Check your license status through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains a public database where you can look up your license status without logging in or providing personal information beyond your driver's license number. You can check whether your license is currently suspended, revoked, or valid in a few minutes from any device with internet access.
The fastest method is the DHSMV's online license status tool at www.flhsmv.gov. Navigate to the "License Check" section, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system will display your current status when ready. If your license is suspended, the result will show the reason and the date the suspension began.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-888-769-2778. Have your driver's license number ready. Wait times vary, but the line is typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online license check tool at flhsmv.gov shows your status when ready using only your license number and date of birth.
- A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid; a revocation means it has been permanently cancelled and you must reapply.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or administrative suspension for unpaid court costs.
- Once you resolve the underlying reason for the suspension, you must request reinstatement through DHSMV, which typically takes one to two weeks.
Understand the difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary — your license is invalid for a set period, but you can restore it once you resolve the underlying issue. A revocation is permanent cancellation. If your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward wait it out; you must reapply for a new license through the full process, which includes a written test and vision screening.
The DHSMV status check will tell you which one applies to you. If the result says "suspended," note the reason code — this tells you what you need to fix. If it says "revoked," you will need to contact DHSMV or visit a local driver's license office to understand the path to reapplication.
Common reasons your Florida license may be suspended
Florida suspends licenses for several reasons, and knowing which one applies to you determines what you do next. Financial suspension is the most common — this happens when you owe unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or restitution ordered by a court. Administrative suspension occurs when you fail to pay child support or fail to respond to a traffic citation.
Medical suspension happens when DHSMV receives a report from a doctor or law enforcement that you may be medically unfit to drive. Habitual traffic offender suspension results from multiple serious violations within a set timeframe. Failure to maintain insurance suspension occurs if you were involved in an accident and could not show proof of valid insurance at the time.
Less common reasons include suspension for unpaid tolls, failure to complete a required driver improvement course, or suspension related to drug or alcohol offenses. The status check will specify which reason applies to your case.
What to do if your license is suspended
Your first step is to resolve the underlying cause. If the suspension is financial, you must pay the outstanding fines, court costs, or restitution. Contact the court or agency listed in your suspension notice to confirm the exact amount owed and the payment methods they accept. Many Florida courts accept online payment through their websites.
If the suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program or the local child support office in your county. They can tell you the exact balance and set up a payment plan if needed. If the suspension is medical, you will need to provide documentation from a doctor stating you are fit to drive, or complete a medical evaluation through DHSMV.
Once you have resolved the issue, you must request reinstatement. You can do this online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after DHSMV receives your request and confirms that the underlying issue has been resolved.
Reinstate your license after resolving the suspension
To reinstate your license online, visit the DHSMV website and select the reinstatement option. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and proof that you have resolved the suspension reason — this might be a receipt showing payment, a letter from child support enforcement confirming current status, or a medical clearance form.
If you cannot reinstate online, you can mail your reinstatement request to the DHSMV address listed on their website, along with supporting documents. Include a copy of your driver's license or identification. Processing by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks.
The fastest option is to visit a local driver's license office in person. Bring your identification, proof that the suspension reason has been resolved, and any required fees. Some reinstatement requests carry a fee of $75 to $150, depending on the suspension reason. The office staff can confirm whether a fee applies to your case and process your request the same day.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. A first offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, which can result in fines up to $500, jail time up to 60 days, or both. A second offense within five years increases penalties to fines up to $1,000 and jail time up to six months.
If you are stopped by law enforcement, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face additional towing and storage fees. A conviction for driving with a suspended license also extends the suspension period — DHSMV may add additional months to your suspension or convert it to a revocation.
If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact the DHSMV about a hardship reinstatement or business purpose license. These are limited permits that allow you to drive only for specific purposes while your suspension remains in effect. You must request these before you drive; they are not issued after a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Florida license suspension last?
The length varies by reason. Financial suspensions typically last until you pay what is owed. Administrative suspensions often last six months to one year. Medical suspensions depend on the medical issue and may be lifted once you provide clearance from a doctor. Habitual traffic offender suspensions last a minimum of five years. The status check will show the suspension end date if one has been set.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Yes, but only for specific reasons — work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered obligations. You must show that the suspension causes undue hardship and that you have no other transportation. Contact your local DHSMV office or the main office to request a hardship reinstatement form. Approval is not may provide and depends on the reason for the original suspension.
What if I lost my driver's license number and can't check my status online?
Call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-888-769-2778 with your full name and date of birth. They can look up your license number and check your status for you. You can also visit a local driver's license office in person with a valid ID, and staff will check your status at no charge.
Does a suspension show up on a background check?
A license suspension does not appear on a criminal background check unless you were convicted of driving with a suspended license. However, a suspension will show on a driving record check, which employers, insurance companies, and rental agencies may request. Once your license is reinstated, the suspension remains on your driving history but is no longer active.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended license. You must first resolve the suspension reason and request reinstatement. Once your license is reinstated and active, you can renew it through the normal process if it is expiring soon.