What a Florida driver license lookup does and doesn't show
A Florida driver license lookup retrieves information about a person's driving record and license status from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The lookup shows whether a license is valid, suspended, or revoked; the license number and expiration date; any restrictions or endorsements on the license; and a summary of traffic violations and points on the driving record.
What it does not show: a person's home address, Social Security number, or medical information. Those details are protected. A lookup also does not include criminal history unrelated to driving, insurance information, or vehicle ownership records — those come from different state databases.
You might need a license lookup to verify your own record before renewing, to check whether someone you're hiring has a valid license, or to understand why your license was suspended. The process differs depending on whether you're looking up your own record or someone else's.
Key Takeaways
- Florida residents can check their own driving record through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office without paying a fee.
- Checking someone else's record requires a signed consent form or a legitimate business reason, and the DHSMV charges a fee for third-party lookups.
- Online lookups through the DHSMV portal show your license status, violations, and points when ready, but you need your driver license number or Social Security number to start.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the lookup will show the reason and the date you can reapply or the steps needed to reinstate it.
- Third-party services that claim to do when ready lookups often charge money and may not provide official DHSMV records.
Looking up your own Florida driving record online
The fastest way to check your own record is through the DHSMV's online portal at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Driver Records" section and select "Check Your Driving Record." You'll need either your Florida driver license number or your Social Security number, plus your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The system displays your license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), the expiration date, any restrictions or endorsements, and a list of traffic violations from the past three to five years with point values. Points accumulate on your record and can trigger a suspension if you reach 12 points within 12 months, 18 points within 18 months, or 24 points within 36 months.
This lookup is free and takes less than a minute. You can print or save the results when ready. If your license shows as suspended or revoked, the portal will usually explain the reason — for example, failure to pay a fine, accumulation of points, or a medical suspension.
Getting your driving record by mail or in person
If you don't have internet access or prefer a paper copy, you can request your record by mail. Send a signed letter to the DHSMV requesting your driving record, include a copy of your driver license or state ID, and mail it to the address listed on the DHSMV website under "Contact Us." Processing takes 5 to 10 business days, and there is no fee for Florida residents requesting their own record.
You can also visit any Driver License office in Florida in person. Bring your current driver license or state ID and ask for a copy of your driving record. Staff will print it on the spot at no cost. Office hours and locations are listed on flhsmv.gov under "Office Locator."
Looking up someone else's driving record
If you need to check another person's record — for example, before hiring them as a driver or for a legal matter — you must have their written consent or a legitimate business reason recognized by Florida law. The DHSMV does not release third-party records without authorization.
To request someone else's record with their consent, have them sign a form authorizing the release of their driving record to you. The DHSMV provides a standard form on its website. Submit the signed form along with a check or money order; the fee varies but is typically $5 to $10 for a single record. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days by mail.
Employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement can request records without individual consent if they meet DHSMV criteria for legitimate business purposes. If you fall into one of those categories, contact the DHSMV directly for the correct procedure and required documentation.
Understanding suspension and revocation reasons
If your lookup shows your license as suspended or revoked, the reason code appears on the record. Common reasons include accumulation of points, failure to pay a traffic fine, failure to appear in court, a medical condition flagged by a healthcare provider, or a DUI conviction. Each reason has different reinstatement steps and timelines.
For a points-based suspension, you become may be able to access to reinstate your license after the suspension period ends (usually 6 months to 1 year). For a failure-to-pay suspension, you must pay the outstanding fine or court costs. For a medical suspension, you may need to provide a letter from a doctor clearing you to drive. For a DUI-related revocation, you must complete a substance abuse course and other requirements before you can reapply.
The lookup record should list the specific steps you need to take. If it doesn't, call the DHSMV at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368) with your license number and the reason code to ask what's required for reinstatement.
When to use third-party record services and what to watch for
Several websites offer to look up Florida driving records for a fee, often claiming to deliver results faster or more conveniently than the official DHSMV process. These services are not affiliated with the state and do not have faster access to official records. They typically retrieve the same information you can get free from flhsmv.gov and charge $10 to $30 for the service.
If you use a third-party service, understand that you are paying for convenience, not for official status. The record they provide is not an official DHSMV document and may not be accepted by employers, courts, or insurance companies. For legal or employment purposes, request your record directly from the DHSMV to may support it carries official weight.
Be cautious of services that ask for your Social Security number, credit card information, or other sensitive data beyond what the DHSMV requires. The official DHSMV portal does not store your full Social Security number or credit card details permanently.
What to do if your record contains errors
If your lookup shows violations, points, or a suspension status that you believe is incorrect, contact the DHSMV in writing with documentation of the error. Include a copy of your driving record, an explanation of what is wrong, and any supporting documents (for example, proof that you paid a fine, a court dismissal, or a corrected ticket).
Mail your dispute to the DHSMV address listed on flhsmv.gov under "Contact Us." Include your driver license number and date of birth. The DHSMV will investigate and send you a response within 30 days. If the error is confirmed, they will issue a corrected record. If you disagree with their response, you can request a hearing before the DHSMV.
Errors on your record can affect your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license, so it's worth the effort to correct them. Check your record at least once a year to catch mistakes early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do traffic violations stay on my Florida driving record?
Most traffic violations remain on your record for three to five years from the date of the violation. However, serious violations like DUI or reckless driving may stay longer. Points also age off your record — points from violations more than three years old do not count toward a suspension, though the violation itself may still appear on your record.
Can I check my driving record if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. You can look up your own record online or by mail even if your license is not valid. The lookup will show the reason for the suspension or revocation and the steps needed to reinstate it. This information is essential for understanding what you need to do next.
What does it mean if my record shows "points"?
Points are assigned to traffic violations based on severity. A minor violation like speeding might be 3 points; reckless driving might be 4 points. If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. Accumulating more points within longer timeframes triggers longer suspensions. Points age off after three years, so violations older than that don't count toward your total.
Is there a fee to check my own driving record in Florida?
No. Florida residents can check their own driving record through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office at no cost. You only pay a fee if you request someone else's record or if you order an official certified copy for legal purposes.
How do I reinstate my license after a suspension?
The steps depend on the reason for suspension. For a points-based suspension, you wait out the suspension period and then renew your license normally. For a failure-to-pay suspension, you pay the outstanding amount. For a medical suspension, you provide a doctor's clearance. Check your lookup record for the specific reason code, then call the DHSMV at 1-844-534-7368 to confirm what you need to do.