What "revisar licencia" means and why you might need to do it
Revisar licencia is Spanish for "check your license" or "review your license." You do this to find out whether your driver's license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — or to see if there are holds or tickets attached to it that you need to know about.
You might check your license status because you're about to renew it and want to know what documents to bring, because you received a notice in the mail about a suspension, or straightforward because you want to confirm everything is in order before you drive. Some people check before a road trip to make sure their license hasn't been suspended without their knowledge.
The process is free and takes a few minutes. You do it online through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or the last four digits of it.
Key Takeaways
- You check your license status through your state's DMV website, not through a federal website or a third-party service.
- Most states let you look up your status online for free using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; a revoked license means the state has taken it away and you may have to retest to get a new one.
- If you find a suspension or revocation you didn't know about, contact your state DMV directly to find out why and what steps to take next.
Finding your state's DMV website and the lookup tool
Each state runs its own DMV or equivalent agency — some call it the Department of Public Safety, the Secretary of State, or the Motor Vehicle Division. The name and website address are different in every state.
The fastest way to find yours is to search "[your state] DMV check license status" or "[your state] driver license lookup." You can also go to your state's official government website (usually state.gov) and look for a link to the motor vehicle or driver services section.
Once you're on the DMV website, look for a link or button that says "Check License Status," "License Lookup," "Driver License Information," or something similar. Some states put this under a "Services" or "Online Services" menu. If you can't find it easily, use the website's search box and type "license status" or "check my license."
What information you'll need to enter
Most state DMV lookup tools ask for the same basic information: your driver's license number, your date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or the last four digits of it. A few states ask for your name and address instead.
Have your physical license in front of you when you start. Your license number is printed on the front, usually in the upper right or lower right corner. Your date of birth should match exactly as it appears on your license — if you've had a legal name change, make sure you're using the name on your current license, not your birth name.
If you don't have your license number handy, some states let you search by name and date of birth alone, but this is less common. If the lookup tool won't accept your information, it may mean the system is temporarily down, or you may need to call your state DMV directly.
What the results will tell you
When you search, the system will show you your license status. The most common statuses are:
- Valid — your license is current and you can legally drive.
- Expired — your license passed its expiration date and needs to be renewed before you drive.
- Suspended — the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, usually because of unpaid tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. You cannot legally drive while suspended.
- Revoked — the state has permanently taken away your license, usually for serious violations like multiple DUIs. You may have to retest and wait a set period before you can get a new one.
- Cancelled — you or the state ended your license, often because you moved out of state or didn't renew it in time.
The results may also show whether there are holds on your license — for example, an unpaid traffic fine, an unpaid court fee, or a child support debt that is blocking renewal. If there's a hold, the system usually tells you what agency placed it and how to contact them.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If you see that your license is suspended or revoked and you didn't expect it, contact your state DMV right away. Call the number on the DMV website or visit a local office in person. Have your license number and date of birth ready.
Ask the DMV why your license was suspended or revoked. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid court fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. The DMV can tell you exactly what caused it and what you need to do to fix it.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or fees, you may be able to pay them online, by phone, or in person at a DMV office or the court that issued the ticket. If it's due to a DUI or serious violation, the process is more complex and may require you to complete a safety course, pay a reinstatement fee, or wait out a suspension period before you can drive again.
Do not drive while your license is suspended or revoked. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a separate crime and carries its own penalties, including fines and possible jail time.
If you can't find your status online or the website isn't working
If the online lookup tool doesn't work or won't accept your information, you have other options. You can call your state DMV's customer service line — the number is on the DMV website. Be ready to provide your license number, date of birth, and possibly your Social Security number.
You can also visit a DMV office in person and ask a staff member to look up your status for you. Bring your license or a photo ID. This usually takes a few minutes and is free.
Some states also let you request your license status by mail, though this takes longer. Check the DMV website for instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The online lookup tools are set up so that only the license holder can search their own status. If you need information about someone else's license — for example, if you're an employer checking a driver's record — you'll need to contact the DMV directly and may need written permission from that person.
What's the difference between suspended and revoked?
A suspended license is temporary — you cannot drive, but after you fix the problem (pay a fine, complete a course, wait out the suspension period), you can get your license back. A revoked license is permanent — the state has taken it away, and you may have to wait years and pass a new test before you can get a new one.
If my license is expired, can I still drive?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving. You need to renew it before you get behind the wheel. However, the process to renew is usually straightforward and faster than getting a new license from scratch.
Why does the website say my license is suspended when I paid my ticket?
The DMV system doesn't always update when ready after you pay a fine. It can take a few days or even a week for the payment to process and for the suspension to be lifted in the system. If you paid recently, wait a few days and check again. If more than a week has passed, call the DMV to confirm the payment went through.
Do I need to renew my license if it's expired but I haven't driven?
Yes. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you haven't used it. You need to renew it before you drive. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your state and how long it's been expired.