Check your suspension status through the Florida DHSMV website

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs an online tool where you can look up whether your license is suspended, revoked, or disqualified. Go to flhsmv.gov and find the "License Status" or "Driver License Check" option — the exact link name changes occasionally, but it is always on the main page under services for drivers.

You will need your driver's license number or your Social Security number to search. The system returns your status when ready and tells you the reason for any suspension — whether it is unpaid traffic fines, a failed drug test, a medical hold, or something else. This matters because the reason determines how you fix it.

The DHSMV system is free and available 24 hours a day. You do not need to create an account or provide payment information. If the search shows no suspension, your license is valid to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov has a free tool to check your license status in seconds using your license number or Social Security number.
  • The online search tells you whether your license is suspended, revoked, or disqualified, and why — this reason determines what you must do to restore it.
  • If you cannot access the website or need to speak to someone, call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 during business hours and have your license number ready.
  • A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue; a revocation is permanent and requires a formal reinstatement process.

Call the DHSMV if you cannot use the online tool

If you do not have internet access or the website is not working, you can call the DHSMV directly at 850-617-3000. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.

The staff member will look up your status and read it to you over the phone. They can also tell you what steps you need to take to clear the suspension — for example, paying a fine to the court, completing a substance abuse course, or scheduling a medical evaluation. Write down the specific action required and any important date.

Understand the difference between suspension and revocation

A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privilege. Once you complete the required action — pay a fine, serve a suspension period, or finish a required course — you can restore your license. Most suspensions last from a few months to a few years.

A revocation is permanent. You cannot straightforward complete a task and get your license back. Instead, you must go through a formal reinstatement process with the DHSMV, which usually involves paying a reinstatement fee, passing a written test, and sometimes a driving test. Revocations typically result from serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.

The online status check or phone call will tell you which one applies to you. If it says "suspended," you are in a better position — there is a clear path to restore your license once you handle the underlying issue.

Find out what caused the suspension

The DHSMV system will show you the reason code for your suspension. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain car insurance, a medical condition flagged by your doctor, or a failed drug or alcohol test. Some suspensions come from out-of-state violations or failures to appear in court.

Once you know the reason, you know what to fix. If it is unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. If it is insurance-related, get a policy and send proof to the DHSMV. If it is a medical hold, you may need to see a doctor and have them clear you. The DHSMV website or phone line can point you to the right agency for your specific reason.

Restore your license once the issue is resolved

After you have taken care of the underlying problem — paid the fine, completed the course, or resolved the medical issue — you must formally restore your license. In many cases, you can do this online through the DHSMV website by paying a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $25 to $150.

Some suspensions lift automatically once the issue is resolved and a waiting period passes. Others require you to submit proof that you have completed the required action. For example, if your suspension was due to a failed drug test, you may need to submit a letter from a substance abuse program showing you completed treatment.

Check the DHSMV website or call again after you have resolved the issue to confirm your license is active. Do not drive until the status check shows your license is valid — driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time.

Know what happens if you drive on a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Florida is illegal. A first offense is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both. A second offense within five years increases the penalty to a fine up to $1,000 and up to five days in jail. A third or subsequent offense within ten years is a felony.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can extend your suspension, add new fines, and make it harder to restore your license later. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded. If you cause an accident while driving suspended, your insurance will not cover the damage, and you could face civil liability.

If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the DHSMV about a hardship license or business purposes license. These are limited licenses that allow you to drive only for specific reasons while your suspension is in effect. You must request one through the DHSMV and meet certain conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to restore a suspended license?

It depends on the reason and how quickly you resolve it. If you pay a fine online, your license may be restored within hours or days. If you need to complete a course or wait out a suspension period, it could take weeks or months. After you have resolved the issue, check the DHSMV website again to confirm your status has changed.

Can I get a temporary license while my suspension is being lifted?

Not a temporary license, but you may be able to get a hardship license that allows you to drive for work, school, or medical appointments. Contact the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 to ask whether you may have access to. Hardship licenses have restrictions on when and where you can drive.

What if the DHSMV website says my license is suspended but I do not know why?

Call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 and ask them to explain the reason code. They can also tell you which agency or court issued the suspension and provide contact information so you can find out what action is needed to clear it.

Do I have to pay a fee to restore my license?

Most restorations require a reinstatement fee paid to the DHSMV, usually $25 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension. You may also owe fines or costs to a court or other agency. The DHSMV can tell you the total amount owed when you call or check online.

If my license was suspended in another state, can I check it through Florida's system?

No. You must contact the DHSMV in the state where the suspension was issued. However, Florida recognizes suspensions from other states, so if you are a Florida resident with an out-of-state suspension, it will show up on your Florida record. Call the DHSMV to find out which state issued the suspension and how to contact them.