What appears on your Florida driver's license

An arrest record does not appear on your Florida driver's license itself. Your driver's license shows your name, address, date of birth, license number, restrictions (like corrective lenses), and endorsements — but it does not display criminal history or arrest information.

However, law enforcement can see your arrest history when they run your license during a traffic stop or other interaction. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains your driving record separately from your criminal record, and those are two different systems. A police officer's computer shows both when they scan your license, but a person looking at the physical card in your wallet will see only driving information.

The confusion often arises because arrests can affect your driving privileges — for example, a DUI arrest may trigger an automatic suspension — but the arrest itself does not print on the card.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Florida driver's license displays only driving-related information, not arrests or criminal history.
  • Law enforcement can access your arrest record through their database when they scan your license, even though it does not appear on the card itself.
  • An arrest can result in a license suspension or restriction, which will show as a notation on your driving record.
  • Your driving record and criminal record are maintained by separate agencies and are not the same thing.

How arrests can affect your driving privileges

While an arrest does not print on your license, certain arrests — particularly DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license — can trigger automatic or court-ordered suspensions. When your license is suspended, you will receive a notice from DHSMV, and attempting to drive during a suspension is a separate criminal offense.

If your license is suspended, you may see a notation in the DHSMV system, and an officer running your information will see the suspension status. Some suspensions are temporary; others require you to complete a program or pay a reinstatement fee before you can drive legally again.

The difference between your driving record and criminal record

Florida maintains two separate records about you: your driving record (held by DHSMV) and your criminal record (held by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local law enforcement agencies). Your driving record tracks traffic violations, license suspensions, accidents you reported, and points accumulated from moving violations. Your criminal record tracks arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences.

When you request your driving record from DHSMV, you will not see arrest information. When you request your criminal record, you will not see traffic tickets. The two systems do not merge, even though law enforcement can access both during an interaction with you.

What shows up when someone runs your name

If an employer, landlord, or other person runs a background check on you, they are typically accessing your criminal record, not your driving record. A criminal background check will show arrests and convictions; a driving record check will show traffic history and license status. Most background check services search the criminal system unless specifically asked to pull driving records.

This matters because an arrest that did not result in a conviction may still appear on a criminal background check in Florida, even if you were found not guilty or the charges were dropped. However, you may have the right to request that certain records be sealed or expunged, which would remove them from public view.

How to check what is on your Florida driving record

You can request a copy of your official driving record from DHSMV online, by mail, or in person at a local DHSMV office. The online option is fastest — you can order it through the DHSMV website and receive it within days. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth.

Your driving record will show your current license status, any suspensions or restrictions, points from traffic violations, and accidents you reported. It will not show arrests unless the arrest resulted in a license suspension that DHSMV recorded.

Arrests that result in license suspension

Certain arrests automatically trigger a license suspension in Florida, and these will affect your ability to drive when ready. A DUI arrest, for example, results in an automatic administrative suspension separate from any criminal penalty. You have 10 days from the arrest to request a hearing to challenge the suspension, or it takes effect automatically.

Other arrests that can lead to suspension include driving with a suspended or revoked license, habitual traffic offender status, and certain drug-related charges. When a suspension is in effect, your driving record will reflect it, and you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted.

Sealing or expunging an arrest record in Florida

If you were arrested but not convicted, or if your case was dismissed, you may be able to have the arrest record sealed or expunged in Florida. A sealed record is still accessible to law enforcement and the courts, but not to the general public or employers. An expunged record is destroyed and treated as if it never happened.

To pursue sealing or expungement, you typically file a petition with the court where the arrest occurred. The process varies depending on the outcome of your case — whether you were acquitted, the charges were dropped, or you completed a diversion program. An attorney can advise you on whether you are may be able to access and help with the paperwork, though you can also file the petition yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a DUI arrest show on my driver's license?

The arrest itself will not print on the card, but a DUI arrest triggers an automatic license suspension that will show in the DHSMV system. Law enforcement will see the suspension when they run your license. You have 10 days from arrest to request a hearing to challenge it.

Can an employer see my arrest record when they check my driving record?

No. A driving record check shows only traffic violations and license status. An arrest record appears on a criminal background check, which is a separate search. An employer would need to run a criminal background check to see arrest information.

What if I was arrested but not convicted — does it still show up?

Yes, arrests that did not result in conviction still appear on criminal background checks in Florida. However, you may be able to have the record sealed or expunged if you were acquitted or the charges were dismissed. Sealing hides it from public view; expungement destroys it.

How long does an arrest stay on your record in Florida?

An arrest record remains on file indefinitely unless you have it sealed or expunged. There is no automatic removal based on time. You must file a petition with the court to request sealing or expungement if you are may be able to access.