Check your suspension status through the Florida DHSMV website or by phone

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs a free online tool where you can see whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid. You do not need a password or login — you only need your driver's license number and date of birth. Go to DHSMV.gov, find the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link (usually under a "Services" or "Driver License" section), and enter your information. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is suspended and, if it is, the reason why.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 during business hours. A representative will look up your status over the phone. Have your driver's license number ready. The phone line can be slow during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means shorter wait times.

Both methods are free and take only a few minutes. The online tool is faster if you want an answer right away.

Key Takeaways

  • The DHSMV website at DHSMV.gov has a free tool that shows your license status in seconds using only your license number and date of birth.
  • If your license is suspended, the online tool will show you the reason — such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical suspension.
  • You can also call 1-850-617-3800 during business hours to have a DHSMV representative check your status by phone.
  • A suspension means 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 reason for your suspension determines what you must do to get your license back — some require payment, others require a hearing or medical clearance.

Why your license might be suspended in Florida

Florida suspends licenses for many different reasons, and the reason matters because it determines how you restore your driving privileges. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, accumulating too many points on your driving record, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, and failure to maintain car insurance after an accident or violation.

Medical suspensions happen when the DHSMV receives a report from a doctor or law enforcement that you may be medically unfit to drive — for example, after a seizure, a serious accident, or a report of unsafe driving. Administrative suspensions can result from refusing a breath test during a DUI stop. Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically after a set period; others require you to take action.

Knowing the specific reason is the first step toward fixing it. The online tool or phone line will tell you the reason, and that reason will guide your next steps.

What to do if your license is suspended

Once you know why your license is suspended, your next step depends on the reason. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to pay what you owe to the court or the traffic violation agency. Contact the court listed in your suspension notice, or call the DHSMV to ask which court or agency to contact. Payment often lifts the suspension within one to three business days, though you should verify by checking your status again online.

If the suspension is due to failure to maintain insurance, you will need to show proof of current insurance to the DHSMV. You can do this by mail, in person at a DHSMV office, or sometimes online through the DHSMV website. Once they receive and process your proof of insurance, the suspension is usually lifted within a few days.

For DUI-related suspensions, you may need to complete a DUI course, pay a reinstatement fee, and sometimes attend a hearing. Medical suspensions typically require a letter from a doctor stating you are fit to drive, or a medical examination arranged by the DHSMV. Child support suspensions require you to contact the Florida Department of Revenue to arrange a payment plan or demonstrate compliance.

If you are unsure what action your suspension requires, call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 and ask. They can tell you exactly what documents or payments are needed and where to send them.

Reinstatement fees and how long restoration takes

Most suspensions in Florida require a reinstatement fee once you have resolved the underlying issue. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension — it is typically between $150 and $500. You pay this fee to the DHSMV, usually by mail or at a DHSMV office, along with proof that you have fixed the problem (paid fines, obtained insurance, completed a course, etc.).

After you submit payment and documentation, the DHSMV processes your reinstatement. This usually takes five to ten business days, though it can take longer if the office is busy or if your paperwork is incomplete. You can check your status again online to see when your license has been restored. Do not drive until the online tool confirms your license is valid — driving on a suspended license, even if you have submitted reinstatement paperwork, is illegal.

Some suspensions lift automatically after a set time period without any action on your part. For example, a suspension for accumulating too many points may lift after a certain number of years of clean driving. The online status check will tell you whether your suspension is automatic or requires action.

Driving on a suspended license in Florida

Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Florida. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, which can result in up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. A second offense within five years is a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. These penalties are separate from whatever caused the suspension in the first place.

If you are stopped by police and your license is suspended, you can be arrested on the spot. Your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face court costs and legal fees in addition to criminal charges. Even a minor traffic stop — a broken taillight or speeding — can lead to arrest if your license status comes back as suspended.

If your license is suspended and you need to drive, your only legal option is to request a hardship license or business purposes license from the DHSMV. These are limited licenses that allow you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You must meet specific criteria and file a petition with the DHSMV. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a hardship license, so ask the DHSMV whether yours does.

How to request a hardship license

A hardship license (also called a business purposes license) allows limited driving for essential activities when your license is suspended. To request one, you must file a petition with the DHSMV or the court that issued your suspension. The petition must explain why you need to drive — for example, to get to work, attend school, or receive medical treatment — and show that you have no other way to meet that need.

Not all suspension reasons allow a hardship license. Suspensions for DUI, reckless driving, or habitual traffic offender status may not may have access to. Suspensions for unpaid fines, failure to maintain insurance, or points accumulation are more likely to may have access to. Call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 to ask whether your suspension type allows a hardship license and what documents you need to submit.

If approved, a hardship license is temporary and limited to specific purposes. You can only drive during the hours and for the reasons listed on the license. Violating the terms of a hardship license — for example, driving somewhere other than work — is a separate criminal offense.

Where to find your suspension notice and court information

When your license is suspended, the DHSMV mails you a notice explaining the reason and what you need to do. If you have lost this notice or did not receive it, you can request a copy from the DHSMV or from the court or agency that caused the suspension. The online status check will tell you which court or agency is involved.

If your suspension is due to a traffic violation or court fine, contact the traffic court in the county where the violation occurred. If it is due to child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue. If it is due to an accident or insurance issue, contact your local DHSMV office or the agency that reported it. Each agency can tell you what documents you need and where to send them.

Keep any notices or correspondence you receive about your suspension. These documents prove what you owe and to whom, and they are often required when you explore for reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to restore a suspended license in Florida?

It depends on the reason for suspension and how quickly you resolve it. If you pay fines or submit proof of insurance, the DHSMV usually processes your reinstatement within five to ten business days. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period. Call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 to ask how long your specific suspension will last.

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

You may be able to, depending on the reason for your suspension. Hardship licenses are not available for all suspension types — DUI and habitual traffic offender suspensions usually do not may have access to. Contact the DHSMV to ask whether your suspension allows a hardship license and what you need to submit to request one.

What happens if I get pulled over while my license is suspended?

You can be arrested. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. You may face jail time, fines, and a longer suspension. Your vehicle can be impounded, and you will owe towing and storage fees. Do not drive until your license is restored.

Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee even if my suspension was a mistake?

If the suspension was issued in error, you can dispute it by contacting the DHSMV or the court that issued it. If the error is corrected, you should not owe a reinstatement fee. However, if the suspension was valid and you have now resolved the issue, yes, you will owe the reinstatement fee before your license is restored.

Can I check someone else's license status?

No. The DHSMV online tool requires the license holder's license number and date of birth. You cannot look up another person's status without their permission and information. If you need to know someone else's status for a legal reason, you may need to go through the court system.