Check your Florida license status through the Department of Motor Vehicles website or by phone
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you look up your driver's license status online in minutes without visiting an office. You can check whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid by going to the DMV's official website and entering your driver's license number and date of birth. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DMV directly and provide the same information over the phone.
A suspended license means you cannot legally drive in Florida or any other state — the suspension is reported to the National Driver Register and recognized nationwide. The suspension stays on your record until you complete whatever requirement triggered it (paying a fine, completing a course, or resolving a traffic case, depending on the reason). Knowing your status now prevents you from driving unknowingly and facing additional penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Visit the Florida DMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the "Check Driver License Status" tool with your license number and date of birth to see your current status when ready.
- Call the Florida DMV at 850-617-2000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern) to have a representative check your status over the phone.
- A suspension means you cannot drive legally in Florida or any other state until the suspension is lifted by the DMV.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving with a suspended license, and points accumulation from traffic violations.
- Once you resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, complete required courses, or clear a court case), you must request reinstatement through the DMV, which may involve a fee.
Using the Florida DMV online status checker
Go to flhsmv.gov and look for the "Check Driver License Status" link on the homepage. This tool is free and available 24 hours a day. Enter your Florida driver's license number (the 12-digit number on the front of your card) and your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format. The system will return your status within seconds.
The online tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license is suspended, the result will typically indicate the reason — for example, "suspended for failure to pay fine" or "suspended for failure to appear." Write down or screenshot the reason, because you will need it to know what step to take next to get your license reinstated.
If the online tool does not return a result or shows an error, try again with a different browser or clear your browser's cache. If you still cannot access it, use the phone method instead.
Calling the Florida DMV to check your status
The Florida DMV customer service line is 850-617-2000. Call during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call. A representative will look up your status and tell you whether your license is suspended and why.
Wait times can be long during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon). If you reach a busy signal, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The representative can also tell you what you need to do to resolve the suspension, such as paying a fine to a specific court or completing a defensive driving course.
Common reasons for license suspension in Florida
The most frequent cause is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine by the due date, the court reports this to the DMV, which suspends your license. Another common reason is failure to appear in court — if you were supposed to show up for a traffic hearing and did not, your license is typically suspended automatically.
Accumulating too many points from traffic violations also triggers suspension. Florida uses a points system: minor violations like speeding add 3 points, while serious violations like reckless driving add 4 points. If you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. Reaching 18 points within 18 months results in a longer suspension.
Other reasons include driving with a suspended license (which compounds the original suspension), failure to maintain car insurance, and unpaid child support. Some suspensions are also administrative — for example, if you did not renew your license before it expired, the DMV may suspend it rather than straightforward let it lapse.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, find out the exact reason by using the online tool or calling the DMV. Then take the specific action required to resolve it. If the suspension is for an unpaid fine, contact the court listed in your status result and pay the fine in full. Most Florida courts accept payment online, by phone, or in person.
If the suspension is for failure to appear, contact the court and ask about rescheduling your hearing or resolving the case. Some courts will lift the suspension once you appear or resolve the underlying charge. If the suspension is for points accumulation, you may be able to take a defensive driving course (also called a traffic school course) to reduce your points and potentially lift the suspension — ask the DMV whether you are may be able to access.
After you resolve the underlying issue, you must request reinstatement from the DMV. This usually involves submitting a form (the DMV will tell you which one) and paying a reinstatement fee, which varies by reason but typically ranges from $25 to $150. You can request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
Reinstatement fees and timelines
Reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid fines usually costs $25 to $50 to reinstate after you pay the fine. A suspension for points accumulation costs around $25. A suspension for driving with a suspended license costs $150. Some suspensions have no reinstatement fee, but you must still submit the required paperwork to the DMV.
Processing time for reinstatement varies. If you request reinstatement online or in person at a DMV office, your license status may be updated within hours or the same day. If you mail in your request, allow 5 to 10 business days. You can check your status again using the online tool or by calling to confirm that your reinstatement has been processed.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. A second offense within five years increases the penalty to up to five days in jail and a $500 fine. A third offense within ten years is a felony, carrying up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license also extends your suspension. The DMV will add additional time to your suspension period, and you may face another reinstatement fee. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will need to pay towing and storage fees to recover it. For these reasons, it is critical to check your status and resolve any suspension before driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a license suspension last in Florida?
The length depends on the reason. A suspension for points accumulation typically lasts 30 days (for 12 points in 12 months) or longer (for 18 points in 18 months). A suspension for unpaid fines lasts until you pay. A suspension for failure to appear lasts until you resolve the court case. Once you complete the required action, reinstatement is usually when ready or within a few business days.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Florida does not issue hardship licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid child support or certain other reasons, you may be able to request a limited license that allows you to drive to work or school. Contact the DMV or the court handling your case to ask whether a limited license is available for your specific situation.
Will a suspended license show up on a background check?
A suspended license is a public record and may appear on background checks conducted by employers, landlords, or insurance companies. However, it will not show up on criminal background checks unless you were charged with a crime (such as driving with a suspended license). Once your license is reinstated, the suspension remains part of your driving history but is no longer active.
What if I moved out of Florida after my license was suspended?
A Florida license suspension is reported to the National Driver Register and recognized in all 50 states. You cannot straightforward move to another state and get a license there — most states check the National Driver Register before issuing a license. You must resolve the Florida suspension first, then you can transfer your license or get a new one in your new state.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The Florida DMV online tool and phone line require your own driver's license number and date of birth. You cannot look up another person's status without their permission. If you need to verify someone's license status for employment or insurance purposes, ask them to provide it or contact the DMV directly with their written consent.