02:17
Faizan
When a state issues a license, it gives permission for the license holder to engage in a legally controlled activity: driving, for example, or running a business. In general, licenses expire at the end of a certain period, and the state also has the authority to revoke or suspend them. The law may demand that a license-holder surrender a license on expiration, or simply ban the possession of more than one license at a time.
Driving Licenses
Driving with an expired license is illegal, and in some states this can subject you to misdemeanor charges. In California, for example, it's either a misdemeanor or a noncriminal infraction to drive without a valid license. The type of charge depends on your previous driving history, and whether or not you're in the process of obtaining a new license. Other states allow drivers a grace period to get a renewal. Vermont, for example, sends out renewal notices about a month before expiration and doesn't consider a license invalid until 14 days after the expiration date.
Guns and Unlimited Lincensing
Gun licenses are issued by the states according to both state and federal law. Many states allow gun-owners to hold unlimited, "lifetime" gun licenses that don't expire. Indiana, for example, offers qualified licenses which are good for four years, as well as unlimited licenses. The purpose of the latter must be for the protection of life and property; therefore, anyone using a licensed gun for recreational purposes won't be allowed a nonexpiring license. Without a valid license, possession or use of the weapon is against the law. In Tennessee, for example, a handgun-carry permit runs for four years; once it expires, it's illegal to carry a handgun until you've completed the renewal application and received the new permit.
Business Licenses
States and cities also issue licenses to people who wish to operate businesses. A business license strictly limits the activities that can take place on the premises; a barber's license, for example, can't be used by a massage therapist. Business licenses are good for a limited time; the city of Aurora, Colorado, for example, issues two-year licenses and bans the transfer of a license from one business owner to another, even in the same location. Carrying on business without a required license is illegal in some states. For example, in Washington state, a business owner operating without a valid license is subject to a cease-and-desist order and a maximum fine of $1,000 a day.
Inactive Licenses
Instead of expiring, some licenses may go "inactive." A state may render a license temporarily inactive and suspend the holder's rights. The Texas Real Estate Commission is strict on renewals for property brokers; anyone renewing their broker's license but not completing Mandatory Continuing Education courses within 60 days of renewal goes inactive, as do all the licenses of any other brokers whom the principal broker sponsors. The applicant must cease doing business, complete the MCE, pay a $250 penalty and submit an Application for Broker to Return to Active Status. Possessing an inactive or suspended license is not a crime; but the underlying controlled activity must cease.
Driving LicensesDriving with an expired license is illegal, and in some states this can subject you to misdemeanor charges. In California, for example, it's either a misdemeanor or a noncriminal infraction to drive without a valid license. The type of charge depends on your previous driving history, and whether or not you're in the process of obtaining a new license. Other states allow drivers a grace period to get a renewal. Vermont, for example, sends out renewal notices about a month before expiration and doesn't consider a license invalid until 14 days after the expiration date.
Guns and Unlimited Lincensing
Gun licenses are issued by the states according to both state and federal law. Many states allow gun-owners to hold unlimited, "lifetime" gun licenses that don't expire. Indiana, for example, offers qualified licenses which are good for four years, as well as unlimited licenses. The purpose of the latter must be for the protection of life and property; therefore, anyone using a licensed gun for recreational purposes won't be allowed a nonexpiring license. Without a valid license, possession or use of the weapon is against the law. In Tennessee, for example, a handgun-carry permit runs for four years; once it expires, it's illegal to carry a handgun until you've completed the renewal application and received the new permit.
Business Licenses
States and cities also issue licenses to people who wish to operate businesses. A business license strictly limits the activities that can take place on the premises; a barber's license, for example, can't be used by a massage therapist. Business licenses are good for a limited time; the city of Aurora, Colorado, for example, issues two-year licenses and bans the transfer of a license from one business owner to another, even in the same location. Carrying on business without a required license is illegal in some states. For example, in Washington state, a business owner operating without a valid license is subject to a cease-and-desist order and a maximum fine of $1,000 a day.
Inactive Licenses
Instead of expiring, some licenses may go "inactive." A state may render a license temporarily inactive and suspend the holder's rights. The Texas Real Estate Commission is strict on renewals for property brokers; anyone renewing their broker's license but not completing Mandatory Continuing Education courses within 60 days of renewal goes inactive, as do all the licenses of any other brokers whom the principal broker sponsors. The applicant must cease doing business, complete the MCE, pay a $250 penalty and submit an Application for Broker to Return to Active Status. Possessing an inactive or suspended license is not a crime; but the underlying controlled activity must cease.
Posted in: Driving Tips
