How to check your Florida license suspension status
You can find out whether your Florida driver's license is suspended by checking the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, calling their customer service line, or visiting a local driver license office in person. The fastest method is the online check through the DHSMV portal, which takes about two minutes and requires your driver license number or Social Security number.
A suspension means you are not legally allowed to drive in Florida or any other state until the suspension is lifted. It is different from a revocation (which is permanent or long-term) and different from a restriction (which limits when or how you can drive). Knowing which one applies to you determines what steps you need to take next.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online license status tool is the fastest way to check; you need your driver license number or Social Security number and can get an answer in minutes.
- Florida suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, medical conditions, DUI convictions, and accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
- If your license is suspended, you will see the reason and the date it can be reinstated or the steps required to lift the suspension.
- You cannot legally drive while suspended, and driving with a suspended license carries criminal penalties including jail time and fines.
- Lifting a suspension usually requires paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by DHSMV.
Using the DHSMV online license status tool
Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "Check License Status" or "License Status" link on the homepage. You will be asked to enter either your Florida driver license number or your Social Security number, plus your date of birth. The system will when ready show whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or restricted.
The online tool will also display the reason for any suspension and, in most cases, what you need to do to have it lifted. For example, if the suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, the tool will show the amount owed and which court or agency to contact. If it is due to a medical condition, it will explain what documentation you need to provide to DHSMV.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-35-DHSMV (1-844-353-4768). Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready. Wait times vary, but the phone line is typically available during business hours Monday through Friday.
Common reasons for Florida license suspension
Florida suspends driver licenses for several specific reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, unpaid child support, accumulating 12 or more points from traffic violations within 12 months, and DUI (driving under the influence) convictions. Each reason has different requirements to lift the suspension.
Medical suspensions occur when DHSMV receives a report that you have a condition that makes you unsafe to drive — for example, a seizure disorder or severe vision loss. You will need to provide medical documentation from a licensed physician showing that the condition is controlled or resolved before your license can be reinstated.
Administrative suspensions can also result from failing to maintain car insurance, failing to pay a judgment from a traffic crash, or not completing a required traffic safety course. The DHSMV notice you receive (or can view online) will specify which category applies to you and what action is needed.
What to do if your license is suspended
The first step is to determine the exact reason by checking your status online or by phone. Once you know the reason, follow the specific instructions provided. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you will need to contact the court or agency listed and pay the amount owed, then request that DHSMV be notified of payment. If it is due to unpaid child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program.
For point-based suspensions (12 or more points in 12 months), you must complete a Driver Improvement Course approved by DHSMV. This is a classroom or online course that takes about four hours. After you complete it, the course provider will notify DHSMV, and your suspension will be lifted once the notification is processed — usually within a few business days.
For DUI suspensions, the timeline and requirements depend on whether it is your first offense and the specific circumstances. You may need to complete a substance abuse course, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and pay reinstatement fees. The DHSMV website or a phone call to customer service will outline the exact steps for your situation.
Reinstatement fees and timelines
Once you have met the requirements to lift your suspension, DHSMV charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privilege. The fee amount varies depending on the reason for suspension — it ranges from around $15 to $150. You pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request or at a driver license office.
The timeline for reinstatement depends on how you submit your request. If you pay fines and fees online through the DHSMV website and the suspension is straightforward, your license may be reinstated within one to three business days. If you must visit a driver license office in person or if your case requires manual review, it may take longer — up to two weeks in some cases.
You can check the status of your reinstatement request using the same online tool or by calling customer service. Do not drive until you have confirmation that your suspension has been lifted; driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida.
Penalties for driving with a suspended license
Driving in Florida while your license is suspended is a criminal offense. A first offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor and can result in up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and a six-month license suspension extension. A second offense within five years carries up to five days in jail and a fine of up to $250, plus another suspension extension.
If you are stopped by law enforcement and your license is suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will be issued a citation. Even if you were not involved in a crash or traffic violation, the suspension itself is enough for an officer to make an arrest. This is why it is important to check your status regularly and address any suspension before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
A suspension is lifted once you meet the requirements and pay any reinstatement fees — it does not automatically expire. However, the suspension will not appear on your driving record once it is removed. If you do not address the suspension, it remains active indefinitely and can affect your ability to renew your registration or get insurance.
Can I get a hardship license while suspended?
Florida does not issue hardship or restricted licenses for most suspensions. However, for certain suspensions (such as those related to unpaid child support), you may be able to request a limited license for essential travel like work or medical appointments. Contact DHSMV directly to ask whether your suspension qualifies.
What if I was suspended by another state?
If another state suspended your license, Florida will recognize that suspension under the Interstate Driver's License Compact. You cannot legally drive in Florida until the suspension is lifted in the state that issued it. Contact that state's motor vehicle agency to find out what you need to do.
Do I need to retake the written or road test after reinstatement?
No. Once your suspension is lifted and you pay the reinstatement fee, your license is restored without retesting. You do not need to visit a driver license office unless DHSMV specifically requires it for your situation (for example, if you need to provide medical documentation).
Will my insurance rates go up if my license was suspended?
Your insurance company will likely see the suspension on your driving record, and rates may increase. Some insurers may even drop you if they learn about a suspension after you have already purchased a policy. It is best to inform your insurance company once your suspension is lifted so they have accurate information.