Finding out if your Florida license is suspended in Broward County
You can search for a suspended license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) online system without visiting an office or calling. The search tells you whether your license is currently suspended, why it was suspended, and what you need to do to get it reinstated. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to start.
Broward County residents use the same state-level search tool as everyone else in Florida — there is no separate Broward system. The DHSMV maintains all suspension records and handles reinstatement, so the information you find online is the official record.
Key Takeaways
- The Florida DHSMV online license status search is free and available 24 hours a day at the official state website.
- You will need either your Florida driver's license number or your Social Security number to search.
- The search result shows whether your license is suspended, the reason for suspension, and the reinstatement requirements.
- Common suspension reasons in Florida include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, and unpaid child support.
- If your license is suspended, the search results will direct you to the specific agency or court that issued the suspension.
How to use the DHSMV online search tool
Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and look for the "License Status" or "Driver License Status" search tool. This is usually found in the "Driver Licenses" section of the website. You do not need to create an account or log in.
Enter either your Florida driver's license number or your Social Security number in the search field. If you have your license number, use that — it is faster. Click search and wait for the results page to load. The system will show your current license status within seconds.
If your license shows as suspended, the results page will display the suspension reason and the agency responsible. Write down this information, as you will need it to understand what steps come next.
What suspension reasons mean and who handles each one
Florida suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one requires contact with a different agency. Traffic-related suspensions — unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points — are handled by the court or the DHSMV itself. Child support suspensions are managed by the Department of Revenue. Medical suspensions happen when the DHSMV has concerns about your ability to drive safely and require a medical review.
The search result will name the suspending agency. If it says "Court" or lists a specific Broward court, contact that court's traffic division. If it says "Department of Revenue," you are dealing with a child support issue. If it says "DHSMV Medical Review," you will need to work with the medical review section of the DHSMV.
Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically once a condition is met — for example, once you pay a fine or appear in court. Others require you to take action with the suspending agency before the DHSMV will reinstate your license.
What to do after you find out your license is suspended
Contact the agency listed in your search results. If it is a Broward court, call the traffic division of that specific courthouse — the search result should include the court name. Have your case number or citation number ready if you have it. Ask what you need to do to clear the suspension and whether there are fees involved.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you will usually need to pay the full amount or set up a payment plan. If it is due to failure to appear, you may need to appear in court or have an attorney appear on your behalf. If it is a child support suspension, contact the Department of Revenue's child support enforcement office.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue — paid the fine, appeared in court, or satisfied the child support obligation — the suspending agency will notify the DHSMV. The DHSMV then removes the suspension from your record. This can take a few days to a few weeks depending on the agency.
Reinstatement fees and requirements
After the suspension reason is cleared, you may owe a reinstatement fee to the DHSMV. This fee varies depending on the suspension reason and how long your license was suspended. Traffic-related reinstatement fees are typically between $150 and $300. Child support and medical suspensions may have different fee amounts.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office in Broward County. Once the fee is paid and the suspending agency has cleared the underlying issue, your license status will update in the system and you can drive legally again.
Some suspensions require additional steps beyond paying a fee. For example, if your license was suspended for medical reasons, you may need to complete a medical evaluation or provide a doctor's clearance before reinstatement is possible.
Where to find DHSMV offices in Broward County
If you need to handle your reinstatement in person, Broward County has multiple DHSMV service centers. The main office locations are in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach, though smaller offices operate in other cities. You can find the full list of Broward locations and their hours on the official DHSMV website.
Bring your photo ID, proof of residence, and any documents related to your suspension — court paperwork, payment receipts, or medical clearance letters. Call ahead or check online to confirm the office is open, as hours vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended while I am working on reinstatement?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Florida and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and jail time. You must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated before driving.
How long does it take for a suspension to be removed after I pay the fine or clear the issue?
It typically takes three to ten business days for the suspending agency to notify the DHSMV and for your status to update in the system. Some agencies are faster than others. You can check your status again online after a few days to see if the suspension has been lifted.
What if I cannot find my driver's license number?
Use your Social Security number instead to search. Both will pull up the same license status information. If you need your license number for other purposes, you can request a replacement license from the DHSMV.
Can I search someone else's license status?
No. The DHSMV search tool is for your own license only. You cannot search another person's status without their permission and their personal information.
What if the search says my license is not suspended but I was told it is?
Contact the DHSMV directly at their customer service line or visit a local office. There may be a delay in the system updating, or the suspension may be pending but not yet active. The DHSMV can clarify your actual status and explain what is happening.