Driving Without a License

[PixelPerfectWeb]

What is the name of your state?
Washington State
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If I am driving with a photocopy of my valid license, is it just as good as the real thing?

 

[justalayman]

Every licensee shall have his driver's license in his immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. The offense described in this section is a nonmoving offense.

That is the pertinent statute. I don;t see anywhere where a copy is acceptable.

So, this begs the question;

why would you have a photocopy and not the actual license?

 

[PixelPerfectWeb]

Since I just got my license I am not in the best habit of caring my wallet wherever I go. so I figured just to be safe I would photocopy my license and put a copy in each one of my parents car so just in case I get pulled and I left my wallet at home or in my other pants or something I would have a backup and i wouldn't go to jail or something just because I forgot my wallet at home. understand?

 

[justalayman]

I understand. As a matter of fact I had wanted to do a similar thing.

I am not familiar with Washington licenses but the licenses in my state contain info on the back. As well, the security methods used to prove it to be a true license would not be accessible in a photocopy.

No entity in my area will accept such a license copy as ID to cash a check or write a check either.

Too many chances it is a fraudulent license.

 

[PixelPerfectWeb]

Alright then. thanks for your help! (I ask this also because I just lost my wallet, and I am frustrated that I can't drive any where)

 

[PixelPerfectWeb]

My parents are out of town they will be back later this week, I will do it then.