Yes, you can report a driver with a suspended license to law enforcement
If you see someone driving with a suspended license, you can report it to your local police department or highway patrol. Most states treat driving on a suspended license as a criminal offense, so law enforcement takes these reports seriously. The person you report may face fines, jail time, or additional license suspension depending on the state and the reason their license was suspended in the first place.
You do not need to be certain the license is suspended to make a report. If you have a reason to believe the driver's license is suspended — for example, you know the person was arrested for drunk driving and their license was suspended as a result — you can share that information with police. They will investigate and determine whether to take action.
Key Takeaways
- Call your local police non-emergency line or highway patrol to report a driver you believe is driving with a suspended license.
- Provide the vehicle's license plate number, the location where you saw the vehicle, and the time of day if possible.
- You can remain anonymous when you call most police departments, though some may ask for your name and contact information.
- Driving with a suspended license is a crime in all states, and penalties range from fines to jail time depending on how many times the person has been caught.
- If the driver is actively endangering others, call 911 instead of the non-emergency line.
How to make the report
Start by calling your local police department's non-emergency line rather than 911, unless the driver is actively endangering people on the road. The non-emergency number connects you to a dispatcher who can take your report and pass it to an officer. You can find the non-emergency number by searching "[your city] police non-emergency" or by calling 411.
When you call, have the vehicle's license plate number ready if you saw it. If you did not catch the plate, describe the vehicle — the color, make, model, and any distinctive features. Tell the dispatcher where you saw the vehicle, what time it was, and what direction it was heading. If you know the driver's name or address, share that too. The more specific information you provide, the easier it is for police to locate and stop the vehicle.
You can ask to remain anonymous when you make the report. Some departments will take an anonymous report over the phone; others may ask for your name and number in case an officer needs to follow up with you later. If you give your name, it typically stays confidential and is not shared with the driver.
What happens after you report
After you report the driver, a police officer may patrol the area where you saw the vehicle, or they may file the report for future reference if they spot the vehicle later. If an officer stops the vehicle and confirms the license is suspended, they will issue a citation or make an arrest depending on the circumstances and the state's laws.
You will not be notified of the outcome. Police do not typically contact the person who reported a traffic violation to tell them whether the driver was stopped or charged. Your role ends when you provide the information to dispatch.
Why driving with a suspended license is a serious offense
A suspended license means a court or the Department of Motor Vehicles has temporarily removed a person's right to drive. This usually happens because of unpaid traffic fines, a conviction for drunk driving, accumulating too many points on their record, or failing to pay child support. When someone drives anyway, they are breaking the law and putting themselves and others at risk.
The penalties vary by state and by how many times the person has been caught driving on a suspended license. A first offense might result in a fine of $300 to $1,000 and a few days in jail. A second or third offense can mean higher fines, longer jail sentences, and permanent license revocation in some cases. Some states also impound the vehicle.
When to call 911 instead
If the driver is speeding recklessly, weaving between lanes, driving the wrong way, or otherwise endangering people on the road, call 911 when ready instead of the non-emergency line. Describe what the driver is doing, not just that you think their license is suspended. Give the dispatcher the vehicle's location and direction of travel so they can send an officer to intercept it.
Do not try to follow the vehicle or get close enough to confirm the license plate if the driving is dangerous. Your safety matters more than providing perfect information to police.
What you cannot do
You cannot pull the vehicle over yourself or confront the driver. Only law enforcement can stop a vehicle. If you try to stop the driver or block their path, you could be charged with reckless driving or endangerment yourself.
You also cannot access someone's driving record to confirm their license is suspended. Driving records are private, and only the person who holds the license, their insurance company, an employer with permission, or law enforcement can view them. If you suspect someone's license is suspended based on something they told you or something you witnessed (like an arrest), that is enough reason to report it to police.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm not sure the license is actually suspended?
You do not need to be certain. If you have a reasonable reason to believe the license is suspended — for example, you know the person was convicted of drunk driving — you can report it. Police will investigate and determine whether the license is actually suspended. Reporting in good faith will not get you in trouble.
Can the driver find out who reported them?
Not through the police report itself. Your name stays confidential unless you choose to give it. However, if the driver knows you saw them driving, they might guess it was you. The police report is not public record in most states, so the driver cannot request it and see your name.
Will I have to go to court or testify?
Probably not. You are reporting a traffic violation, not testifying as a witness to a crime. The officer will stop the vehicle based on your report, and if the license is suspended, that is evidence the officer can see directly. You will not be called to court.
What if the person is driving for work or an emergency?
Driving with a suspended license is illegal regardless of the reason. The person should not be driving at all. If it is a genuine emergency, they should call 911 for help rather than drive themselves. If they are driving for work, they should not have a suspended license in the first place.
Can I report someone I know, like a family member?
Yes, you can report anyone. It may feel uncomfortable to report someone close to you, but driving with a suspended license puts that person and others at serious risk. The report is confidential, and the person may not know it came from you.