How do runaways get their drivers licenses?

[Guest]

(Questions) Hello.. I’m a to be runaway.. When looking into the jobs and places to stay I noticed that a lot of them want you to have a valid drivers license. All I have is a learners permit and I don’t even know how to get that renewed in a new state. I don’t know if I can stay home long enough to finish getting my drivers license.. I need to know (if getting a drivers license and running away to another state will work). If so, (what kind of paperwork do I need)? If that isn’t how it works.. Then (how can I eventually get a drivers license in another state as a runaway)?

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out.

You mentioned that you want to run away, and have looked into the possibility of finding a job with your valid license. That’s great that you have explored all your options, and it sounds like you have done your research. We’re not legal experts, but in most states anyone under 18 is considered a minor. If you were to run away, your legal guardian could contact the authorities and file a runaway report. Whoever you end up staying with, may face some charges for harboring a runaway. Chances are that you might need to have your guardian accompany you to get your license, especially in another state. Since we’re not legal experts, you may explore the option or reaching out to your local non-emergency number and inquiring about how to get your license in your current city and state.

We hope that there’s no abuse going on in the home, but if there is, please know that there are people who care about you, and your well-being. If there is abuse going on in the home, you can reach out to the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1800) 422-4453, and make a child abuse report. After reporting the abuse, someone will contact you within 48 hours. Along those same lines, if you need someone to talk to like a counselor, you can text the National Alliance on Mental Illness the word, “NAMI,” to 741741.

We're hopeful that these options and resources can be of some help to you. If you need additional help, or want us to reach out somewhere on your behalf, you can call us 24/7 at 1800)786-2929. Best of luck