REV is a restriction code that means your license is under review by your state's DMV
REV on your driver's license means your license status is under review. The DMV has flagged your record for one of several reasons — a pending suspension, an incomplete renewal, a medical review, or an administrative hold — and your driving privileges are temporarily in limbo while they investigate or process the matter.
You can still drive while the review is happening, but your license is not fully valid. If you are stopped by police, the officer will see the REV code in their system and may ask questions about the pending review. Some states allow you to drive to work or school during a review period; others do not. The rules depend on why your license is under review and which state issued it.
The REV code is not permanent. Once the DMV completes the review — whether that means clearing you, suspending you, or renewing your license — the code disappears and your license returns to normal status or changes to reflect the outcome.
Key Takeaways
- REV means your license is under administrative review and your status is not yet final.
- You may still be able to drive during the review, but your license is not fully valid and police can see the pending status.
- Common reasons for REV include incomplete renewals, medical reviews, pending suspensions, or administrative holds from the court or another agency.
- Contact your state DMV directly to find out why your license has a REV code and how long the review will take.
- The code is removed once the review is complete, whether your license is renewed, suspended, or cleared.
Common reasons your license gets a REV code
The most frequent cause is an incomplete renewal. You submitted a renewal process but did not provide all required documents — proof of residency, a new photo, medical certification, or payment — and the DMV is waiting for you to send the missing items. Until you do, your license stays in review status.
A medical review also triggers REV. Some states require drivers over a certain age, or drivers with certain medical conditions, to submit a doctor's report or pass a vision test before renewal. While the DMV reviews that paperwork, your license shows REV.
Pending suspensions are another common source. A court ordered a suspension for unpaid fines, a DUI conviction, or accumulated points, but the suspension has not yet taken effect. The REV code signals that the suspension is coming and your status is in transition.
An administrative hold from a court, child support agency, or law enforcement can also place your license under review. These holds are usually temporary and are lifted once the underlying issue is resolved.
What you can and cannot do while your license shows REV
Driving rules during a REV period vary by state. In many states, you can continue to drive for essential purposes — work, school, medical appointments — but not for other reasons. Some states allow unrestricted driving during the review period. A few states restrict driving entirely until the review is complete.
Check your state DMV's website or call their customer service line to learn the specific rules in your state. If you are stopped by police, the officer will see the REV code and may ask why your license is under review. Be honest and explain that you are waiting for the DMV to complete the process. Driving with a REV code is not the same as driving with a suspended license, so you will not automatically face a criminal charge, but the officer may issue a citation if you are driving outside the permitted scope.
Do not ignore a REV code. If the review is for an incomplete renewal, submit the missing documents as soon as possible. If it is for a medical review, get your doctor's report in quickly. The longer you wait, the longer your license remains in limbo.
How to find out why your license is under review
Log into your state's DMV online portal if one exists. Most state DMVs now offer a license status checker where you can enter your license number and see whether it shows REV and sometimes why. The portal may also tell you what documents or steps are needed to clear the review.
If the online portal does not explain the reason, call your state DMV's customer service number. Have your license number and Social Security number ready. The representative can tell you exactly why the review was triggered, what you need to do to resolve it, and how long the process usually takes.
You can also visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current license and any documents the DMV has asked for. A staff member can look up your record and either complete the review on the spot or tell you what is missing.
How long a REV review typically takes
The timeline depends on the reason for the review. An incomplete renewal usually clears within 1 to 2 weeks of submitting the missing documents. A medical review can take 2 to 4 weeks while the DMV processes your doctor's report. A pending suspension may show REV for several days to a few weeks before the suspension officially takes effect.
Administrative holds vary widely. A child support hold might clear within days once the agency confirms payment or a payment plan. A court hold may take longer if the underlying case is still active.
Do not assume the review will resolve on its own. Follow up with the DMV if you have not heard back within the expected timeframe. Some reviews stall because paperwork is lost or misfiled, and a phone call can get things moving again.
Renewing your license while it shows REV
If your license is expiring soon and it currently shows REV, renew it anyway. Submit your renewal process along with whatever documents triggered the review in the first place. For example, if the REV is due to an incomplete medical review, include your doctor's report with your renewal.
Some states allow you to renew online or by mail even with a REV code. Others require you to renew in person so a staff member can verify that the review issue is resolved. Check your state DMV's website to see which method applies to you.
Do not wait for the REV code to disappear before renewing. If your license expires while under review, you will lose your valid driving status entirely, and the renewal process will take even longer.
What happens after the review is complete
Once the DMV finishes the review, one of three things happens: your license is cleared and returns to normal status, your license is renewed with a new expiration date, or your license is suspended.
If the review clears you, the REV code is removed from your record and you receive a new physical license in the mail (in most states) or can pick one up at a DMV office. If the review results in a suspension, you will receive a notice explaining the suspension period and any conditions you must meet to get your license back.
Check your DMV account or call the DMV a few days after you expect the review to be complete. Do not assume the process is finished just because you have not heard anything. Some DMVs do not send notifications, and you have to check yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state if my license shows REV?
Most states recognize REV codes only within their own system, so another state's police may not see the code when they run your license. However, your home state's DMV can still suspend or revoke your license while you are out of state, and you could face penalties if you are stopped and the officer discovers the issue through a national database check. It is safer to resolve the review before traveling.
Will a REV code show up on a background check?
A REV code is a DMV administrative status, not a criminal record, so it typically does not appear on employment or housing background checks. However, some employers or agencies that check driving records directly with the DMV may see it. If you are concerned, contact the organization doing the background check and ask what they will see.
What if I move to another state while my license shows REV?
Contact your original state's DMV and ask how to handle the review if you are relocating. Some states will clear the review and issue a final status before you leave. Others will transfer the review to your new state's DMV. Do not assume the issue will disappear when you move — it usually follows your record.
Can I get a temporary license while my license is under review?
Some states issue temporary driving permits during a review period, especially if the review is expected to take several weeks. Ask your DMV whether a temporary permit is available and what you need to do to get one. Temporary permits usually have the same restrictions as a license under review.
What if the DMV made a mistake and my license should not show REV?
Call the DMV and explain the situation. Ask to speak with a supervisor if the first representative cannot resolve it. If the error is confirmed, the DMV should remove the code when ready and may issue you a corrected license. Request written confirmation of the correction for your records.