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. Go to flhsmv.gov, find the "License and Permit Information" section, and use the License Status Inquiry tool. You will need your driver license number and date of birth.
The tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It also displays any restrictions or endorsements on your license — like corrective lenses or commercial driving qualifications. The search takes seconds and works 24 hours a day.
If you do not have your license number handy, you can search by your name and date of birth instead, though the license number search is faster. The results appear when ready on screen.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV License Status Inquiry tool at flhsmv.gov shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired in real time.
- You need either your driver license number or your name and date of birth to search.
- The tool runs 24 hours a day and shows restrictions, endorsements, and any active suspensions or revocations.
- If the tool shows a suspension or revocation, you can contact DHSMV by phone at 1-888-769-2778 to learn the reason and what steps to take next.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The tool shows your expiration date so you know when to renew.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date. You cannot legally drive with an expired license in Florida, even if it expired yesterday. You must renew before driving again.
Suspended means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or too many points on your driving record. A suspension can last weeks or years depending on the reason. You cannot drive during a suspension, and driving anyway is a separate criminal offense.
Revoked means the state has permanently cancelled your license. You cannot drive in Florida and cannot get a new license until you meet specific conditions — usually after a waiting period and by passing a new written and road test. Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually follows multiple suspensions or serious violations like DUI.
Why your license might be suspended or revoked
Florida suspends licenses for many reasons beyond traffic violations. Unpaid court fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions that affect safe driving, and failure to maintain car insurance all trigger suspensions. The DHSMV website does not always show the specific reason in the status tool, so you may need to call.
If you see a suspension or revocation, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 1-888-769-2778. They can tell you the exact reason, how long it lasts, and what you must do to restore your license. Have your driver license number ready when you call.
Some suspensions lift automatically after the waiting period ends. Others require you to take action — paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or submitting proof of insurance. The DHSMV representative will explain which applies to you.
Checking restrictions and endorsements on your license
The License Status Inquiry tool also shows any restrictions or endorsements printed on your license. A restriction limits how you can drive — for example, "corrective lenses required" means you must wear glasses or contacts. Other common restrictions include "automatic transmission only" or "daylight driving only."
An endorsement adds a qualification to your license, usually for commercial or specialized driving. The most common is a commercial driver license (CDL) endorsement, which allows you to drive trucks or buses. Motorcycle endorsements also appear here.
If the tool shows a restriction you do not believe is correct, or if you want to remove a restriction, contact DHSMV or visit a local driver license office with your medical records or other supporting documents.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If the status tool shows a suspension, your first step is to call DHSMV at 1-888-769-2778 and ask what caused it and what you must do to restore it. Write down the reason, the date it will end (if applicable), and any action required on your part.
Common restoration steps include paying court fines, submitting proof of insurance, or completing a substance abuse course. Some suspensions require you to visit a driver license office in person with documents. The DHSMV representative will tell you exactly what is needed and where to send it or bring it.
If your license is revoked, the process is longer. You typically must wait a set period (often one to five years), then explore for reinstatement through a driver license office. You may need to pass the written test and road test again. Ask DHSMV when you become may be able to access to reapply.
Renewing an expired Florida driver license
If your license is expired, you can renew online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license expired less than six months ago, you have no medical suspensions, and you are not required to take a new photo. Most people can renew this way.
Go to flhsmv.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the steps. You will pay the renewal fee online and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
If you cannot renew online, or if your license expired more than six months ago, you must visit a driver license office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You may need to take a new photo and pass a vision test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Florida and is a separate criminal offense. If you are stopped, you face fines, jail time, and additional license suspension. If your license is suspended, do not drive until it is restored.
How long does a suspension usually last?
It depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines may last weeks or months. Suspensions for DUI or reckless driving can last years. Call DHSMV at 1-888-769-2778 to learn the end date for your specific suspension.
What if the License Status Inquiry tool does not work?
The tool occasionally goes offline for maintenance. Try again in a few minutes. If it continues to fail, call DHSMV at 1-888-769-2778. Customer service representatives can look up your status by phone and explain any suspension or revocation.
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, you can renew if it has also expired. If your license expired during the suspension, you will need to renew it after the suspension ends.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The License Status Inquiry tool requires the license holder's driver license number or name and date of birth. You cannot search another person's license status without their permission and information.