How to learn about your Florida license is suspended right now
You can check whether your Florida driver's license is suspended through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by phone, or in person. The fastest way is the online license status check at the DHSMV website — it takes about two minutes and tells you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked.
If you find your license is suspended, the same check will show you the reason (unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension, or another cause) and what you need to do to restore it. Different suspension reasons have different paths to getting your license back, so knowing the reason is your first step.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online license status tool at flhsmv.gov is the fastest way to check; you need your driver's license number or Social Security number.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive; driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties and can make the suspension longer.
- The reason for suspension (unpaid fines, failure to appear, medical hold, or insurance-related) determines what steps you must take to restore your license.
- You can also call the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2338 or visit a local Driver License office in person if you cannot use the online tool.
Using the DHSMV online license status check
Go to flhsmv.gov and look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link on the homepage. You will need either your Florida driver's license number or your Social Security number to search. Enter the number and your date of birth, then click search.
The result will show your license status in seconds. If it says "Active," your license is valid and you can drive. If it says "Suspended" or "Revoked," the page will also display the reason code and the date the suspension began. Write down or screenshot this information — you will need it to understand what comes next.
What the suspension reason codes mean
Florida uses letter codes to show why a license is suspended. The most common ones are: "FTA" (Failure to Appear — you missed a court date), "FTR" (Failure to Pay — unpaid traffic fines or court costs), "DWLS" (Driving With License Suspended — you drove while already suspended), "Medical" (a doctor or the state flagged a medical concern), and "Insurance" (you did not maintain required auto insurance or did not report an accident).
Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically after a set time or once you pay what is owed. Others require you to take action — paying fines, appearing in court, getting a medical clearance, or showing proof of insurance. The DHSMV website or a phone call to the DHSMV can tell you which type yours is and what the next step looks like.
Checking your status by phone or in person
If you cannot use the online tool, call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-888-769-2338. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. A representative will look up your status and read you the reason code and any details about what you need to do.
You can also visit any Driver License office in Florida in person. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security number. Staff can print your license status record on the spot. This is useful if you need a document showing your status for a court, employer, or insurance company, or if you want to ask questions about restoring your license face-to-face.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know the reason, your next steps depend on what caused the suspension. If it is unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to pay the amount owed to the court or the traffic fine collection agency. If it is a failure to appear, you must contact the court and resolve the case — sometimes by appearing, sometimes by paying a fine or completing a requirement.
If the suspension is medical, you will need to get a medical evaluation or clearance from a doctor and submit it to the DHSMV. If it is insurance-related, you must show proof of current auto insurance. Once you have completed the required step, you can request license restoration through the DHSMV — some restorations happen automatically once the issue is resolved, while others require you to file a formal request and sometimes pay a restoration fee.
Why you should not drive on a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Florida, not just a traffic violation. A first offense can result in a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both. A second offense within five years carries a fine up to $1,000 and up to five days in jail. A third offense is a felony.
Beyond the legal consequences, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension — the court can add time to it or impose additional penalties. It also creates a record that makes it harder to restore your license later. If you are caught, you may also face vehicle impound, higher insurance rates, and problems getting hired for jobs that require a clean driving record.
How long suspensions usually last
Suspension length depends on the reason and whether it is your first suspension. A suspension for unpaid fines or failure to appear typically lasts until you resolve the issue — there is no set calendar date. A suspension for driving with a suspended license usually lasts six months to one year. A medical suspension may last until you provide clearance, or it may be permanent depending on the condition.
Some suspensions are "indefinite," meaning they stay in place until you take action. Others are "fixed-term," meaning they automatically lift on a specific date. The DHSMV status check should tell you which type yours is. If it does not, call the DHSMV or visit a Driver License office to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspension means you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense. If you need to drive for work, you must restore your license first by resolving the reason for the suspension.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A license suspension itself does not appear on a criminal background check unless you were arrested for driving with a suspended license. However, employers who check your driving record through the DHSMV will see the suspension. Some employers require a clean driving record as a condition of hire.
How much does it cost to restore a suspended license in Florida?
Restoration fees vary by reason. Most restorations cost between $25 and $75, but you may also owe the underlying fine, court costs, or other fees that caused the suspension. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out the total amount you owe.
What if I lost my driver's license number and cannot check online?
Call the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2338 and provide your Social Security number and date of birth instead. A representative can look up your status without your license number. You can also visit a Driver License office in person with a photo ID and Social Security number.
Can I get a hardship license while mine is suspended?
Florida does offer a hardship license in some cases, but only for certain suspension reasons and only if you meet strict requirements. You must request one through the court or the DHSMV. Not all suspension reasons may have access to, so ask the DHSMV whether a hardship license is an option for your situation.