CVC 13004 California Ticket: No Driver’s License on You Explained
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 13004
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$100
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
2 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 13004?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 13004
Common scenarios
- You got pulled over for a broken taillight but realized your wallet (with your license) was at home. You have a valid license but forgot to bring it.
- Your license was stolen last week. You filed a police report and applied for a replacement before the stop.
- You were sitting in the driver's seat, moving the car slowly in your driveway, but not actually driving on the street.
Key facts
- You must carry your physical license: California law requires you to have your actual driver’s license with you while driving — a photo on your phone usually doesn’t count.
- The ticket is about possession, not validity: This violation means you didn’t have your license on you, not that your license was expired or suspended.
- Showing your license after the ticket helps: Courts often reduce or dismiss fines if you prove you had a valid license at the time by showing it after the stop.
Fine breakdown for CVC 13004
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $100 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $380 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $480 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What is CVC 13004?
If you got a ticket for CVC 13004, it means you didn’t have your driver’s license with you while driving. California law says you must carry your valid license whenever you drive. It’s not about having a suspended or expired license — it’s about having it with you.
Why does this matter?
Showing your license helps officers confirm you’re allowed to drive. It also speeds up any traffic stops. Forgetting your license doesn’t mean you’re a bad driver, but it can still lead to a ticket.
What should you know?
- You must physically have your valid license on you while driving.
- A digital or photocopy usually doesn’t count.
- If you lost your license or it was stolen, you should get a replacement ASAP.
What can you do?
If you got this ticket, don’t panic. You can often fix it by proving you had a valid license at the time of the stop. Keep reading to learn how.
Common Defenses for CVC 13004
- I had my license but forgot to show it: You can prove this by showing your valid license in court or online.
- My license was lost or stolen: If you have a police report or application for a replacement, this helps your case.
- I was not driving: Sometimes you might be a passenger or pushed the car but weren’t driving.
- I had a valid permit or temporary license: Show proof if you had a legal permit or temporary document.
Example Scenarios
- You got pulled over for a broken taillight, and when asked, you realized your wallet was at home. You have a valid license but just forgot it.
- Your license was stolen last week, and you already filed a police report and applied for a replacement.
- You were sitting in the driver’s seat but hadn’t started driving yet — you were just moving the car in the driveway.
Key Facts About CVC 13004
- It’s about possession, not validity: The law requires you to carry your valid license, not that your license is expired or suspended.
- Digital copies usually don’t count: California expects a physical license, not a photo on your phone.
- You can fix it by showing your license: Often, courts allow you to show your license after the ticket to reduce or dismiss the fine.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a picture of my license on my phone?
A: No. California law requires you to carry the physical license, not just a photo.
Q: What if I lost my license but was still driving?
A: You should get a replacement license quickly. Showing proof of your replacement application can help in court.
Q: Can I just pay the ticket without going to court?
A: Yes, but paying means you admit you didn’t have your license. If you want to fight it, you’ll need to go to court.
Q: What if I wasn’t driving but was in the driver’s seat?
A: You might have a defense if you weren’t actually driving. Explain your situation clearly.
Q: How much is the fine?
A: Fines vary by county but usually range from $100 to $200. Showing your license after the ticket might reduce the fine.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
I had my valid license but forgot to show it during the stop.
Defense 2
My license was lost or stolen, and I have a police report or replacement application.
Defense 3
I was not driving the vehicle at the time of the stop.
Defense 4
I had a valid permit or temporary license and can prove it.
Defense 5
I was moving the vehicle on private property, not driving on public roads.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 13004 online
ClerkHero builds your entire TR-205 defense packet automatically. No lawyer. No court visit. No confusing forms. Just upload your ticket and we handle the rest.
Step 1
Upload your ticket
We extract all violation details using hybrid OCR and AI. Works for handwritten, camera, and printed citations.
Step 2
We generate your defense
You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
Sign, mail, and track
You receive a complete filing packet with step-by-step instructions. Never miss a deadline again.
Frequently asked questions about CVC 13004
Can I use a picture of my license on my phone?
No. California law requires you to carry the physical license, not just a photo or digital copy.
What if I lost my license but was still driving?
You should apply for a replacement license right away. Showing proof of your replacement application can help your case.
Can I just pay the ticket without going to court?
Yes, but paying means you admit you didn’t have your license. To fight the ticket, you’ll need to appear in court.
What if I wasn’t driving but was in the driver’s seat?
You might have a defense if you weren’t actually driving. Be sure to explain your situation clearly to the court.
How much is the fine for CVC 13004?
Fines vary by county but usually range from $100 to $200. Showing your license after the ticket might reduce the fine.