Check your Florida license status through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains your license record and can tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked. You can check the status yourself in two ways: through the DHSMV website using your driver's license number, or by calling their customer service line. Both methods take a few minutes and give you an when ready answer.
The online method is faster if you have your license number handy. The phone method works if you prefer to speak with someone or if you do not have internet access. Either way, you will learn whether your license is currently active or if there is a hold, suspension, or other issue you need to address.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV website at www.flhsmv.gov lets you check your license status when ready using your driver's license number and date of birth.
- You can also call the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-2000 during business hours to speak with a representative about your license status.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; a revoked license is a more serious penalty that requires reinstatement steps before you can drive again.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the DHSMV website shows the reason and the steps you must take to restore it.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
Using the DHSMV website to check your status online
Go to www.flhsmv.gov and look for the "License and Permit Status" tool on the homepage. You will need your Florida driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information and the system will display your current status within seconds.
The status will show one of several outcomes: valid and active, suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, the page will also tell you the reason — for example, unpaid child support, a DUI conviction, or accumulation of traffic violation points. The page may also show what you need to do next, such as paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required course.
If you cannot find the tool on the homepage, search the site for "license status" or "check my license." The DHSMV website is updated regularly, so the exact location of the tool may shift, but the search function will point you to it.
Calling the DHSMV customer service line
If you prefer to speak with someone, call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000. This is the main customer service number for all license and registration questions. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
Customer service hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times vary depending on call volume. If you reach a representative, they can tell you your status, explain why your license is suspended or revoked if applicable, and walk you through the next steps to restore it.
If you reach an automated system first, listen for the option to check license status or speak with a representative. Some calls are routed to a queue; if so, you may be asked to call back during less busy times.
Understanding suspension versus revocation
A suspended license is a temporary removal of your driving privilege. Once you complete the required steps — such as paying a fine, attending traffic school, or resolving a court issue — you can restore your license. Suspension is the more common outcome and is usually reversible.
A revoked license is a more serious penalty. Revocation typically results from serious violations such as a DUI conviction, multiple suspensions, or driving with a suspended license. Revocation lasts longer than suspension and requires you to go through a formal reinstatement process, which may include a written test, a road test, or both. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and drive again.
The DHSMV website will tell you which one applies to you and what the specific reason is. If you are unsure what the reason means or what you need to do, the customer service line can explain it in detail.
Common reasons for suspension in Florida
Florida suspends licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, and accumulation of too many points from traffic violations within a set time period. Other reasons include unpaid child support, failure to maintain car insurance, or a DUI-related conviction.
Each reason has its own resolution path. For unpaid fines, you pay the amount owed. For failure to appear, you may need to go to court and resolve the case. For points accumulation, you may need to complete a defensive driving course. The DHSMV website or customer service representative will tell you which applies to your situation.
If you do not know why your license is suspended, do not guess. Call the DHSMV or check the website so you know exactly what to do. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
Once you know the reason for the suspension or revocation, take action as soon as possible. If you owe money, find out the exact amount and where to pay it. If you need to appear in court, contact the court listed on your notice. If you need to complete a course, search for approved providers in your area.
After you complete the required steps, you will usually need to request reinstatement from the DHSMV. Some reinstatements are automatic once the issue is resolved; others require you to submit a form or pay a reinstatement fee. The DHSMV website or customer service line will tell you whether you need to take an additional action or if your license will be restored automatically.
Keep documentation of everything you do — receipts for payments, certificates of completion for courses, court documents. If there is a delay in your license being restored, you will have proof that you completed your obligations.
If your license is expired instead of suspended
If the status check shows that your license is expired, that is a different issue from suspension or revocation. An expired license means you did not renew it before the expiration date. You can renew your Florida license online, by mail, or in person at a local DHSMV office, depending on your age and how long it has been expired.
Visit www.flhsmv.gov and look for the renewal option, or call 850-617-2000 to find out which renewal method works for you. Renewal is usually faster and simpler than dealing with a suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
It depends on the reason for the suspension and how quickly you resolve it. If you pay an outstanding fine, your license may be restored within one to three business days. If you need to complete a course or resolve a court case, it may take longer. Contact the DHSMV after you complete your obligations to confirm your license has been restored.
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Florida and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the court or DHSMV about a hardship license, which may be available in some cases.
What if the website says my license is valid but I received a suspension notice?
The website updates regularly but may not reflect very recent actions when ready. If you received a written notice of suspension, follow the instructions on that notice. If you are unsure, call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to confirm your current status with a representative.
Do I need to renew my license if it is suspended?
No. Your license cannot be renewed while it is suspended. Once the suspension is lifted and your license is restored, you can renew it if it is also expired. The DHSMV will tell you if both actions are needed.
Is there a fee to check my license status?
No. Checking your license status through the DHSMV website or by phone is free. You may owe fees for reinstatement or other actions needed to restore your license, but the status check itself costs nothing.