Where to check your Broward license status online
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs the official system for checking your driver's license status. You can look up your license information through the DHSMV website without visiting a Broward County office or calling a phone line.
Go to the DHSMV website and select the driver's license status check tool. You will need your Florida driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will show you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. This same tool works for all Florida counties, including Broward.
The online check takes about two minutes and gives you when ready results. You do not need to create an account or provide personal information beyond what appears on your license.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV website has a free online tool where you enter your license number and date of birth to see your current status.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; a revoked license requires you to reapply through DHSMV; an expired license can often be renewed by mail or online.
- If your license shows suspended or revoked, the DHSMV website will tell you the reason — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or other violations.
- Broward County has Driver License offices in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach if you need to speak with someone in person about your status.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The expiration date will appear on your status report.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, but renewal is usually straightforward. In Florida, you can renew by mail, online through the DHSMV website, or in person at a Broward County Driver License office.
Suspended means your driving privilege has been temporarily taken away. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points on your record, or driving with a suspended license. A suspension can last from a few months to several years depending on the cause. You cannot legally drive during a suspension.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled. You will have to reapply through DHSMV and meet specific requirements before you can get a new license. Revocation usually results from serious violations like multiple DUIs or habitual traffic offender status.
How to find the reason for suspension or revocation
When you check your status online and see "suspended" or "revoked," the DHSMV system will usually display the reason. Common reasons include failure to pay a traffic fine, failure to appear in court, accumulation of points, or a court order.
If the reason is not clear from the online report, you can call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 or visit a Broward County Driver License office in person. Have your license number ready. Staff can explain the specific violation and what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or begin the revocation process.
If the suspension is due to an unpaid fine or failure to appear, you will need to resolve that issue with the court or the agency that issued the citation before DHSMV will lift the suspension. The online status check will not tell you how to pay or where to go, so a phone call or in-person visit is often necessary at this stage.
Broward County Driver License office locations
Three Broward County offices handle driver's license transactions. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale at 1350 East Las Olas Boulevard. A second office is in Pompano Beach at 1955 North Federal Highway. A third is in Deerfield Beach at 1200 East Hillsboro Boulevard.
All three offices handle status checks, renewals, and suspension or revocation questions. Hours vary by location, so check the DHSMV website for current hours before you go. Broward offices typically operate Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited Saturday availability at some locations.
You do not need an appointment for a status check, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Going early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits.
What to bring if you visit in person
Bring your current driver's license or a valid form of identification. If your license is suspended or revoked and you need to discuss next steps, bring any court documents, fine notices, or correspondence from DHSMV that relate to your case.
If you are renewing an expired license, bring proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) and your Social Security number. If you are addressing a suspension, bring whatever documentation shows you have resolved the underlying issue — proof of payment for a fine, a court order, or a letter from the agency that reported the violation.
Staff at the Broward offices can tell you exactly what documents you need for your specific situation if you call ahead or ask when you arrive.
How long suspension or revocation typically lasts
Suspension length depends on the reason. A suspension for unpaid fines usually lasts until you pay. A suspension for failure to appear in court lasts until you resolve the court case. A suspension for accumulating points typically lasts six months to one year, depending on how many points you had.
Revocation has no set timeline. You must wait a minimum period (often one to five years depending on the cause) before you can petition DHSMV to reinstate your license. Some revocations require you to complete a driver improvement course or pay reinstatement fees before your license can be restored.
The online status check will not always show the exact end date of a suspension or the requirements for lifting a revocation. Call DHSMV or visit a Broward office to learn the specific timeline for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, arrest, or a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you can face criminal charges. Check your status before you drive.
How do I lift a suspension?
The steps depend on why your license was suspended. If it is due to an unpaid fine, pay the fine. If it is due to failure to appear in court, resolve the court case. If it is due to points, wait out the suspension period. Contact DHSMV or a Broward County office to confirm what action is required for your specific suspension.
Can I renew my license online if it is expired?
Yes, if your license is only expired and not suspended or revoked. You can renew online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Broward County office. Online renewal is the fastest option and usually takes a few days.
What if the online tool says my status is unclear?
Call DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 or visit a Broward County Driver License office. Bring your license number and date of birth. Staff can access your full record and explain any status that does not display clearly online.
Do I need an appointment to check my status in person?
No appointment is needed for a status check. Walk in during office hours at any Broward County Driver License office. Wait times vary, so arriving early or visiting mid-week often means a shorter wait.