Check your license status directly with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains a public tool where you can look up whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid. You do not need to visit an office or call a phone line — you can check from your computer or phone in under two minutes.

Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "License and Permit Status" tool. You will need your Florida driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information and the system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

If the tool shows your license is suspended, it will also display the reason — for example, failure to pay a traffic fine, failure to appear in court, or a medical suspension. The reason matters because it determines what you have to do to get your license back.

Key Takeaways

  • The DHSMV License and Permit Status tool on flhsmv.gov shows your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
  • A suspension means you cannot legally drive; driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida.
  • The reason for suspension (unpaid fine, missed court date, medical issue) determines what steps you must take to restore your license.
  • If you cannot find the reason online, you can call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 or visit a local driver's license office with your ID.

Understand what a suspension means and why it matters

A suspended license means you are not legally permitted to drive. Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Florida, separate from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. If you are stopped by police, you face arrest, fines, and additional charges on top of the original violation.

A suspension is temporary — it can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue. This is different from a revocation, which is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license through a formal process. The online tool will tell you which one applies to you.

Find the reason for your suspension and what caused it

The most common reasons for suspension in Florida are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, medical conditions that make driving unsafe, and accumulation of too many points on your driving record. The DHSMV tool will show you the reason code, but the description may be brief.

If the online tool does not give you enough detail, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. Have your driver's license number ready. They can tell you the exact violation, the date it occurred, and what you need to do to resolve it. Wait times are typically shorter in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays.

You can also visit a local DHSMV office in person with your ID. Bring a list of questions so you can get all the information you need in one visit. The office staff can print out documentation of your suspension status if you need it for your records or to show an employer.

Resolve the underlying issue to restore your license

Once you know why your license is suspended, you must address that specific issue. If it is an unpaid fine, you pay it. If it is a missed court date, you contact the court and reschedule or resolve the case. If it is unpaid child support, you work with the Department of Revenue's child support enforcement office. The action you take depends entirely on the reason.

After you resolve the issue, the suspension does not lift automatically. You must notify the DHSMV or the agency that caused the suspension. Some violations clear within a few business days once resolved; others require you to file paperwork or pay a reinstatement fee. The DHSMV customer service line can tell you the exact timeline and any fees involved.

Check if you need to pay a reinstatement fee

Florida charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license in most cases. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension — typically between $75 and $150. You pay this fee when you resolve the underlying issue, not before.

Some suspensions do not require a fee. For example, a medical suspension that is lifted by a doctor's clearance may not include a reinstatement fee. Ask the DHSMV or the relevant agency whether a fee applies to your specific suspension before you resolve the underlying issue, so you know the total cost.

Verify your license is restored after you resolve the issue

After you have paid fines, appeared in court, or resolved whatever caused the suspension, wait three to five business days, then check your status again using the same DHSMV tool. This confirms that the suspension has been lifted and your license is active.

Do not drive until you have confirmed online that your license is restored. If you drive before the suspension is officially lifted, you are still breaking the law even if you have already paid the fine or resolved the case. The system must process and update your status first.

What to do if you cannot find information about your suspension

If the online tool shows your license is suspended but gives no reason, or if the reason listed does not match what you remember, contact the DHSMV directly. Errors do happen — a fine may have been paid but not recorded, or a court case may have been resolved without the DHSMV being notified.

Call 850-617-2000 with your license number and ask for a detailed explanation. If you believe the suspension is in error, ask what documentation you need to provide to correct it. You may need to submit proof of payment, a court order, or a letter from the agency that reported the violation. Get the mailing address and fax number for submitting documents so you have it in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license is suspended but I have already paid the fine?

No. Driving while suspended is illegal even if you have resolved the underlying issue. You must wait for the DHSMV to process and update your status, which usually takes three to five business days after you resolve the violation. Check the online tool again before you drive.

What happens if I get pulled over while my license is suspended?

You can be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a criminal offense. You will face fines, possible jail time, and additional court costs on top of whatever caused the suspension. Your vehicle may also be impounded.

Do I have to go to a DHSMV office to restore my license?

Not always. If your suspension is due to an unpaid fine or missed court date, you can resolve it by phone or mail without visiting an office. However, some suspensions — such as medical suspensions — may require an in-person visit or a doctor's clearance form. Call the DHSMV to find out what your specific situation requires.

How long does a suspension stay on my record?

Once your license is restored, the suspension is lifted and you can drive legally again. However, the suspension may still appear on your driving record for insurance and employment purposes. Ask the DHSMV how long it will remain visible on your record.

What if I lost my driver's license number?

You can still check your status using your full name and date of birth on the DHSMV website, though the license number tool is faster. If you cannot find your status that way, call 850-617-2000 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number to the representative.