What the Florida FLHSMV website tells you about your license
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) operates an online tool where you can see whether your driver license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. The tool shows your current license status and some basic details tied to your record — but it does not show your driving history, points on your license, or details about specific violations.
You reach this tool through the FLHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. The search is free and takes a few minutes. You will need your driver license number or your Social Security number to begin the search.
The status you receive is the same information law enforcement sees when they run your license during a traffic stop. If the tool says your license is valid, you are legally permitted to drive. If it says suspended or revoked, driving is illegal in Florida and you risk arrest, fines, and further license consequences.
Key Takeaways
- The FLHSMV online status check shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — the same status a police officer sees.
- You can search using either your Florida driver license number or your Social Security number at no cost.
- The tool does not show your driving record, violation history, or points; it shows only your current license status.
- A suspended or revoked license means you cannot legally drive in Florida, and driving anyway carries criminal penalties.
- If your status is suspended or revoked, you must contact FLHSMV or the agency that imposed the suspension to understand why and what steps restore your license.
How to search your license status on the FLHSMV website
Go to flhsmv.gov and look for the "License and Permit Status" search tool. This tool is usually located in the main navigation or under a "Check Status" section. Click on it to open the search page.
You will see two options: search by driver license number or search by Social Security number. Enter the information you have. If you search by license number, you will also need to enter your date of birth. If you search by Social Security number, you will need your date of birth as well.
After you submit your information, the system returns your current status within seconds. The result will show one of these statuses: Valid, Suspended, Revoked, Expired, or Cancelled. Some results also include the reason for suspension or revocation — for example, "Failure to Pay Fine" or "Medical Suspension" — though not all reasons are displayed online.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you are legally permitted to drive. Your license has not expired and no suspension or revocation is in effect.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if the expiration was recent. You must renew your license before driving again. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person at a Florida driver license office, depending on your situation.
Suspended means your driving privilege has been temporarily removed. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension, or accumulation of points. A suspension is not permanent — it can be lifted once you address the underlying reason. The FLHSMV or the agency that imposed the suspension will tell you what steps are required to restore your license.
Revoked means your driving privilege has been permanently removed by the state. Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually results from serious violations such as DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or criminal convictions. Revocation can sometimes be appealed or reinstated after a waiting period, but the process is complex and often requires legal help.
Cancelled means your license was terminated, usually because you did not renew it or because you moved out of state. A cancelled license cannot be used to drive. You must renew or reapply to restore your driving privilege.
Reasons your license might be suspended or revoked
Florida suspends or revokes licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court for a traffic citation, accumulation of too many points within a set time period, and DUI or drug-related convictions. Medical suspensions occur when FLHSMV receives a report that you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely.
Administrative suspensions can result from failing to maintain car insurance, failing to pay child support, or failing to pay court-ordered restitution. Some suspensions are imposed by courts as part of a criminal sentence. Others come from the Department of Revenue if you owe back taxes or child support.
If your status shows suspended or revoked, the online tool may display the reason. If it does not, you will need to contact FLHSMV directly by phone or by visiting a driver license office in person. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
First, find out why. If the reason is not shown online, call the FLHSMV Customer Service line or visit a local driver license office. Bring your driver license or another form of ID. The staff can tell you the specific reason and what you must do to restore your license.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you will need to pay the fine in full or set up a payment plan with the court or FLHSMV. If it is due to failure to appear in court, you may need to appear in court and resolve the case. If it is a medical suspension, you may need to provide medical documentation showing you are fit to drive, or you may need to pass a driving test.
Some suspensions lift automatically once the underlying issue is resolved — for example, once you pay a fine or appear in court. Others require you to file paperwork with FLHSMV to request reinstatement. Do not assume your suspension has been lifted just because you resolved the issue. Check your status again online after a few days to confirm.
If your license is revoked, the process is more involved. You may be required to wait a certain period, complete a substance abuse course (if the revocation was DUI-related), pay reinstatement fees, and pass a written and driving test. Some revocations cannot be lifted for years. An attorney who handles driver license cases can advise you on your specific situation.
Information the status check does not include
The FLHSMV online status tool shows only your current license status. It does not show your complete driving record, which includes all traffic violations, accidents, and points you have accumulated. It does not show the details of specific violations or when they occurred.
If you need your full driving record — for example, to show an insurance company or a potential employer — you must request it separately. You can order your driving record online through the FLHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. There is a fee for this service, which varies depending on how you order.
The status check also does not show whether your license has been suspended in another state or whether there are outstanding warrants or criminal charges related to your driving. If you have lived in multiple states, you may have a record in each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see a status change after I pay a fine or resolve a suspension?
It typically takes three to five business days for FLHSMV to update your status after you resolve the underlying issue. Some courts and agencies update faster. Check your status again online after a few days. If it still shows suspended after a week, contact FLHSMV to confirm the payment or resolution was received.
Can I drive if my license shows expired but I have already mailed in my renewal?
No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if your renewal is in process. You can only drive once your new license is issued and you receive it. If you renewed online or by mail, check the FLHSMV website for an estimated processing time. If you need to drive before your renewal arrives, you can renew in person at a driver license office and receive a temporary license the same day.
What if the status check says my license is valid but I was told it is suspended?
This is rare but can happen if there is a delay in the system updating. Contact FLHSMV by phone or visit a driver license office to confirm. Bring documentation of the suspension notice you received. If FLHSMV confirms the suspension, ask them why it is not showing online and when it will be updated.
Do I need to pay a fee to check my license status?
No. The FLHSMV online status check is free. You do not need to create an account or provide a credit card. If a website charges you to check your license status, it is not an official FLHSMV tool.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The FLHSMV status check is for your own license only. You cannot search another person's status without their permission and their personal information. If you need to verify someone else's license for employment or legal reasons, you must request it through official channels or ask them to provide the information themselves.