How to check if your Florida license is suspended
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains a record of every active suspension on your license. You can find out your suspension status in three ways: through the DHSMV website, by phone, or in person at a local driver license office. The website is fastest — you can check anytime without waiting on hold.
To check online, go to services.flhsmv.gov and select "License Lookup" or "Check License Status." You will need your driver license number or Social Security number and your date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is suspended, the reason for the suspension, and the date it will be lifted (if one exists).
If you prefer to call, contact the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800. Have your license number or Social Security number ready. If you want to speak with someone in person, visit any Florida driver license office — you can find the nearest one on the DHSMV website by entering your county.
Key Takeaways
- Check your suspension status online at services.flhsmv.gov using your driver license number or Social Security number and date of birth.
- A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid; you cannot legally drive until it is lifted, and driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspension after a seizure or loss of consciousness.
- Once you resolve the reason for suspension — by paying fines, appearing in court, or meeting other requirements — you must request reinstatement through DHSMV.
Why your license might be suspended in Florida
Florida suspends licenses for many reasons, and the cause determines what you must do to get it back. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or failed to appear in court on the date listed, DHSMV will suspend your license automatically.
Other frequent reasons include unpaid child support (enforced through the Department of Revenue), a medical suspension after you report a seizure or loss of consciousness to your doctor, or suspension due to accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Some suspensions are also issued for failure to maintain car insurance, failure to pay a judgment from an accident, or conviction of certain crimes.
A few suspensions are temporary and lift automatically on a set date — for example, a medical suspension after a seizure usually lifts after you provide a doctor's clearance. Most others require you to take action: paying what you owe, appearing in court, or requesting reinstatement once the underlying issue is resolved.
The difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. Your license is invalid for a set period or until you meet certain conditions, but once those conditions are met, you can get your license back. A revocation is permanent — DHSMV cancels your license entirely, and you must reapply and pass the written and road tests again to get a new one.
Revocation usually follows serious violations: multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status (three major violations in five years), or conviction of certain felonies. If you are unsure whether your status is a suspension or revocation, the online lookup or a phone call to DHSMV will specify which one applies to you.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, stop driving when ready. Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense within five years becomes a felony. Even a traffic stop for an unrelated reason can result in arrest if your license is suspended.
Next, find out why your license is suspended by checking your status online or by phone. Once you know the reason, take the specific action required to resolve it. If it is unpaid fines, pay them through the court or the traffic citation payment system. If it is failure to appear in court, contact the court and reschedule or resolve the case. If it is unpaid child support, work with the Department of Revenue or your child support enforcement office.
After you have resolved the underlying issue, you must request reinstatement. You can do this online at services.flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Some reinstatements are free; others require a reinstatement fee (typically $25 to $150 depending on the reason). DHSMV will process your request and notify you when your license is active again.
How long a suspension typically lasts
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Some suspensions are short — a medical suspension after a seizure might last only until you provide a doctor's clearance, which could be weeks. Others are longer: a suspension for unpaid child support lasts until the debt is paid, which could take months or years.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines typically last until you pay, but if you do not pay within a certain window, the suspension can extend. A suspension for accumulating too many points usually lasts a set number of months — often 6 to 12 months — but you must also pay a reinstatement fee and sometimes take a driver improvement course before your license is restored.
When you check your status online or by phone, DHSMV will show you the suspension end date if one has been set. If no end date is shown, it means the suspension will continue until you take action to resolve the underlying cause.
Reinstatement fees and requirements
Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee before DHSMV will restore your license. The fee ranges from $25 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension. You pay this fee when you request reinstatement, either online, by mail, or in person.
Some suspensions also require additional steps. A suspension for too many traffic points may require you to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement is granted. A medical suspension requires a doctor's statement confirming you are safe to drive. A suspension for unpaid child support requires proof from the Department of Revenue that the debt has been paid or a payment plan is in place.
Check the DHSMV website or call to confirm what is required for your specific suspension before you submit your reinstatement request. Submitting an incomplete request delays the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Florida and is a criminal offense. You cannot legally operate a vehicle, even to drive to work or to the store. If you are caught, you face jail time, fines, and additional criminal charges.
How long does reinstatement take after I request it?
Processing time varies. If you request reinstatement online and all requirements are met, your license may be restored within one to three business days. By mail, it typically takes one to two weeks. In person at a driver license office, it can be same-day if the office has access to verify that all conditions are met.
What if I do not know why my license is suspended?
Use the online lookup at services.flhsmv.gov or call 1-850-617-3800. Both will tell you the specific reason. If the reason is unclear, visit a driver license office in person — staff can explain what you need to do to resolve it.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I was suspended by mistake?
If DHSMV made an error and your suspension was issued incorrectly, you should not owe a reinstatement fee. Contact DHSMV directly to report the error. They will investigate and lift the suspension at no cost if they confirm the mistake.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Florida does not issue hardship licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid child support or certain other reasons, you may be able to request a limited license for essential purposes like work or medical appointments. Contact the court or DHSMV to ask whether a limited license is available for your situation.