How to check your license status online or by phone
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you check whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid through their website or by calling their customer service line. You can look up your status yourself without needing a lawyer or paying a fee — it takes about five minutes either way.
To check online, go to the DHSMV website and use their "License Status" tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If you prefer to call, the DHSMV customer service number is available on their website; wait times vary by time of day, but you can speak to someone who will look up your status over the phone.
Write down or screenshot whatever status the system shows you. If your license is suspended, the result will also tell you the reason — whether it is for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a medical issue, or another cause. That reason matters, because it determines what you have to do to get your license back.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your Florida license status free through the DHSMV website or by phone without needing to visit an office in person.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive, and driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties including fines and jail time.
- The reason for your suspension (unpaid fines, child support, medical hold, or another cause) determines what steps you must take to restore your license.
- Some suspensions lift automatically once you meet the requirement — like paying a fine or completing a court order — while others require you to file paperwork with DHSMV.
Common reasons your license gets suspended in Florida
Florida suspends licenses for specific reasons, and knowing which one applies to you tells you what to do next. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or a medical condition reported to the state.
Unpaid fines are the most frequent cause. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or court costs by the important date, or if you missed a court date related to the ticket, the court can request that DHSMV suspend your license. Similarly, if you owe child support and fall behind on payments, the state can suspend your license as a way to enforce collection. A medical suspension happens when a doctor or the state determines you have a condition that makes driving unsafe — this can be temporary while you get treatment, or longer-term depending on the condition.
You might also have a suspension if you were convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), if you accumulated 12 or more points within a 12-month period from traffic violations, or if you failed to maintain car insurance and were involved in an accident. Each reason has different rules for how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to restore your license.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. The penalties depend on whether this is your first offense and whether you knew your license was suspended.
A first offense of driving with a suspended license is typically a misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 60 days in jail, or both. If you are caught a second time within five years, the penalties increase — you face a fine of $1,000 to $2,500, up to six months in jail, or both. A third offense within ten years becomes a felony, with much steeper consequences.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can extend your suspension, add points to your driving record, increase your car insurance rates, and create a criminal record that affects employment and housing. Police can impound your vehicle, and you will have to pay towing and storage fees to get it back. The safest course is to check your status, understand why your license is suspended, and take the steps needed to restore it before you drive again.
Steps to restore your license after a suspension
The process to restore your license depends on the reason for the suspension. Once you have checked your status and know the cause, you can take the specific action required.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — the ticket or court paperwork will have the court's phone number and the amount due. Once you pay, the court will notify DHSMV, and your suspension will be lifted. This usually happens within one to three business days, though it can take longer depending on court processing times.
If your suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must go back to court, resolve the case (by paying the fine, pleading guilty or not guilty, or working out a payment plan), and then the court will request that DHSMV lift the suspension. If your suspension is related to child support, you must contact the Florida Department of Revenue's child support enforcement office or your local child support office. You may be able to set up a payment plan or modify your support obligation; once the office confirms you are in compliance, they will request that DHSMV restore your license.
For a medical suspension, you will need to provide documentation from your doctor showing that the condition has been treated or resolved, or that you are now safe to drive. Submit this to DHSMV along with any forms they require. For suspensions due to accumulating points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course, which removes points from your record and can lead to license restoration.
Reinstatement fees and additional requirements
After you have resolved the underlying reason for your suspension, DHSMV may require you to pay a reinstatement fee before your license is officially restored. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you already paid.
The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension. For most suspensions, the fee is $150. However, if your suspension was due to a DUI conviction, the fee may be higher, and you may also be required to complete a substance abuse course or install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before your license can be restored. Check the DHSMV website or call their customer service line to confirm the exact fee and any other requirements that explore to your situation.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Once DHSMV receives payment and confirms that all other requirements have been met, your license will be restored. You should receive written confirmation, and you can check your status online again to verify that your license is now active.
What to do if you believe your suspension is a mistake
Sometimes a license gets suspended in error — for example, if a fine was paid but the court did not notify DHSMV, or if there is a mix-up with another person's record. If you believe your suspension is incorrect, you have the right to challenge it.
Start by gathering documentation that supports your position. If you paid a fine, get a receipt or confirmation from the court. If the suspension is due to child support and you believe you are current on payments, get a statement from the child support office. Contact DHSMV customer service and explain the situation; they can sometimes resolve straightforward errors over the phone or direct you to the right office.
If DHSMV cannot resolve it when ready, you may need to file a formal request for a hearing. This is called an administrative hearing, and you can request one through DHSMV. You will have the opportunity to present your evidence and explain why you believe the suspension should be lifted. The hearing is conducted by an administrative law judge who will review your case and make a decision. If you win, DHSMV will restore your license; if you lose, you can appeal to the circuit court, though this usually requires a lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last?
The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines typically last until you pay; suspensions for points may last six months to a year; DUI suspensions can last six months to several years depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense. Check your status online to see the specific duration for your suspension.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Florida does offer a hardship license (called a "business purposes only" license) in some cases, which allows limited driving for work, school, or medical appointments. You must request this through DHSMV and meet specific criteria. Not all suspension reasons may have access to, so contact DHSMV to ask whether you are may be able to access.
What if I moved out of Florida — does my suspension still explore?
Yes. Florida suspensions are reported to the National Driver Registry, and other states can see them. If you move and try to get a license in another state, the suspension will show up. You must resolve the Florida suspension before you can obtain a valid license in another state.
Do I have to go to a DHSMV office in person to restore my license?
Not always. If you are only paying a reinstatement fee or resolving a fine, you can do it online or by mail. However, if your suspension was due to a medical issue or a DUI, you may need to visit an office in person to provide documentation or take a test. Check your status or call DHSMV to confirm what is required for your specific situation.