Check your license status through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates an online tool where you can look up your current driver's license status without calling or visiting an office. Go to flhsmv.gov, find the "License and Permit" section, and select "Check Driver License Status." You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to search.
The system will show you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended, the results page will display the reason for the suspension and the date it took effect. This same tool also shows whether you have any outstanding traffic violations or court orders tied to your license.
The online check is free and available 24 hours a day. Results appear when ready after you enter your information. If you cannot find your license number, you can search by your name and date of birth instead, though you may get multiple results if your name is common in Florida.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov has a free online tool to check your license status using your license number and date of birth.
- The tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, and displays the reason if it is suspended.
- A suspension usually stems from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or points accumulation, and each has a different path to reinstatement.
- If the online tool does not work or you need details about reinstatement steps, you can call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 or visit a local office in person.
What causes a license suspension in Florida
Florida suspends driver's licenses for several specific reasons, and the cause determines how you restore it. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket, were convicted, and did not pay the fine by the court's important date, the court reports you to DHSMV and your license is suspended automatically.
Failure to appear in court for a traffic violation also triggers suspension. If you received a citation and did not show up on your court date, the judge issues a failure-to-appear warrant and DHSMV suspends your license. Points accumulation is another route: Florida assigns points to moving violations, and if you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days.
Other suspension reasons include driving with a suspended license, child support arrears reported by the Department of Revenue, or a conviction for driving under the influence. Some suspensions are administrative — for example, if you did not renew your license before it expired, DHSMV may suspend it rather than straightforward let it lapse.
Understanding the difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. Once you resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, or complete a required program — you can restore your license. The suspension stays on your record, but your driving privilege returns.
A revocation is permanent unless DHSMV grants you a new license after a waiting period. Revocations usually result from serious violations like multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or criminal convictions. If your status shows revocation rather than suspension, you will need to contact DHSMV directly to learn whether reinstatement is possible and what conditions explore.
Steps to reinstate a suspended license
Once you know why your license is suspended, the reinstatement process depends on the cause. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay the full amount owed, including any court costs or collection fees. Ask the court clerk for a receipt and confirmation that they will notify DHSMV of the payment.
If you failed to appear in court, you must appear before the judge, resolve the underlying charge, and pay any fines or court costs. Many courts allow you to appear by phone or video if you live far away; call the clerk's office to ask. Once the court resolves your case, they send notice to DHSMV and your suspension is lifted.
For suspensions due to points accumulation, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days) and then request reinstatement through DHSMV. Some suspensions require you to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement is granted. The online status check will tell you whether a course is required in your case.
After you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement by mail, phone, or in person at a DHSMV office. There is a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension. DHSMV will mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit once your reinstatement is processed.
When to contact DHSMV directly
If the online tool shows your license is suspended but you believe it is an error, or if you do not understand the reason listed, contact DHSMV by phone at 850-617-3000. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
You can also visit a local DHSMV office in person. Find your nearest office at flhsmv.gov under "Locations." Bring your license, a photo ID, and any documents related to the suspension — such as court paperwork or proof of payment. Staff can explain your options and sometimes process reinstatement on the spot if you have resolved the underlying issue.
If you are out of state or cannot visit an office, you can mail a reinstatement request to DHSMV with supporting documents. The mailing address is on the DHSMV website. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person or phone requests, usually two to four weeks.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense within five years is a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. A third offense within ten years is a felony.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license results in when ready arrest and vehicle impoundment. Your license suspension is extended, and you face additional fines and court costs. If you are stopped, police will run your license and discover the suspension when ready.
If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a hardship license from DHSMV. A hardship license allows limited driving for specific purposes during your suspension period. Contact DHSMV to learn whether you meet the criteria and what documentation you need to provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license?
If you resolve the underlying issue in person at a DHSMV office, reinstatement can happen the same day and you receive a temporary permit when ready. By phone or mail, processing takes three to ten business days. Some suspensions require a waiting period; for example, a points suspension lasts 30 days before you can even request reinstatement.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Yes, if your suspension is not for DUI or habitual traffic offender status. You must show DHSMV that you have a legitimate need to drive — such as work, medical treatment, or court-ordered obligations — and that no alternative transportation is available. Contact DHSMV to request a hardship license process and learn what proof you need to provide.
What if I moved out of Florida after my license was suspended?
Your Florida suspension remains active and will show up if you try to get a license in another state. Most states share suspension information through the National Driver Register. You should resolve the suspension before moving, or contact the court or agency that suspended your license to arrange payment or resolution from your new state.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A driver's license suspension is a public record and may appear on background checks depending on what the check covers. Criminal background checks typically do not include suspensions unless they resulted from a criminal conviction. However, employment checks that specifically look at driving records will show a suspension history.
Can I get my license reinstated before the suspension period ends?
No. If your suspension includes a mandatory waiting period — such as the 30 days for points accumulation — you cannot request reinstatement until that period has passed. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or failure to appear, you can resolve those issues when ready and request reinstatement without waiting.