What "revisar licencia de conducir" means and why you need to do it

Revisar licencia de conducir means to check or review your driver's license — specifically to look up your license number, expiration date, current status, and any restrictions or violations on record. You do this through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, either online, by phone, or in person.

You need to check your license status before it expires so you can renew on time and avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal in every state. You also check it if you suspect a problem — a suspension, a hold, an error in your name or address, or a ticket that may not have been processed correctly. Some states also let you check if your license was suspended due to unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, or other administrative holds.

The method you use depends on your state. Most states now offer online lookup tools on their DMV websites. Some require you to call a DMV phone line. A few still require you to visit a DMV office in person. This guide covers how to find and use the right tool for your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states let you check your license status online through the DMV website by entering your license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number.
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license, but checking online confirms whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, the online lookup usually tells you why — unpaid fines, medical holds, child support arrears, or other reasons — and what you must do to restore it.
  • If you cannot find an online tool for your state, call the DMV customer service line or visit a local DMV office with your license and proof of identity.
  • Checking your license status takes 5 to 10 minutes online and costs nothing; waiting until your license expires or is suspended can result in fines and legal complications.

How to find your state's online license lookup tool

Start by going to your state's official DMV website. The easiest way is to search "[your state] DMV" in any search engine and click the official government site — look for a URL that ends in .gov or .state.[state abbreviation].us.

Once you are on the DMV homepage, look for a link labeled "Check License Status," "License Lookup," "Driver License Status," or "Verify License." The exact wording varies by state. Some DMVs put this link on the homepage; others hide it under a menu like "Services" or "Online Tools." If you cannot find it after 30 seconds of looking, use the site's search box and type "license status" or "check my license."

A few states require you to create an account or log into an existing DMV account before you can check your license. If the site asks for a login, look for a link that says "Create Account" or "Register" and follow the steps. You will usually need your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to set up an account. This is a one-time step; after that, you can check your status anytime.

What information you need to check your license online

Have your driver's license in front of you before you start. You will need your license number, which is printed on the front of your license. You will also need your date of birth and usually your Social Security number (the last four digits, or all nine, depending on the state).

Some states ask for additional information to verify your identity: your full legal name exactly as it appears on the license, your address on file, or the state where you got your license. A few states ask you to answer a security question based on your DMV records — for example, "What color is your vehicle registered in your name?" — to prevent someone else from looking up your information.

Do not use a public or shared computer to enter your Social Security number or license information. Use your own device or a trusted computer at home. If you are using a public library computer or a friend's device, skip the online lookup and call the DMV instead.

What your license status report will show you

Once you submit your information, the system will display your current license status. The most common statuses are:

  • Active: Your license is valid and you can drive legally. The report will show your expiration date.
  • Expired: Your license passed its expiration date. You cannot drive legally; you must renew before you drive again.
  • Suspended: Your license has been temporarily taken away. The report will usually tell you why — unpaid fines, medical reasons, too many points, child support arrears, or other reasons — and when the suspension ends or what you must do to restore it.
  • Revoked: Your license has been permanently cancelled. You will need to reapply for a new license through a formal process, which varies by state and reason for revocation.
  • Cancelled: Your license is no longer valid, usually because you moved out of state or did not renew on time. You may be able to reinstate it.

The report will also show any restrictions on your license — for example, "corrective lenses required," "automatic transmission only," or "no driving between midnight and 5 a.m." These restrictions are printed on your physical license, but the online report confirms them.

If the report shows a problem — a suspension, revocation, or error in your name or address — write down the reason, the date it took effect, and any instructions for fixing it. You will need this information if you have to call the DMV or visit an office.

What to do if you find a problem with your license status

If your license is expired, you need to renew it before you drive again. Most states let you renew online, by mail, or in person. The process and timeline depend on how long ago it expired and your state's rules. Visit your state DMV website and search for "renew license" to find the correct form and steps.

If your license is suspended, the online report should tell you why and what you must do to restore it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, too many points on your record, a medical hold, or child support arrears. To restore your license, you usually must pay the fine, complete a defensive driving course, provide a medical clearance, or resolve the child support issue. Call the DMV customer service line to confirm what you owe and the exact steps to take.

If your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must go through a formal reinstatement process, which usually involves paying a reinstatement fee, waiting a set period of time, and sometimes passing a written or driving test again. The reason for revocation determines the process — revocation for a DUI is different from revocation for medical reasons. Call the DMV or visit an office to learn the steps for your situation.

If you find an error in your name, address, or other information on your license, call the DMV or visit an office with proof of the correct information (such as a birth certificate or utility bill). Errors can usually be corrected for free or a small fee.

How to check your license status by phone or in person

If your state does not offer an online lookup tool, or if you prefer not to use it, you can call the DMV customer service line. Search "[your state] DMV phone number" to find the main customer service line. Have your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. Wait times vary; calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter waits.

You can also visit a DMV office in person. Bring your driver's license and a second form of ID (such as a passport or state ID). Tell the staff member you want to check your license status. They will look it up in the system and print a report for you. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs nothing. No appointment is needed for a status check, but you may have to wait if the office is busy.

If you are checking your status because you suspect a problem — a suspension you did not know about, or a ticket that was not processed — ask the staff member for a written explanation of the status and any next steps. Keep this document for your records.

State-by-state differences in how to check your license

The process is similar in most states, but a few have unique systems. California, Texas, Florida, and New York all offer online lookup tools on their DMV websites, but the exact steps and information required vary slightly. Some states (such as Ohio and Pennsylvania) let you check your status through a third-party vendor website, not the DMV site directly.

A handful of states do not yet offer online lookup tools and require you to call or visit in person. These include Wyoming, South Dakota, and a few others. If you live in one of these states, call the DMV customer service line or visit your local office.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is usually the same, but some states have a separate CDL lookup tool. Search "[your state] CDL status" if you hold a commercial license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my license status?

Check your status at least once a year, or whenever you receive a traffic ticket or notice from the DMV. If your license is expiring soon, check it 2 to 3 months before the expiration date so you have time to renew. If you have ever had a suspension or revocation, check your status every few months to make sure it has been restored.

Can I check someone else's license status?

No. The online lookup tool requires personal information (license number, date of birth, Social Security number) that only the license holder should have. If you need to verify someone else's license — for example, as an employer or insurance company — you must contact the DMV directly with a written request and a valid reason.

What if the online tool says my license is suspended but I did not know about it?

Call the DMV customer service line when ready to find out why. Suspensions can happen for reasons you may not be aware of — a ticket you forgot about, a medical issue flagged by your doctor, or a child support hold. The DMV can tell you the exact reason and what you must do to restore your license. Do not drive until it is restored; driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in fines and jail time.

Does checking my license status online cost money?

No. Checking your license status is always free, whether you do it online, by phone, or in person. The DMV does not charge for status lookups. You may have to pay fees to renew your license, restore a suspension, or pay a fine, but the status check itself is free.

What if I cannot find my license number?

Your license number is printed on the front of your driver's license, usually in the upper right corner. If you have lost your license or cannot read the number, call the DMV and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can look up your license number and tell you your status. You can also visit a DMV office in person with a second form of ID.