Check your license status through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates a public lookup tool where you can see whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid. You do not need to visit an office or call during business hours — the online system is available 24/7 and returns results in seconds.
The fastest route is the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Look for the "License and Permit Status" tool under the "Check Status" section. You will need your driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is currently suspended, the reason for the suspension (if any), and in most cases, what you need to do to restore it.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-844-352-3792. Have your license number and date of birth ready. Wait times vary, but the line is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online license status tool at flhsmv.gov is free, available around the clock, and shows whether your license is suspended or valid.
- You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to use the online tool or to call customer service.
- Common reasons for suspension in Florida include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, and driving with a suspended license.
- If your license is suspended, the DHSMV system usually shows the specific reason and the steps required to restore it.
What the online status tool shows you
When you enter your license number and date of birth, the system displays your current license status in one of several categories: valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license is suspended, the tool will show the suspension code — a short designation that corresponds to the reason.
Common suspension codes include "FTF" (failure to pay a fine), "DWLS" (driving with a suspended license), "CSE" (child support enforcement), and "Medical" (medical review or vision test required). The tool does not always spell out the full reason in plain language, so if the code is unclear, the customer service line can explain what it means and what you need to do next.
The status tool also shows whether there are any holds on your record — for example, an outstanding court order or a requirement to complete a traffic safety course. These holds must be cleared before you can restore your license, even if the main suspension reason has been resolved.
How to restore a suspended license in Florida
The restoration process depends on why your license was suspended. If the suspension is due to an unpaid fine, you must pay the fine and any associated court costs. If it is due to child support, the Florida Department of Revenue must confirm that your account is current. If it is due to a medical issue, you may need to pass a vision test or provide a doctor's letter.
Once you have resolved the underlying reason, you can request reinstatement through the DHSMV. Some reinstatements happen automatically once the reason is cleared — for example, if child support is brought current, the suspension may lift within one to three business days. Others require you to submit a formal reinstatement request and pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $150 to $200 depending on the reason for suspension.
You can request reinstatement online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. The online method is fastest — you can submit the request and pay the fee when ready. If you use the mail or in-person route, allow two to four weeks for processing.
Suspension reasons and what they mean
Florida suspends licenses for many reasons, and understanding which one applies to you is the first step toward fixing it. The most common reason is failure to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered restitution. Another frequent cause is driving with a suspended license — if you are caught driving while suspended, the suspension is extended and a new charge is added to your record.
Child support enforcement suspensions are issued when a parent falls behind on court-ordered payments. The suspension stays in place until the Florida Department of Revenue confirms the account is current or a payment plan is in place. Medical suspensions occur when the DHSMV determines you need a vision test, a medical evaluation, or a hearing test before your license can be renewed.
Less common reasons include failure to maintain auto insurance, failure to pay a toll or toll violation fine, and suspension by court order in connection with a criminal case. Each reason has a different resolution path, which is why checking your status and understanding the specific code is important.
What to do if you cannot access the online tool
If the DHSMV website is down or you are having trouble logging in, the phone line is your backup. Call 1-844-352-3792 and provide your license number and date of birth. A representative will look up your status and read it to you over the phone. They can also answer questions about what you need to do to restore your license.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the DHSMV offers a relay service. Call the Florida Relay Service at 711 and ask to be connected to the DHSMV customer service line. The relay operator will facilitate the call at no cost to you.
If you have lost your license number, you can still check your status by providing your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number to the customer service representative. However, the online tool requires your license number, so you may need to call if you do not have it available.
Why your license might show as suspended when you think it should be valid
Sometimes a license appears suspended even though you believe you have resolved the underlying issue. This usually happens because the DHSMV system has not yet updated after you paid a fine, brought child support current, or completed a required course. Updates can take one to five business days, depending on how the information was submitted.
If you paid a fine in person at a courthouse, the court may take several days to report the payment to the DHSMV. If you paid online or by mail, the delay is usually shorter. If you believe the suspension should have been lifted, check your status again after a few business days. If it is still showing as suspended, call customer service to confirm whether the payment or action was recorded.
Another reason for a delayed update is a hold from a different agency — for example, a court hold or a tax lien. Even if you have resolved the main suspension reason, the DHSMV cannot lift the suspension until all holds are cleared. The customer service representative can tell you whether any holds are preventing reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Florida. If you are caught, you face additional fines, possible jail time, and an extension of your suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a hardship license, which allows limited driving. Contact the DHSMV to ask whether you may have access to.
Will checking my license status affect my record?
No. Checking your status online or by phone does not create any record or flag on your account. It is a straightforward lookup with no consequences. You can check as many times as you want.
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
It depends on the reason and how you request reinstatement. If you resolve the issue and request reinstatement online, it can take one to three business days. If you mail in a reinstatement request, allow two to four weeks. Some suspensions lift automatically once the underlying reason is cleared, with no action needed from you.
What if I moved out of Florida after my license was suspended?
Your Florida license suspension remains on record even if you move to another state. If you want to get a license in your new state, you will likely need to clear the Florida suspension first. Contact the DHSMV to resolve the issue before you explore for a license elsewhere.
Is there a fee to check my license status?
No. Checking your status online or by phone is free. You only pay a fee if you need to request reinstatement after the suspension reason has been resolved. Reinstatement fees typically range from $150 to $200.