How to check another person's license status
You can find out whether someone else's driver's license is suspended through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Most states let you search their database online using the person's name and license number, though some require you to call or visit in person. A few states restrict this information to certain people — employers, insurance companies, or law enforcement — so what you can access depends on where the license was issued and your reason for checking.
The fastest route is usually your state's DMV website. Look for a section called "License Status," "Check License," "Verify License," or "License Lookup." You will typically need the person's full name and either their license number or date of birth. The search takes seconds and tells you when ready whether the license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired.
Key Takeaways
- Most state DMV websites have a free online search tool where you enter a name and license number to see if a license is suspended, revoked, or active.
- Some states restrict license lookups to employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement, so you may not be able to search if you are a private citizen.
- If the online search is not available in your state, you can call the DMV directly or visit a local office with the person's name and license number.
- A suspended license means the person cannot legally drive; a revoked license is a permanent cancellation that usually requires a new process to restore.
- If you are checking a license for employment or insurance purposes, contact your state DMV to confirm what information you are allowed to access.
What each license status means
Suspended means the person's right to drive is temporarily taken away. The suspension has a set end date, after which the person can explore to have their license reinstated. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions that make driving unsafe, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspended license is not permanent, but driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest.
Revoked means the license has been permanently cancelled by the state. A revocation is more serious than a suspension and usually results from serious violations like multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or refusing a breathalyzer test. A person with a revoked license must wait a set period (often several years) before they can reapply for a new license, and they must meet specific requirements to do so.
Active means the license is current and valid. The person can legally drive. An active license does not tell you whether the person has recent violations or points on their record — only that their driving privilege has not been suspended or revoked.
Expired means the license has passed its renewal date but has not been suspended or revoked. A person with an expired license cannot legally drive until they renew it, but expiration is different from suspension.
Online DMV searches by state
Most states offer a free online license lookup on their DMV website. The process is similar across states: you navigate to the search tool, enter the person's name and license number (or sometimes date of birth), and receive an when ready result. Some states also let you search by Social Security number or case number.
A few states do not offer public online searches. These states typically restrict license information to law enforcement, employers, and insurance companies for privacy reasons. If your state does not have an online tool, call your DMV or visit a local office. Have the person's full name, date of birth, and license number ready. The staff can tell you the license status over the phone or in person.
If you are checking a license for a business purpose — hiring someone, insuring a vehicle, or verifying a driver for rideshare or delivery work — contact your state DMV first to confirm what information you are allowed to access and how to request it. Some states require you to submit a formal request or sign an agreement before they release license information to employers or third parties.
What you need to search
To search for someone's license status, you will need at least one of the following pieces of information:
- The person's full name and driver's license number
- The person's full name and date of birth
- The person's Social Security number (in some states)
- A case number or citation number (in some states)
The license number is the fastest route because it is unique to that person. If you do not have the license number, the person's full name and date of birth will work in most states. Partial names or nicknames usually do not return results, so use the legal name that appears on the license.
When you might need to check someone's license
You may need to verify someone's license status if you are hiring them for a job that involves driving — delivery, rideshare, taxi, or commercial driving. Employers are legally required to verify that drivers have valid licenses before putting them on the road. Insurance companies also check license status before issuing a policy or after an accident.
Parents sometimes check their teenager's license status to confirm it has not been suspended due to unpaid fines or court failures. If you are buying a used car from someone, you might verify their license is valid, though this is less common. In all cases, the person's license status is public information (or restricted information you can access through your role), and checking it is legal.
What to do if the license is suspended
If you discover someone's license is suspended and they are driving, you can report it to local law enforcement. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and puts other people at risk. You can call the non-emergency police line or file a report online through your local police department's website.
If you are an employer and discover an employee's license is suspended, you should not allow them to drive for work. Depending on the job, this may mean reassigning them to non-driving duties or letting them go. Check your company's policy and consult HR before taking action.
If you are the person whose license is suspended and you need to drive, you will have to wait until the suspension ends or complete the steps required to have it lifted. These steps vary by state and reason for suspension — they might include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, paying reinstatement fees, or meeting other conditions. Contact your state DMV to find out what you need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my own license status online?
Yes. Go to your state's DMV website and use the same license lookup tool. Enter your name and license number, and you will see your status when ready. This is the fastest way to confirm your license is active or to learn about there is a problem you need to fix.
What if the search says the license is suspended but I did not know?
Contact your state DMV when ready to find out why. Common reasons include unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or points from traffic violations. The DMV can tell you what you owe or what steps you need to take to lift the suspension. Do not drive until it is resolved.
Is checking someone else's license legal?
Yes, in most states. License status is public information or can be accessed by employers and insurance companies. However, some states restrict who can search. If you are checking for a business reason, contact your DMV first to confirm you are allowed to access that information.
How long does a license suspension usually last?
It varies by state and reason. A suspension might last 30 days, 6 months, a year, or longer. The DMV notice or your state's DMV website will show the suspension end date. After that date, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee or meet other requirements before you can drive again.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary — it ends on a set date and can be lifted. A revocation is permanent and usually results from serious violations. After a revocation, you must wait several years before you can reapply for a new license, and you may have to meet strict requirements to get one.