Check your Virginia license status through the DMV website or by calling
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you look up your driver's license status online through its website or by phone without visiting an office. You can find out whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid in a few minutes. The online tool is the fastest route — you enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system shows your current status when ready.
If your license is suspended, the DMV website will tell you the reason (unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension, or another cause) and what you need to do to restore it. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to take action first.
Key Takeaways
- The Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com has a free status checker that shows your license status in seconds using your license number and birth date.
- You can also call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 to ask about your status, though wait times are often longer than the online tool.
- A suspension reason will be listed — common ones are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical holds — and the reason determines what you must do to restore your license.
- Some suspensions end automatically after a waiting period; others require you to pay fines, complete a court appearance, or submit medical clearance before you can drive legally again.
Using the DMV's online status checker
Go to dmvnow.com and look for the "Check Driver License Status" tool. You will need your Virginia driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information and the system will return your status within seconds.
The online tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked. If it is suspended, the screen will display the reason code and sometimes a brief description of why. Common reasons include "FTA" (failure to appear in court), "FTR" (failure to respond to a traffic citation), "DUI" (driving under the influence), or "Medical" (a medical suspension issued by a doctor or the DMV). The tool may also show the date the suspension began and, if applicable, when it will end.
If the reason is unclear or you need more detail, you can call the DMV or visit a local office with your license and the information from the website. The online tool does not always explain what steps you must take to restore your license, so a phone call or office visit is often the next step.
Calling the DMV for your license status
The Virginia DMV customer service line is 804-367-0538. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call. A representative can tell you your status, the reason for any suspension, and what you need to do to restore your license.
Wait times vary. During business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time), calls are often placed on hold for 10 to 30 minutes or longer, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon. If you reach a representative, they can answer questions about your specific suspension and direct you to the right next step — whether that is paying a fine, appearing in court, or submitting medical paperwork.
The DMV also has a separate phone line for medical suspensions: 804-367-0538 (ask to be transferred to the Medical Review Unit). If your suspension is medical-related, this line may get you to someone who can explain the clearance process faster.
What different suspension reasons mean and what to do next
A suspension tied to unpaid fines or court costs usually requires you to pay the full amount owed before your license is restored. Contact the court that issued the fine or the DMV to find out the exact amount and where to send payment. Once the DMV receives confirmation of payment, your license is typically restored within one to five business days.
A failure-to-appear (FTA) suspension means you missed a court date. You must contact the court, reschedule your appearance, and appear on the new date. After the court resolves your case, the suspension is lifted. If you are unsure which court or what the original charge was, the DMV can provide the court's name and phone number.
A medical suspension means a healthcare provider or the DMV determined you may not be safe to drive due to a medical condition. To restore your license, you must submit a medical evaluation form (DL 43) completed by a doctor. The form confirms that your condition no longer prevents safe driving. You can read the form from dmvnow.com or pick one up at a DMV office.
A DUI-related suspension is more complex and often involves court proceedings, fines, and mandatory programs like alcohol education. Contact the court handling your case or call the DMV to understand the full list of requirements and the timeline for restoration.
Visiting a DMV office in person
If you prefer to check your status face-to-face or need detailed help understanding your suspension, you can visit any Virginia DMV office. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Office staff can look up your status on their system, explain the reason, and tell you exactly what paperwork or payments are needed to restore your license.
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time. Some offices have longer hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and its hours at dmvnow.com. Many offices now use an online appointment system to reduce wait times; booking an appointment ahead of time is often faster than walking in.
Understanding automatic versus manual restoration
Some suspensions lift automatically after a set waiting period. For example, a suspension for unpaid court costs may end automatically 30 days after the fine is paid, or a medical suspension may end on a date set by the DMV. You do not have to do anything — your license becomes valid again on that date.
Other suspensions require you to take action. You cannot straightforward wait for them to end. A failure-to-appear suspension will not lift until you appear in court. A medical suspension will not lift until you submit the completed medical form. If you are unsure whether your suspension is automatic or requires action, the DMV website or a phone call will clarify.
What to do if your license is suspended and you need to drive
Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Virginia and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive before your license is restored, you have limited options. Some courts allow a restricted license (also called a hardship license) for work or medical appointments, but you must request one from the court handling your case and show genuine hardship. The process varies by court and is not always granted.
The fastest path to restoring your license is to address the suspension reason directly: pay fines when ready, appear in court as soon as possible, or submit medical paperwork without delay. Once the DMV receives confirmation that the reason has been resolved, your license is typically restored within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore my license after I pay a fine?
Once the DMV receives confirmation that you have paid the fine, your license is usually restored within one to five business days. The exact timeline depends on how the payment is processed and whether the court and DMV communicate electronically. If you pay in person at a court or DMV office, restoration is often faster than if you mail a check.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The DMV status checker requires the driver's license number and date of birth of the person whose license you are checking. You cannot look up another person's status without their permission and information. If you are an employer or insurance company with a legitimate need, contact the DMV directly about authorized access.
What if the website says my license is suspended but I was never notified?
The DMV mails suspension notices to the address on file with your license. If you moved and did not update your address, you may not have received the notice. Check your current address at dmvnow.com or call the DMV to confirm what is on file. Update your address when ready and ask the DMV to resend the notice so you understand the reason and important date.
Does a suspension show up on a background check?
A current suspension may appear on a background check, depending on what the check covers and who is running it. Employers, insurance companies, and landlords sometimes see driving record information. Once your license is restored, the suspension is no longer active, though the historical record may remain. Ask the DMV or the entity running the background check what information they can see.
Can I restore my license online?
You can pay some fines online through dmvnow.com, and payment may trigger automatic restoration if that is all that was required. However, most suspensions require additional steps — appearing in court, submitting medical forms, or responding to a citation — that cannot be completed online. Check your suspension reason first to see what is needed.