REV stands for "revoked" and means your license has been cancelled by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles
When you see "REV" printed on your driver's license, it indicates that your license is no longer valid for driving. The state has formally cancelled it, and you cannot legally operate a vehicle. This is different from a suspension, which is temporary — a revocation is typically permanent or requires you to go through a formal reinstatement process to get it back.
The marking appears on the physical card itself so that law enforcement, employers, or anyone checking your license can when ready see its status. If you are stopped while driving with a revoked license, you face criminal charges in most states, not just a traffic ticket. The consequences are serious enough that understanding why your license was revoked and what steps exist to restore it matters.
Key Takeaways
- REV means your license has been cancelled by the state and you cannot legally drive until it is reinstated.
- Revocation is usually permanent or long-term, unlike a suspension which lasts a set number of months.
- Common reasons for revocation include multiple DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or failing to pay court fines or child support.
- Reinstating a revoked license requires meeting specific conditions set by your state, which may include paying fees, completing programs, or waiting a set period.
- Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense in most states, not a minor traffic violation.
Why your state revokes a license instead of suspending it
A suspension is temporary — your license comes back automatically after the suspension period ends. A revocation means the state has decided you pose enough of a risk that your license should not return without your taking specific steps to earn it back. The state is essentially saying: you must prove you are safe to drive again.
Revocation is used for the most serious violations. A second or third DUI conviction almost always results in revocation. Accumulating a very high number of points on your driving record — the exact threshold varies by state — can trigger revocation. Some states revoke licenses for repeated reckless driving, habitual traffic offenses, or for non-driving reasons like failing to pay child support or court-ordered fines.
The key difference: with a suspension, time alone fixes the problem. With a revocation, you have to take action. That action might be paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, installing an ignition interlock device, or waiting a minimum number of years before you can even petition for reinstatement.
Common reasons your license gets revoked
DUI or DWI convictions are the most frequent cause of revocation. A first DUI may result in suspension in some states, but a second conviction within a certain period almost always leads to revocation. The revocation period is often several years, and you cannot shorten it by straightforward waiting — you must meet the state's reinstatement requirements.
Accumulating too many points is another major reason. Every state assigns points to traffic violations — speeding, reckless driving, at-fault accidents. When your total reaches a threshold (often 12 to 15 points, though this varies), the state revokes your license. Unlike suspension, which might be automatic after a certain number of points, revocation usually requires a hearing or formal notice.
Administrative revocation happens for non-driving reasons: failing to pay child support, failing to pay court fines or restitution, or not responding to a traffic ticket. Some states also revoke licenses for medical reasons — if you have a seizure disorder and do not report it, or if a doctor reports that you are medically unfit to drive.
How to find out why your license was revoked
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. You can usually check your driving record online through the DMV website, though some states charge a small fee. Your record will show the reason for revocation, the date it took effect, and what you need to do to get it back.
If you were not notified of the revocation, or if you believe it was an error, request a hearing. Most states allow you to challenge a revocation, especially if it was based on points or administrative reasons. You have a limited window to request a hearing — often 10 to 30 days from the date of notice — so check your state's rules when ready.
If you received the notice but lost it, the DMV can print a copy or send you a new one. Bring this documentation with you when you begin the reinstatement process, because you will need to show that you understand why your license was revoked.
Steps to reinstate a revoked license
The process varies significantly by state and by the reason for revocation. For a DUI revocation, you typically must complete a substance abuse program, pay a reinstatement fee (often $100 to $500), and sometimes install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. Some states require you to wait a minimum period — often one to five years — before you can even petition for reinstatement.
For point-based revocation, you may need to pass a written driving test, pay a reinstatement fee, and sometimes complete a defensive driving course. A few states require you to retake the full driving test, including the road test, as if you were a new driver.
For administrative revocation (unpaid fines, child support), you must resolve the underlying issue first. Pay the fines or child support, get proof of payment, and then submit that proof to the DMV along with a reinstatement request and fee.
After you meet all conditions, the DMV will reinstate your license. You will receive a new physical card in the mail, and the REV marking will be removed. Until that new card arrives, you cannot legally drive, even if the DMV tells you verbally that you are reinstated.
What happens if you drive with a revoked license
Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense in every state. It is not a traffic ticket — it is a misdemeanor or felony charge depending on your state and your history. A first offense might result in a fine of $500 to $1,000, jail time of 10 days to several months, or both. A second or third offense carries steeper penalties.
Beyond the criminal charge, driving with a revoked license will delay your reinstatement. The DMV may extend your revocation period or add additional requirements. Insurance companies will drop you or charge much higher premiums. If you are in an accident while driving with a revoked license, your insurance may refuse to cover it, leaving you personally liable for all damages.
If your license is revoked and you need to drive for work or essential reasons, some states offer a hardship license or restricted license. This is not automatic — you must petition the court or DMV and show genuine hardship. A hardship license typically allows you to drive only to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs, and only during specific hours.
Suspension versus revocation: how to tell the difference
Your license will show either "SUS" for suspension or "REV" for revocation. A suspension is temporary and has an end date — the DMV will tell you when your driving privileges return. A revocation has no automatic end date; you must take action to get it back.
If your license shows a suspension, you cannot drive during the suspension period, but you do not need to do anything to get it back. When the period ends, your license is valid again. If it shows a revocation, you must contact the DMV, find out what you need to do, complete those steps, pay any fees, and then request reinstatement.
Some states use different terminology. A few call all cancellations "suspensions" but distinguish between temporary and indefinite ones in the details. Check your DMV's website or call to confirm whether your license is suspended or revoked, because the reinstatement process is completely different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while my license is revoked?
Many states allow hardship or restricted licenses for revocation, but not all. You must petition the court or DMV and prove genuine hardship — usually that you need to drive for work, school, or medical care. The court decides whether to grant it. Even if approved, a hardship license is limited to specific purposes and hours.
How long does revocation last?
It depends on the reason and your state. DUI revocation often lasts one to five years minimum, and you cannot shorten it by waiting alone. Point-based revocation may be one to three years. Administrative revocation ends when you resolve the underlying issue. Check your DMV notice or call your state's DMV for the specific timeline.
Will a revoked license show up on a background check?
Yes. Employers, landlords, and others who run background checks will see that your license was revoked. This can affect job prospects, housing, and insurance rates. Once your license is reinstated, the revocation remains on your driving record but is no longer active.
What if I move to another state while my license is revoked?
Most states share revocation information through the National Driver Register. If you move and try to get a license in a new state, that state will see the revocation and likely deny your process until you resolve it in the original state. You cannot escape a revocation by moving.
Can I appeal a revocation if I think it was wrong?
Yes. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge a revocation, especially if it was based on points or administrative reasons. The important date to request a hearing is usually 10 to 30 days from the notice date. Contact your DMV when ready if you believe the revocation was an error.