Three ways to find out your license status right now
You can check whether your Michigan driver's license is suspended through the Secretary of State website, by phone, or in person at a branch office. The fastest method is the online lookup tool on the Michigan Secretary of State website, which gives you an answer in seconds. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Michigan Secretary of State at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your license number ready. You can also visit any Secretary of State branch office in person with your ID and ask them to check your status.
Key Takeaways
- The Michigan Secretary of State website has a free online tool where you enter your license number and date of birth to see if your license is suspended, revoked, or valid.
- A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet the requirements (usually paying fines, completing a program, or resolving the underlying issue); a revocation is permanent until you reapply.
- Common reasons for suspension in Michigan include unpaid traffic fines, driving with a suspended license, failing a drug or alcohol test, and accumulating too many points on your driving record.
- If your license is suspended, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Secretary of State explaining the reason and what you must do to restore it.
- Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Michigan and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Using the Michigan Secretary of State online lookup tool
Go to the Michigan Secretary of State website and find the "Driver License Status" lookup page. Enter your driver's license number in the first field. In the second field, enter your date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY. Click the search button.
The system will return one of three results: valid (your license is active and you can drive), suspended (your license is temporarily invalid), or revoked (your license has been permanently canceled). If your license is suspended or revoked, the page will show the reason and the date the suspension or revocation began. Write down this information or take a screenshot, because you will need it to understand what steps to take next.
Understanding the difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. Once you complete whatever action caused the suspension — pay a fine, complete a required program, or resolve the underlying issue — you can request that the Secretary of State restore your license. The suspension will end on a specific date, or it will end when you meet the conditions, whichever comes first.
A revocation is permanent. Your license cannot be restored automatically. If your license is revoked, you must wait the required period (which varies by reason) and then file a formal petition with the Secretary of State to request reinstatement. Revocation is typically used for serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.
Common reasons your Michigan license might be suspended
Unpaid traffic fines and court costs are the most frequent cause of suspension in Michigan. If you received a ticket, were convicted, and did not pay the fine by the due date, the court reports this to the Secretary of State, which suspends your license automatically.
Accumulating too many points on your driving record also triggers suspension. Michigan uses a point system: minor violations like speeding add 2 to 3 points, and serious violations like reckless driving add 6 points. If you reach 12 points in two years, your license is suspended for 30 days. If you reach 18 points in three years, the suspension is 60 days.
Failing or refusing a drug or alcohol test during a traffic stop results in an automatic suspension. A first refusal or failed test suspends your license for one year. Driving with a suspended license also causes suspension — if you are caught driving while suspended, your license is suspended again for an additional period.
Other reasons include failing to pay child support, failing to appear in court for a traffic matter, or accumulating unpaid parking tickets in certain municipalities. The notice you receive in the mail will specify which reason applies to you.
What to do if you find your license is suspended
Read the suspension notice you received from the Secretary of State carefully. It will state the reason for the suspension, the date it began, and the conditions you must meet to have it lifted. If you did not receive a notice, contact the Secretary of State by phone to ask for a copy to be mailed to you or to learn the details over the phone.
Take the action required to lift the suspension. If it is unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay what you owe. If it is points accumulation, you must wait out the suspension period — you cannot shorten it by paying anything. If it is a failed drug or alcohol test, you may need to complete a substance abuse program or treatment before the Secretary of State will restore your license.
Once you have met the requirements, contact the Secretary of State to request restoration. You can do this online through their website, by mail, or by phone. There is no fee to request restoration. The Secretary of State will review your request and send you a letter confirming whether your license has been restored. This process usually takes one to two weeks.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license is a misdemeanor crime in Michigan. A first offense can result in a fine of $100 to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both. A second offense within seven years carries a fine of $200 to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving while suspended will extend your suspension. The Secretary of State will add an additional suspension period on top of the one already in place. You will also face higher insurance rates once your license is restored, because the conviction will appear on your driving record for years.
How to restore your license after suspension ends
If your suspension has an end date, you do not need to do anything on that date — your license is automatically restored at midnight. However, if your suspension is conditional (meaning it ends only when you meet certain requirements), you must take action to request restoration.
To request restoration, visit the Michigan Secretary of State website and use their online restoration request form, or call 1-888-SOS-MICH to request a form by mail. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and proof that you have met the conditions for restoration (such as a receipt showing you paid the fine, or a certificate showing you completed a required program).
Mail the completed form and supporting documents to the address provided, or submit it online if that option is available. The Secretary of State will process your request and mail you a new license or a letter confirming restoration. During this time, you cannot legally drive, even if you believe you have met all the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspension means you cannot drive for any reason, including work, school, or medical appointments. Driving on a suspended license is a crime. Some people request a restricted license that allows driving only to and from work, but this requires a separate petition to the Secretary of State and is granted only in specific circumstances.
How long does a suspension usually last?
The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines end once you pay. Suspensions for points accumulation last 30 to 60 days depending on how many points you have. Suspensions for refusing a drug or alcohol test last one year for a first offense. Some suspensions have no end date and require you to take action to restore your license.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A driver's license suspension is a public record and will appear on background checks that include driving history. It will not appear on criminal background checks unless you were convicted of driving with a suspended license, which is a crime.
What if I lost my suspension notice in the mail?
Call the Michigan Secretary of State at 1-888-SOS-MICH and provide your driver's license number. They will tell you the reason for the suspension, when it began, and what you need to do to restore your license. You can also visit a Secretary of State branch office in person and ask them to look up your status and provide you with written information.
Can I dispute a suspension if I think it was a mistake?
Yes. If you believe the suspension was issued in error — for example, you paid a fine but the court did not report it to the Secretary of State — contact the Secretary of State and explain the situation. Provide documentation of your payment or the action you took. The Secretary of State will investigate and correct the record if an error is found. This process can take several weeks.