Check your Florida driver's license status through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you check your driver's license status online without visiting an office. You can see whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, and find out when it's due for renewal. The check takes a few minutes and requires your driver's license number and date of birth.
Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "License Status" tool in the online services section. Enter your license number and birth date exactly as they appear on your license. The system will display your current status when ready.
If you cannot find the online tool or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-888-769-2778. Have your license number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov has a free online tool to check your license status in minutes.
- You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to use the online status checker.
- The system shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or due for renewal.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the tool may show the reason and what you need to do to restore it.
- You can also call 1-888-769-2778 to check your status by phone during business hours.
What each license status means in Florida
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Expired means the date on your license has passed and you cannot drive until you renew it. SuspendedRevoked
A license can also show as Disqualified if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and have violated CDL rules. This status prevents you from driving any commercial vehicle but may not affect a regular license.
The online status checker will tell you the reason for a suspension or revocation when possible. Common reasons include unpaid traffic citations, accumulating too many points, DUI convictions, or failure to maintain insurance.
Renewing your Florida driver's license online
If your status check shows your license is expired or expiring soon, you may be able to renew online through the DHSMV website. Not all renewals can be done online — you cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked, if you need to update your address, or if more than five years have passed since your last renewal.
To renew online, log into your DHSMV account or create one if you do not have one yet. You will need a valid email address and your Social Security number. The online renewal fee is the same as renewing in person, and you can pay by credit or debit card.
After you complete an online renewal, your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Processing usually takes one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
What to do if your license is suspended
A suspended license is temporary but you cannot legally drive until it is restored. The first step is to find out why it was suspended by checking your status online or calling the DHSMV. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulating 12 or more points within three years.
Once you know the reason, you must take action to fix it. If it is unpaid fines, you pay the court. If it is child support, you contact the Florida Department of Revenue. If it is points, you may need to wait out a suspension period or take a defensive driving course to reduce points. The DHSMV website lists the specific steps for each reason.
After you resolve the issue, you can request reinstatement of your license. Some reinstatements happen automatically once the problem is fixed. Others require you to submit a form to the DHSMV or pay a reinstatement fee. Check your status online again after a few days to see if your license has been restored.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license is more serious than a suspension and usually results from a DUI conviction, multiple suspensions, or other serious violations. You cannot drive at all, and you must go through a formal process to restore your license.
The steps to restore a revoked license depend on the reason for revocation. For a DUI revocation, you typically must wait a set period (often one to five years depending on your record), complete a substance abuse course, and pay a reinstatement fee. For other reasons, you may need to meet different requirements.
Contact the DHSMV directly at 1-888-769-2778 to learn the exact requirements for your situation. You can also visit a local DHSMV office in person to discuss your options. Bring your identification and any court documents related to your revocation.
Checking your driving record for points and violations
Your license status shows whether you can legally drive, but your driving record shows the violations and points that led to that status. You can order a copy of your official driving record from the DHSMV website or by mail.
To order online, go to flhsmv.gov and select "Driving Record" from the services menu. You can order a record for yourself or request one for another person (with their permission). The record costs a small fee and is mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can also pick up a record in person at a local DHSMV office.
Your record shows every traffic citation, accident, and suspension or revocation on your license. Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. Understanding your record helps you see what violations are affecting your license status and when they will drop off.
Using the DHSMV online services portal
The DHSMV online portal at flhsmv.gov lets you check your license status, renew your license, order your driving record, and pay traffic fines without visiting an office. To use most services, you need to create an account with an email address and password.
The portal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can check your status at any time, but some services like renewals may have processing delays during high-traffic periods. If you run into technical problems, you can call customer service at 1-888-769-2778 or visit a local DHSMV office.
Keep your account information find and do not share your password. The DHSMV will never ask for your password by email or phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see a status change after I fix the problem?
It depends on the reason for your suspension or revocation. If a court or agency needs to report the fix to the DHSMV, it can take three to seven business days. Check your status online again after a few days to see if it has been updated. If it has not changed after a week, call the DHSMV to confirm the fix was processed.
Can I drive if my license is suspended but I have not received notice yet?
No. Your license is suspended the moment the DHSMV processes it, even if you have not received a letter in the mail. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Check your status online regularly so you know when ready if something changes.
What if the online tool says my license is valid but I received a suspension notice?
There may be a delay between when the DHSMV processes a suspension and when it appears online. Check again after 24 hours. If it still shows as valid, call the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2778 to confirm your actual status. Bring your license number and the suspension notice you received.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You must resolve the suspension first before you can renew your license. Once your suspension is lifted, you can renew online or in person. If your license is expired and suspended at the same time, fix the suspension first, then renew.
Do I need to visit an office in person to check my status?
No. The online status checker and phone line are free and available 24/7. You only need to visit an office in person if you need to renew your license in person, replace a lost or damaged license, or update your address or photo.