How to check your Broward County license status online
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs an online tool where you can check whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid. You do not need to visit a Broward County office or call anyone — you can do this from home in minutes.
Go to flhsmv.gov and look for the "License Status" or "Driver License Status" link on the homepage. You will need your driver license number and your date of birth. Enter both, and the system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
If the online tool is down or you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-844-5-FLORIDA (1-844-535-3742). They can look up your status over the phone. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online license status tool at flhsmv.gov shows your current license status in real time using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, and accumulating too many points.
- You must resolve the reason for suspension before you can restore your license, and restoration often requires paying a fee to the DHSMV.
- Broward County has multiple license offices where you can get help understanding why your license was suspended and what steps come next.
Why your Broward County license might be suspended
Florida suspends licenses for specific reasons, and knowing which one applies to you is the first step toward getting it back. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic citations, failure to pay court fines, accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, and DUI or reckless driving convictions.
Other suspension triggers include failure to pay child support, failure to maintain car insurance, medical conditions that make driving unsafe, and failure to appear in court for a traffic violation. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you are convicted of DUI, your license is suspended when ready, even before sentencing.
The online status check will not always tell you the exact reason, especially if multiple issues led to the suspension. If you need details, call the DHSMV at 1-844-535-3742 or visit a Broward County license office in person.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time. The first step is to find out what caused the suspension and what you must do to fix it.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or traffic citations, you will need to pay the outstanding amount. If it is due to points, you may need to wait out the suspension period or take a driver improvement course to reduce points. If it is due to a DUI conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse course and install an ignition interlock device.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you must request a license restoration from the DHSMV. This usually involves paying a restoration fee (the amount varies depending on the reason for suspension) and submitting any required documents, such as proof of insurance or course completion certificates.
Broward County DMV office locations and hours
Broward County has multiple license offices where you can speak with staff about your suspended license. The main office is located in Fort Lauderdale, but there are also offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities throughout the county.
Before you visit, check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm hours and to find out what documents you should bring. Many offices now use appointment systems, so you may need to schedule a time slot rather than walk in. Bring your suspended license, proof of identity, proof of residence, and any documents related to resolving the suspension (such as proof of payment or course completion).
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can handle some restoration requests by mail. The DHSMV website has instructions for mailing in your restoration request along with the required fee and documents.
How long a suspension lasts
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Some suspensions last a fixed period — for example, a first DUI suspension typically lasts six months. Others remain in place until you take a specific action, such as paying a fine or completing a course.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, it will stay in effect until you pay. If it is due to points, it will last until the points drop off your record (usually 12 months after the violation) or until you complete a driver improvement course. If it is due to a medical condition, it may be lifted once you provide medical clearance.
The online status check will sometimes show an estimated end date for your suspension. If it does not, call the DHSMV to ask how long your specific suspension will last and what you need to do to end it sooner.
Restoring your license after suspension
License restoration is not automatic — you must request it once you have resolved the issue that caused the suspension. The process varies depending on the reason for suspension, but generally involves submitting a restoration request to the DHSMV along with proof that you have fixed the problem.
For suspensions due to unpaid fines, you will need to provide proof of payment. For DUI suspensions, you will need to show proof of completing a substance abuse course and proof of insurance. For suspensions due to points, you may need to show proof of completing a driver improvement course.
You will also need to pay a restoration fee, which ranges from $25 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension. Once the DHSMV receives your request and fee, processing usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at a Broward County office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Florida and is a criminal offense. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested, fined, and jailed. Your vehicle can also be impounded. Do not drive until your license is restored.
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
Processing time is usually one to two weeks after the DHSMV receives your restoration request and fee. If you submit by mail, add time for postal delivery. If you submit in person at a Broward County office, you may get faster processing.
What if I do not know why my license is suspended?
Call the DHSMV at 1-844-535-3742 with your license number and date of birth. They will tell you the reason and what you need to do to fix it. You can also visit a Broward County license office in person and ask staff to explain.
Do I have to pay a fee to restore my license?
Yes. Restoration fees range from $25 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension. You must pay this fee along with your restoration request. Some suspensions also require you to pay the underlying debt (such as unpaid fines) before restoration is possible.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Florida does offer hardship licenses in some cases, which allow limited driving for work, school, or medical reasons. You must request one from the DHSMV and meet specific requirements. Call 1-844-535-3742 to ask whether you may be may be able to access for a hardship license.