REV stands for "Revoked" — your license has been suspended or cancelled by your state
If your driver's license shows "REV" or "REVOKED," it means your state's Department of Motor Vehicles has taken away your driving privileges. You cannot legally drive until the revocation is lifted. A revoked license is different from a suspended license — revocation is typically permanent or long-term, while suspension is usually temporary. Either way, driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense in most states.
The reason for revocation appears in your driving record, which you can request from your state's DMV. Common causes include multiple DUI convictions, accumulating too many traffic violations, failing to pay child support, or not maintaining required insurance. Some states also revoke licenses for medical reasons — if a doctor reports that you are unsafe to drive, or if you fail a vision or medical test.
If you see "REV" on your license, your first step is to contact your state's DMV directly to learn why it was revoked and what you must do to restore it. The process and timeline vary by state and by reason for revocation.
Key Takeaways
- REV on your license means your driving privileges have been revoked by your state, and you cannot legally drive until it is restored.
- Revocation is usually caused by DUI convictions, too many traffic violations, unpaid child support, or failure to maintain insurance.
- You must contact your state's DMV to find out the specific reason for your revocation and what steps are required to restore your license.
- The process to restore a revoked license varies by state and may include paying fees, completing a safety course, or waiting a set period of time.
- Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time.
How revocation differs from suspension
Both revocation and suspension remove your right to drive, but they work differently. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, usually 30 days to one year. Once that time passes and you meet any other requirements (like paying a reinstatement fee), your license is automatically restored or you can request restoration.
A revocation is more serious. Your license is cancelled, and you cannot straightforward wait out the clock. You must take specific action — such as completing a DUI education program, paying fines, or proving you have obtained insurance — before you can even request that your license be restored. Some revocations last several years; others are permanent unless you go through a formal appeal or reinstatement process.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, your DMV can tell you. The distinction matters because the steps to get back on the road are completely different.
Common reasons your license gets revoked
The most common reason for revocation is a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction. Most states revoke licenses for at least one year after a first DUI conviction, and longer for repeat offenses. A second or third DUI within a certain period can result in revocation for five years or more.
Other frequent causes include accumulating too many points on your driving record from traffic violations, failing to maintain car insurance (especially if you were in an accident), not paying court-ordered child support, or racking up unpaid traffic fines. Some states also revoke licenses if you are convicted of certain crimes, fail a medical examination, or lose your vision certification.
A few states revoke licenses for administrative reasons — for example, if you do not renew your license on time or if you provide false information on your process. The specific triggers vary by state, so your DMV record will show exactly why yours was revoked.
How to find out why your license was revoked
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles by phone, online, or in person. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The DMV can tell you the reason for revocation, the date it took effect, and whether any conditions must be met before you can request restoration.
You can also request a copy of your official driving record, which lists all violations, suspensions, and revocations on file. This record is important to have in hand because it shows exactly what you need to address. Some states charge a small fee for a driving record (typically $5 to $15), but it is worth getting so you know what you are dealing with.
If you believe the revocation was made in error, ask the DMV about the appeal process. Some states allow you to challenge a revocation if you have new evidence or if the decision was based on incorrect information.
Steps to restore a revoked license
The process depends on why your license was revoked. For a DUI revocation, you typically must complete a substance abuse education or treatment program, pay a reinstatement fee (usually $100 to $500), and sometimes pass a written test or vision test. Some states require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.
For revocation due to unpaid fines or child support, you must pay what you owe. For revocation due to lack of insurance, you must obtain a policy and provide proof to the DMV. For medical revocations, you may need to pass a new medical exam or get clearance from a doctor.
After you have completed all required steps, you submit a reinstatement request to your DMV. Processing times vary — some states restore licenses within days, others take several weeks. You may be required to pay a reinstatement fee on top of any other costs. Once approved, you can pick up your new license or have it mailed to you.
What happens if you drive with a revoked license
Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense in all states. Penalties include fines (often $500 to $1,000 or more), jail time (typically 10 days to several months for a first offense), and a longer revocation period. A second offense carries harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.
You may also face additional charges if you cause an accident or are pulled over for another violation while driving on a revoked license. Your vehicle can be impounded, and your insurance company may deny coverage for any accident that occurs while you are driving illegally.
If you need to drive before your license is restored, some states offer a hardship license or restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Ask your DMV whether this option is available in your state and what you must do to request one.
Hardship and restricted licenses
Many states allow drivers with revoked licenses to request a hardship or restricted license if they can show a genuine need to drive — for example, to get to work, attend school, or receive medical treatment. A hardship license is not a full license; it limits where and when you can drive.
To request a hardship license, you typically must show proof of your need (such as a job offer letter or school enrollment), proof that no other transportation is available, and sometimes proof that you have completed part of the reinstatement process (such as a DUI education course). You may also have to pay a fee.
Not all states offer hardship licenses, and the rules vary widely. Some states grant them only for certain types of revocation (such as DUI), while others are more flexible. Your DMV can tell you whether you are may be able to access and what the process process looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license back after it is revoked?
Yes, in most cases. You must complete whatever requirements your state set for your specific revocation — such as paying fines, completing a DUI course, or obtaining insurance — and then request reinstatement from your DMV. Some revocations have a waiting period before you can even request restoration. A few states have permanent revocations for repeat serious offenses, but these are rare.
How long does revocation usually last?
It depends on the reason. DUI revocations typically last one to five years depending on how many prior DUIs you have. Revocations for unpaid fines or child support end once you pay. Medical revocations may last until you pass a new exam. Your DMV can tell you the specific timeline for your revocation.
What is the difference between REV and SUSP on a license?
SUSP means suspended — your license is temporarily taken away but will be restored automatically after a set time if you meet any conditions. REV means revoked — your license is cancelled and you must take action to request restoration. Revocation is more serious and typically lasts longer than suspension.
Can I drive with a revoked license if I have a hardship license?
A hardship or restricted license is a limited license that allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually work, school, or medical appointments. You can only drive during the times and to the places listed on the license. Driving outside those limits is still illegal.
What should I do if I see REV on my license but do not know why?
Contact your state's DMV when ready by phone or online. Provide your license number or Social Security number, and ask for the reason and date of revocation. Request a copy of your driving record so you have all the details. Then ask what steps you need to take to restore your license.