Check your license status through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or by phone
The fastest way to learn about your license is suspended is to go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website and look for a "license status" or "driving record" tool. Most states let you check this online for free using your driver's license number and date of birth. If your state doesn't offer online checking, you can call the DMV directly — the phone number is on your license or on the state's DMV website.
Some states also let you check in person at a DMV office, though this takes longer. A few states charge a small fee (usually under $10) to pull your full driving record, but checking basic suspension status is almost always free. The information you get back will tell you whether your license is currently suspended, when it was suspended, and why.
Do not wait to check. If your license is suspended and you drive anyway, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license — a criminal offense in most states that carries fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Checking takes five minutes and costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV website usually has a free online tool where you can check your license status using your license number and date of birth.
- If you cannot find the online tool, call the DMV directly — the number is on your license or the state website.
- A suspension can happen for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense and can result in fines, jail time, and an even longer suspension.
- Once you know why your license is suspended, you can take steps to lift it — usually by paying what you owe or completing a required program.
Why licenses get suspended and what triggers it
A license suspension is different from a revocation. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored once you meet certain conditions. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process, which is much harder. Most suspensions are temporary.
The most common reasons for suspension are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, unpaid child support, accumulating too many points from traffic violations (usually 12 points in a rolling 12-month period, though this varies by state), a DUI or DWI conviction, or failing to maintain car insurance. Some states also suspend licenses for unpaid parking tickets or unpaid tolls if they go to collections. A few states suspend for failure to pay student loans, though this is becoming less common.
The state that issued your license is the one that suspends it. If you move to another state, the suspension follows you — the new state will see it in the national database and will not issue you a new license until the suspension is lifted in the original state.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know why your license is suspended, contact the agency responsible. If it is unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket. If it is unpaid child support, contact your state's child support enforcement office. If it is too many points, contact your state's DMV. The DMV website will tell you which agency to contact and what you need to do.
In most cases, you will need to pay what you owe — the fine, the court costs, the child support arrears, or the insurance penalty. Some states offer payment plans if you cannot pay in full. Once you have paid or made arrangements to pay, the suspending agency will notify the DMV, and your license will be restored. This usually takes a few days to a week, though it can take longer if the agencies are backlogged.
If your suspension is for a DUI or for too many points, you may also need to complete a defensive driving course or an alcohol education program before your license is restored. The DMV will tell you what is required. Do not skip this step — the DMV will not lift the suspension until you provide proof of completion.
How to find your state's DMV website and phone number
The easiest way to find your state's DMV is to search "[your state] DMV" in a search engine. The official website will be the first result. From there, look for a link that says "check license status," "driving record," "license information," or something similar. The exact wording varies by state.
If you cannot find an online tool, look for the DMV's phone number on the same website. When you call, have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DMV staff can tell you your status over the phone, though they may not give you all the details — you might need to request a full driving record in writing or online to see everything.
If you have moved and your license is from a different state, use that state's DMV website, not your current state's. Your current state cannot lift a suspension issued by another state.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in all 50 states. The penalties vary, but they typically include a fine (usually $250 to $1,000 or more), possible jail time (usually a few days to a few months for a first offense), and an additional suspension on top of the one you already have. A second or third offense carries much steeper penalties.
If you are pulled over and your license is suspended, the officer will likely arrest you or issue you a citation. Your car may be impounded. You will have to go to court. Even if you pay off the original debt that caused the suspension, the new criminal charge will still be on your record.
The only legal way to drive while your license is suspended is to get a restricted license or hardship license in some states. These allow you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments, but not for other purposes. You have to request one from the DMV and show that you have a genuine hardship. Not all states offer them, and not all suspensions may have access to.
Restricted licenses and hardship licenses
A restricted or hardship license is a limited license that some states issue while your regular license is suspended. It usually lets you drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs, but nowhere else. You have to explore for one through your state's DMV, and approval is not may provide.
To get a restricted license, you typically need to show proof of hardship — for example, a letter from your employer saying you will lose your job if you cannot drive, or a medical appointment letter. You may also need to pay a fee, usually $50 to $150. The DMV will tell you what documents to bring and whether your situation qualifies.
Not all states offer restricted licenses, and not all types of suspensions may have access to. For example, some states will not issue a restricted license for a DUI suspension. Check your state's DMV website to see whether this option is available to you and what the rules are.
How long suspensions last
The length of a suspension depends on why your license was suspended and what state you live in. A suspension for unpaid fines usually lasts until you pay. A suspension for too many points usually lasts 6 months to a year, depending on the state. A DUI suspension usually lasts 6 months to a year for a first offense, longer for repeat offenses.
Some suspensions are indefinite — they last until you take a specific action, like paying a debt or completing a program. Once you do, the suspension is lifted. Others have a set end date. When you check your license status, the DMV will tell you the suspension end date if there is one, or what action you need to take to lift it.
If your suspension has ended but your license still shows as suspended, contact the DMV. Sometimes there is a delay in the system, or the suspending agency did not notify the DMV that you have met the conditions. The DMV can usually clear this up in a phone call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. License status is private information. You can only check your own license using your license number and date of birth. If you need to know someone else's status for a legal reason, you would need a court order or written permission from that person.
What if I lost my license and don't know my number?
Call your state's DMV and give them your name and date of birth. They can look up your license number and tell you your status. You can also go to a DMV office in person with a photo ID.
Does a suspension show up on a background check?
A current suspension usually shows up on a background check, especially for jobs that require driving or that check criminal records. Once the suspension is lifted, it may still appear on your driving record, but it will show as resolved. Some employers only care about current suspensions, not past ones.
Can I get my license back early if I pay everything I owe?
Usually yes, if the suspension is for unpaid fines or child support. Once you pay, the suspending agency notifies the DMV and your license is restored. For suspensions based on points or DUI, you typically have to wait out the suspension period, though completing a required program may shorten it.
What if my license was suspended by mistake?
Contact the agency that suspended it when ready — the court, child support office, or DMV. Explain the error and provide documentation. If the suspension was issued in error, the agency should lift it and notify the DMV. This can take a few weeks, so follow up if your status does not change.