How to check your suspension status in Florida

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 five minutes and requires your driver's license number and date of birth.

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 a restriction (which limits when or how you can drive). Knowing your status matters because driving on a suspended license carries serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and additional license consequences.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your license status online at the DHSMV website using your license number and date of birth, or call 850-617-2000 during business hours.
  • A suspension can result from unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or failure to pay court fines.
  • The DHSMV website will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you must do to have it lifted.
  • Lifting a suspension often requires paying outstanding fines, completing a course, or resolving the underlying issue that caused the suspension.

The three ways to check your suspension status

Online through the DHSMV website: Go to www.flhsmv.gov and select "Check Driver License Status." You will need your Florida driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will show whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or restricted. This method is available 24 hours a day and gives you an when ready answer.

By phone: Call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. Lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your driver's license number ready. A representative will look up your status and explain what caused any suspension and what steps you need to take.

In person at a Driver License office: Visit any Florida Driver License office with your valid ID. Staff can print a status report on the spot. This option works well if you need to ask questions or if you have trouble using the online system. Find your nearest office at www.flhsmv.gov under "Locations."

Common reasons your license might be suspended in Florida

Florida suspends driver's licenses for many reasons, and understanding why yours was suspended is the first step toward fixing it. The most common cause is accumulating too many points on your driving record. Florida uses a points system: minor violations like speeding add 3 points, reckless driving adds 4 points, and serious violations add more. If you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days.

Other frequent reasons include unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI or DWI conviction, driving with a suspended or revoked license, or failing to maintain car insurance and not reporting it to the state. Some suspensions come from out-of-state violations that Florida recognizes under interstate agreements. The DHSMV website will specify which reason applies to you.

What the suspension notice will tell you

When you check your status online or by phone, you will learn the specific reason for the suspension and the date it began. The system will also tell you whether the suspension is still active or has already been lifted. If it is active, you will see what you must do to clear it — for example, pay a fine, complete a defensive driving course, or resolve an unpaid ticket.

Some suspensions are automatic and lift on their own after a set period (like 30 days for a points suspension), while others require you to take action. Do not assume your suspension has ended just because time has passed; you must verify it has been cleared before you drive again. Driving during an active suspension is a criminal offense in Florida.

Steps to lift a suspension

The steps to clear your suspension depend on why it happened. For a points suspension, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days) and then the license automatically reinstates. For unpaid fines or tickets, you must pay what you owe to the court or the traffic ticket vendor. For child support arrears, you must contact the Florida Department of Revenue to arrange payment or a payment plan.

For a DUI suspension, you typically must complete a DUI education course (the "Level 1" or "Level 2" course depending on your situation), pay a reinstatement fee to the DHSMV, and sometimes install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. For insurance-related suspensions, you must file an SR-22 form with your insurance company and have them report it to the state. The DHSMV website lists the exact requirements for your suspension type.

Once you have completed all required steps, you must request reinstatement. For most suspensions, you can do this online at the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Some require you to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $150 to $280). After reinstatement is approved, your license is valid again and you can legally drive.

What happens if you drive on a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and a mandatory six-month license suspension extension. A second offense within five years carries up to five days in jail and a $250 fine. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license adds points to your record, which can trigger another suspension or extend the current one. It also makes it much harder to get your license back because you will have a criminal record. If you are stopped and your license is suspended, your vehicle will likely be impounded, and you will face towing and storage fees on top of fines and court costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a suspension usually last?

It depends on the reason. A points suspension typically lasts 30 days. A DUI suspension lasts six months for a first offense. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay. Some suspensions are indefinite until you take specific action. The DHSMV website will show the exact duration for your suspension.

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

Florida offers a hardship license (also called a business purposes only license) in some cases, but not for all suspension types. You cannot get one for a DUI suspension or a suspension for driving with a suspended license. For other suspensions, you must petition the court in the county where you were cited. The court decides whether your hardship is serious enough to warrant one.

What if I moved out of Florida after my suspension started?

Your Florida suspension remains in effect even if you move. If you try to get a license in another state, most states will discover the Florida suspension through the Interstate Compact system and deny your process. You must resolve the Florida suspension first, even if you no longer live there.

Do I have to pay a fee to reinstate my license?

Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee of $150 to $280, though some do not. Points suspensions that lift automatically after 30 days typically have no fee. Suspensions for unpaid fines require you to pay the fine itself, plus a reinstatement fee. The DHSMV website will tell you whether a fee applies to your suspension.

Can I check someone else's license status?

No. The DHSMV online system requires the license holder's license number and date of birth for security reasons. Only the license holder can check their own status online. If you need information about someone else's license (for example, as an employer), you must contact the DHSMV directly and explain your reason.