step Today
A Driving Without a License charge can lead to jail time, fines, and long-term consequences — but with the right legal help, many cases can be reduced or dismissed entirely. Acting quickly is essential to protecting your future.
Call 301-563-9575 or visit www.davidwaranch.com to schedule your free consultation.
Law Offices of David R. Waranch — Trusted Traffic Defense in Prince George’s County.
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