Check your Florida driver's license status through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website or by phone
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains a public lookup tool where you can see whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked. You can check your status online at the DHSMV website without logging in — you'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. If you prefer not to use the website, you can call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000 during business hours to speak with someone who can look up your status.
Your license status affects whether you can legally drive in Florida and whether you can renew your registration. A suspended or revoked license will also prevent you from obtaining a new license or renewing an existing one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Knowing your current status is the first step toward fixing any problems.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your Florida driver's license status online at the DHSMV website using your license number and date of birth, or by calling 850-617-2000.
- A suspended license is temporary and can be reinstated once you meet the conditions that caused the suspension, such as paying fines or completing a course.
- A revoked license is permanent and requires you to reapply for a new license after a waiting period, which varies depending on the reason for revocation.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, and driving with a suspended license.
- You cannot legally drive or renew your vehicle registration while your license is suspended or revoked.
Reasons your Florida license might be suspended
A suspended license is temporary. The DHSMV suspends licenses for specific violations or unpaid obligations. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, and accumulating too many points on your driving record within a certain time period.
Other suspension triggers include a DUI conviction, driving with a suspended license, failing a drug test ordered by the court, and not paying a judgment from a traffic accident. Each reason has its own reinstatement requirements. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines. If it was suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you must provide proof of current coverage.
The DHSMV website will show the reason for your suspension when you look up your status. This tells you exactly what you need to do to get your license back.
How to reinstate a suspended Florida license
Reinstatement steps depend on why your license was suspended. Start by checking the DHSMV website or calling to confirm the specific reason. Once you know the reason, you can take the required action — paying fines, providing proof of insurance, completing a defensive driving course, or paying child support arrears.
After you have met the reinstatement requirements, you must submit a reinstatement process to the DHSMV. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. There is a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension. The fee is typically between $45 and $150. Once the DHSMV processes your process and confirms you have met all requirements, your license will be reinstated.
Some suspensions are lifted automatically once you meet the conditions — for example, if your license was suspended for unpaid insurance and you now have coverage, the suspension may be removed within a few days. Others require you to formally request reinstatement. The DHSMV website will tell you which type applies to your situation.
What happens if your license is revoked
A revoked license is different from a suspension. Revocation is permanent, and you cannot straightforward pay a fee or meet a condition to get your license back when ready. Instead, you must wait a set period — usually one to five years depending on the reason — before you can reapply for a new license.
Common reasons for revocation include multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status (three serious violations within five years), and certain criminal convictions. The DHSMV website will show your revocation status and the date you become may be able to access to reapply.
Once you reach the may be able to access date, you must submit a new license process, pass the written test and vision test, and pay the process fee. You will not automatically get your license back — you have to go through the process process again as if you were a new driver.
Steps to take if your license is suspended or revoked
First, confirm your status and the reason by checking the DHSMV website or calling 850-617-2000. Write down the exact reason and any reference numbers provided.
Second, understand what you must do to fix it. For a suspension, this means meeting the reinstatement requirements listed by the DHSMV. For a revocation, this means waiting until you are may be able to access to reapply and then going through the new process process.
Third, take action. Pay fines, provide proof of insurance, complete required courses, or whatever else the DHSMV specifies. Keep records of everything you do — receipts, certificates, proof of payment.
Fourth, submit your reinstatement process (for suspensions) or new license process (for revocations) through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person. Include all required documents and the reinstatement or process fee.
Fifth, wait for processing. The DHSMV typically processes reinstatement applications within one to two weeks. During this time, you cannot legally drive.
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Florida
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Florida. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be arrested, fined, and have your vehicle impounded. A first offense for driving with a suspended license carries a fine of up to $500 and possible jail time. A second offense within five years increases the penalties.
If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to obtain a hardship license. A hardship license allows limited driving for specific purposes only. You must explore through the DHSMV and demonstrate that you have a genuine hardship. Hardship licenses are not automatic and are granted only in certain circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Florida license suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies by reason. Some suspensions last six months, others one year or longer. The DHSMV website shows your specific suspension end date when you look up your status. If you meet the reinstatement requirements before that date, you can often get your license back sooner.
Can I renew my vehicle registration if my driver's license is suspended?
No. The DHSMV will not process a vehicle registration renewal if the registered owner's driver's license is suspended or revoked. You must reinstate your license first, then renew your registration.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet specific requirements. A revocation is permanent and requires you to wait a set period before you can reapply for a new license. Suspensions typically last months to a few years; revocations last one to five years or longer.
Do I have to pay a fee to reinstate my suspended license?
Yes. Florida charges a reinstatement fee that typically ranges from $45 to $150, depending on the reason for suspension. This fee is separate from any fines or other costs related to the original violation.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
You may be able to. A hardship license allows limited driving for essential purposes like work or medical treatment. You must explore through the DHSMV and show that you have a genuine need. Hardship licenses are not granted in all cases and have strict restrictions on when and where you can drive.