How to search for a suspended license in Broward County
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains the official record of all license suspensions in the state, including Broward County. You can search whether your license is suspended by visiting the DHSMV website directly or by calling their customer service line. The online search is faster and available 24 hours a day.
To search online, go to the DHSMV website and use their Driver License Status Check tool. You will need your driver license number or Social Security number. The search returns your current status when ready — whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license shows as suspended, the result will tell you the reason (unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI-related suspension, or another cause) and sometimes the date the suspension will be lifted.
If you prefer to call, contact the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 1-888-769-2338. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready. Wait times vary, but this method works if you do not have internet access or want to ask follow-up questions about your specific case.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online Driver License Status Check tool is the fastest way to learn about your Broward license is suspended, and it works any time of day.
- You will need either your driver license number or Social Security number to search, and results appear when ready.
- The search result tells you the reason for suspension and sometimes when it will be lifted, which helps you understand what steps come next.
- If the online tool does not work or you need to speak with someone, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 1-888-769-2338.
- Broward County does not run its own suspension search — all suspensions are managed by the state through DHSMV.
What the search result tells you
When you search your license status, you get one of four outcomes: valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive, but the suspension can be lifted once you meet certain conditions — usually paying what you owe, completing a required course, or waiting out a time period. A revoked license is more serious and typically requires you to reapply for a new license after a waiting period. A cancelled license means DHSMV ended it, usually because you did not renew it on time.
If your license is suspended, the search result should show the reason. Common reasons in Broward include unpaid traffic citations, failure to pay child support, DUI or drug-related convictions, accumulation of too many points, or failure to maintain required insurance. Some results also show a lift date — the date when the suspension automatically ends if you have done nothing wrong in the meantime. Other suspensions require you to take action (pay a fine, complete a course) before the suspension lifts, even if a date is shown.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know the reason for suspension, your next step depends on that reason. If the suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, you will need to pay the court or contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts to arrange payment or a payment plan. If it is related to child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program. If it is a DUI-related suspension, you may need to complete a substance abuse course and file an SR22 form with DHSMV before you can drive again.
Do not ignore a suspension. Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense that can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension. If you have already been stopped or cited for driving with a suspended license, contact a traffic attorney in Broward County — they can advise you on your options and may be able to negotiate with the court.
Broward County courts and the suspension process
Broward County has its own court system that handles traffic violations and other cases that lead to license suspension. If your suspension is tied to unpaid fines from a Broward court, you will work with the Broward County Clerk of Courts to resolve it. The Clerk's office is located in Fort Lauderdale and handles payment processing, payment plans, and documentation of payment to DHSMV.
When you pay a fine or complete a required action, the court or relevant agency notifies DHSMV. DHSMV then lifts the suspension, but this process can take several business days. Do not assume your license is valid the moment you pay — check the DHSMV status again after a few days to confirm the suspension has been removed from the system.
Insurance and a suspended license
If your license was suspended because you did not maintain car insurance, you will need to show proof of insurance before DHSMV will lift the suspension. This is called an SR22 form — a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with DHSMV on your behalf. You cannot legally drive until both the suspension is lifted and the SR22 is in place.
Insurance companies charge more for drivers with a history of driving without insurance or with a suspended license. If you need to reinstate your license after an insurance-related suspension, contact an insurance agent in Broward who works with high-risk drivers. They can explain the cost and help you file the SR22 as soon as your policy is active.
Reinstatement fees and additional costs
Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to DHSMV in addition to any fines or other amounts owed. The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension — it may be $15, $50, $100, or more. The DHSMV status check does not always show this fee, so ask when you contact the court or DHSMV about what you owe.
If you are unsure whether a reinstatement fee applies to your case, call the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2338 or visit a local DHSMV office in Broward. Bring your driver license or ID and be ready to explain the reason for your suspension. Staff can tell you the exact amount owed and the steps to take next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to lift a suspension after I pay what I owe?
It typically takes three to five business days for DHSMV to update your status after the court or agency notifies them of payment. Check the DHSMV status tool again after a few days to confirm. If more than a week has passed and your status still shows suspended, call DHSMV customer service to ask whether the payment was received.
Can I drive in other states if my Florida license is suspended?
No. A Florida license suspension is recognized in all other states through the National Driver Register. Driving in another state on a suspended Florida license is still a crime and can result in arrest and additional charges.
What if the search tool says my license is suspended but I do not know why?
Call the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2338 with your driver license number. Customer service can tell you the specific reason and what you need to do to lift it. If the reason is unclear or you believe it is a mistake, ask for a supervisor or contact a traffic attorney in Broward County.
Do I need a lawyer to lift my suspension?
Not always. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you can usually pay directly to the court. If it involves a DUI or criminal charge, or if you have already been cited for driving with a suspended license, a traffic attorney can help you navigate the process and may negotiate a better outcome.
Will my insurance rates go up if my license was suspended?
Yes. A suspension — especially one related to driving without insurance or a DUI — signals high risk to insurers. Expect to pay significantly more for coverage after reinstatement. Shop around with multiple insurers, as rates vary widely for drivers with a suspension history.