Check your Florida license status through the DHSMV website
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you look up your driver license status online without calling or visiting an office. You go to the DHSMV website, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and see whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
This lookup tells you your current status but does not show the reason behind a suspension or revocation. If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to contact DHSMV directly or visit a local office to find out why and what steps come next.
The lookup is free and takes about two minutes. You do not need to create an account or provide a Social Security number.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online lookup tool shows whether your Florida license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired using only your license number and date of birth.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive but may be able to reinstate your license by paying fines or completing requirements; a revocation is permanent unless DHSMV grants reinstatement after a waiting period.
- The online tool does not explain why your license was suspended or revoked, so you must contact DHSMV or visit an office in person to learn the reason.
- If your license is suspended due to unpaid traffic fines, insurance lapses, or DUI convictions, different reinstatement steps explore depending on the cause.
What the online lookup shows and does not show
The DHSMV lookup returns one of four statuses: valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. A valid license means you can legally drive in Florida. An expired license means your renewal date has passed and you need to renew before driving again.
A suspended license means you cannot drive, but the suspension is temporary and can usually be lifted once you meet certain conditions—such as paying court fines, reinstating insurance coverage, or completing a DUI education course. A revoked license means DHSMV has permanently canceled your driving privilege, though you may petition for reinstatement after a waiting period (usually one to five years depending on the reason).
The lookup does not tell you why your license was suspended or revoked. It also does not show points on your driving record, traffic violations, or insurance history. If you need that information, you must request your driving record from DHSMV or contact the agency directly.
How to use the DHSMV online lookup tool
Go to the DHSMV website and find the "Driver License Status" or "Check License Status" link. You will be asked for two pieces of information: your Florida driver license number and your date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
Enter both pieces of information exactly as they appear on your license or in DHSMV records. If you enter the information incorrectly, the system will not return a result. Once you submit, the page will display your status within seconds.
If the lookup does not work, your license number or date of birth may be entered incorrectly, or your record may not yet be in the online system. In that case, contact DHSMV by phone or visit a local Driver License office in person.
What to do if your license is suspended
A suspension is not permanent, but you cannot drive legally until it is lifted. The reason for the suspension determines what you must do to reinstate your license. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to maintain car insurance, DUI conviction, or accumulation of too many points on your driving record.
Contact DHSMV to learn the specific reason for your suspension. You can call the DHSMV customer service line, visit a Driver License office in person, or check your DHSMV online account if you have created one. Once you know the reason, DHSMV will tell you what steps are required—for example, paying fines to the court, providing proof of insurance, or completing a substance abuse course.
After you complete the required steps, you must formally request reinstatement through DHSMV. This usually involves submitting paperwork or paying a reinstatement fee. The timeline varies: some suspensions lift within days of payment, while others take one to two weeks after DHSMV processes your request.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revocation is more serious than a suspension. It means DHSMV has permanently canceled your driving privilege, usually because of a serious violation such as a felony conviction, multiple DUI offenses, or habitual traffic offender status. You cannot drive legally in Florida or any other state while revoked.
Most revocations come with a mandatory waiting period before you can petition for reinstatement. The waiting period is typically one to five years, depending on the reason for revocation. During this time, you cannot drive and cannot request reinstatement.
After the waiting period ends, you may petition DHSMV for reinstatement. The agency will review your petition and decide whether to restore your driving privilege. Even if your petition is approved, you may be required to pass a written test, vision test, or driving test before you receive a new license.
Contact DHSMV if the online lookup does not work
If you cannot find your status online, contact DHSMV directly. You can call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-888-769-2778 (toll-free in Florida) or visit a local Driver License office. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready when you call.
If you do not have your license number, you can provide your full name and date of birth instead, though the lookup may take longer. DHSMV offices are located in most Florida counties and are open during standard business hours Monday through Friday.
You can also create an online account through the DHSMV website to view your license status, driving record, and vehicle registration information at any time. Creating an account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver license number.
How suspension and revocation affect your insurance
If your license is suspended or revoked, your car insurance policy may be affected. Many insurers will cancel your policy if you lose your driving privilege, since you cannot legally drive. Some insurers will suspend your policy instead, which means coverage is paused but not canceled.
If your suspension or revocation is lifted and you want to drive again, contact your insurance company before you get back on the road. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee or provide proof that your license has been restored. If your policy was canceled, you will need to purchase a new policy.
If you were suspended due to a lapse in insurance coverage, you may be required to file an SR-22 form with DHSMV before you can reinstate your license. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have active insurance. Your insurer files this form on your behalf once you purchase a policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see my status online?
The lookup is when ready. Once you enter your license number and date of birth, the result appears on your screen within seconds. However, if you recently had a suspension or revocation issued, it may take one to three business days for the status to appear in the online system.
Can I look up someone else's license status?
No. The online lookup requires your own driver license number and date of birth. You cannot search for another person's status. If you need information about someone else's license, that person must look it up themselves or authorize you in writing to request their driving record from DHSMV.
What if my license is expired but not suspended?
An expired license is different from a suspended one. You can renew an expired license by visiting a Driver License office, explore online through the DHSMV website, or renewing by mail if you are may be able to access. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if it is not suspended.
Does the online lookup show traffic violations or points?
No. The lookup only shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. To see your driving record, traffic violations, and points, you must request your official driving record from DHSMV. You can order this online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office.
What if I lost my driver license number?
If you do not have your license number, call DHSMV at 1-888-769-2778 and provide your full name and date of birth. A representative can look up your number and tell you your status. You can also visit a local Driver License office and ask staff to look it up for you.