Driving armored cars is governed by state laws for armored vehicles, which vary by jurisdiction. In general, you don't need a special license for an armored car for personal use. However, it’s worth understanding that armored vehicle driver requirements depend on vehicle type, weight, and intended use. The answer to whether civilians can drive armored vehicles is yes: civilians can own and drive armored SUVs and sedans with standard driver's licenses.
For private registration, personally owned armored passenger vehicles, such as bulletproof SUVs, usually need only a regular driver’s license. This is contingent on meeting road-legal armored vehicle standards – proper lighting, brakes, emissions checks, and safety inspections. You must also ensure that you legally own and operate an armored vehicle in accordance with local regulations on bulletproof car licenses and the weight limits for armored vehicle licenses specific to your jurisdiction. The DMV inspection ensures compliance, and vehicle classification for armoring doesn't inherently trigger additional licensing unless the weight exceeds state thresholds.
That’s why understanding the process of driving armored cars without permits requires researching armored car driving laws by state. California and some localities do require specific licenses even for personal use – contact your local DMV or sheriff's office to disclose your intended use and verify state armored car driving regulations. They can provide the latest information you need, including the steps to drive in accordance with your local laws.