What FLHSMV tells you about your license status
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) maintains a public tool that shows whether your driver license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. You can check this status without logging in, without paying a fee, and without contacting anyone — you need only your driver license number and date of birth.
The status you receive tells you whether you can legally drive in Florida right now. A valid license means you can operate a vehicle. A suspended license means you cannot drive, but the suspension is temporary and may be lifted once you meet certain conditions — usually paying a fine, completing a course, or resolving a traffic ticket. A revoked license means the state has permanently cancelled it, and you would need to reapply through a full licensing process to drive again.
Checking your status takes about two minutes and answers the single question most people have: can I drive today, or do I need to fix something first?
Key Takeaways
- FLHSMV's online status checker is free and requires only your driver license number and date of birth.
- A suspended license is temporary and often lifts once you pay a fine or resolve a ticket; a revoked license is permanent and requires reapplication.
- The status tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, but does not show the reason for suspension or what you must do to lift it.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to contact FLHSMV directly or visit a driver license office to learn what specific action is required.
How to check your status online
Go to the FLHSMV website and locate the "Check Driver License Status" tool. This is a public search page that does not require you to create an account or log in. Enter your driver license number exactly as it appears on your card, then enter your date of birth in the format the page requests (usually MM/DD/YYYY).
Click the search button. The page will display your license status within seconds. You will see one of four outcomes: valid (you can drive), suspended (you cannot drive but the suspension may be temporary), revoked (you cannot drive and must reapply), or expired (your license term has ended and you must renew it). Write down or screenshot the result if you need it for a record.
If the search returns no result, double-check that you entered your license number and date of birth correctly. A common mistake is transposing digits in the license number or entering the wrong date format. Try again with extra care on each field.
What each status means and what comes next
Valid means your license is current and you are permitted to drive. No action is needed unless your license will expire soon — FLHSMV typically sends renewal notices by mail 6 months before expiration, but you can renew online or at a driver license office at any time.
Suspended means you cannot legally drive, but the suspension is not permanent. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or accumulation of too many points on your driving record. A suspension usually lifts once you resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, or complete a required course. The status tool does not tell you the reason, so you will need to contact FLHSMV or visit a driver license office to learn what specific action lifts your suspension.
Revoked means the state has permanently cancelled your license. You cannot drive legally, and you cannot straightforward pay a fine to restore it. You must wait out a mandatory period (which varies by reason) and then reapply for a new license through the full process process, including a written test and driving test. Like a suspension, the status tool does not explain the reason, so contact FLHSMV to learn the revocation reason and when you become may be able to access to reapply.
Expired means your license term has ended. You can renew it online through FLHSMV's website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you have already submitted a renewal process — you must wait for the new license to arrive before driving.
When the status tool does not give you the full answer
The online status checker tells you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, but it does not explain why. If your license is suspended or revoked, you need to know the reason and what action will lift the suspension or allow you to reapply. The status tool alone cannot tell you this.
Contact FLHSMV directly by phone at 1-844-9-DLINFO (1-844-935-4636) during business hours, or visit a driver license office in person with your license and a photo ID. Have your license number and date of birth ready. FLHSMV staff can tell you the specific reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to resolve it — whether that is paying a fine to the court, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory period before reapplication.
If your suspension is related to a traffic ticket or court case, you may also contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket directly. They can confirm whether the fine has been paid and whether the suspension should lift.
Renewing an expired license
If your status shows expired, you can renew online through FLHSMV's website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not need a new photo (renewals are usually photo-free unless your license is more than 8 years old), and you must not have any medical or vision restrictions that have changed. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the renewal fee, which varies by license type and term length.
If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal, or if you prefer to renew in person, visit a driver license office with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number. Bring a photo ID if your current license has expired more than 6 months ago. In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
What to do if you cannot find your license number
The status checker requires your driver license number. If you do not have your license with you, you can look up your number by contacting FLHSMV directly — call 1-844-9-DLINFO and provide your name and date of birth, and staff can give you your license number over the phone. You can then use that number to check your status online.
If you have lost your license and need a replacement, you will need to visit a driver license office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Bring the same documents you would bring to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The status checker is designed for you to check your own license only. You cannot search another person's license number and date of birth. If you need information about another person's license status — for example, if you are an employer or insurance company — you must contact FLHSMV directly with a written request and a valid reason.
How often does the status tool update?
The status tool updates throughout the day as FLHSMV processes suspensions, revocations, and renewals. If you just paid a fine or completed a required course, the status may not reflect that change when ready — it can take 24 to 48 hours for the update to appear online. If you need to drive before the status updates, contact FLHSMV to confirm the suspension has been lifted.
What if my status says suspended but I paid the fine?
The status tool may not update when ready after you pay. Wait 24 to 48 hours and check again. If the status still shows suspended after that time, contact FLHSMV or the court that issued the fine to confirm the payment was received and processed. Bring proof of payment with you.
Can I drive if my license is suspended while I am waiting for it to be lifted?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, arrest, or both. Do not drive until your status shows valid again. If you need to drive for work or an emergency, contact FLHSMV about whether you are may be able to access for a hardship license, which allows limited driving during a suspension.