Check your suspension history through your state's DMV
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles keeps a record of every suspension on your driving record. The fastest way to find out how many times your license has been suspended is to request your driving record directly from the DMV — either online, by mail, or in person at a local office.
Most states now offer online record checks through their DMV website. You'll typically need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number. The record usually arrives when ready if you pay a small fee (typically $5 to $15). Some states include one free record check per year.
If your state doesn't offer online access, you can visit a DMV office in person or request the record by mail. In-person requests usually take a few minutes. Mail requests take one to two weeks, depending on your state's processing time.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV maintains a complete record of every suspension on your driving history, accessible through their website or in person.
- Online record checks are the fastest option and typically cost $5 to $15, with results available when ready.
- Your suspension record shows the reason for each suspension, the dates it was active, and whether it has been lifted.
- If you cannot access your record online, calling your state DMV or visiting in person will give you the information the same day.
- Insurance companies and employers may also have access to your suspension history, so knowing your record helps you understand what they see.
What information appears on your suspension record
When you pull your driving record, you'll see each suspension listed separately with specific details. The record shows the date the suspension began, the reason it was imposed (unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, failure to maintain insurance, medical reasons, and so on), and the date it was lifted or is scheduled to be lifted.
The record also indicates whether the suspension is currently active or has already ended. A suspension that ended years ago will still appear on your record, but it won't affect your ability to drive now. However, it remains visible to insurance companies and employers who request your full driving history.
Some suspensions are temporary — lasting 30 days to a few months. Others are indefinite until you complete a specific requirement, such as paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, or reinstating your license through your state's process. Your record will show which type of suspension you had and what was required to lift it.
Why you need to know your suspension count
Insurance companies check your driving record before quoting you a rate and again when you renew your policy. Multiple suspensions signal to insurers that you've had serious violations or failed to meet legal requirements. Each suspension can raise your premium significantly — sometimes by 50% or more, depending on the reason and your state.
If you're shopping for insurance after a suspension, being honest about your history prevents your policy from being cancelled later when the insurer discovers you didn't disclose it. Cancellation for misrepresentation is worse than paying a higher rate upfront.
Employers also request driving records for jobs that involve driving or require a clean background check. Multiple suspensions may disqualify you from certain positions. Knowing your record before a job interview lets you explain the context if asked.
How to read suspension dates and current status
Your DMV record will show each suspension with a start date and an end date. If the end date has already passed, that suspension is no longer active and you can legally drive. If the end date is in the future or marked as "indefinite," the suspension is still in effect and driving is illegal.
Some records use the term "reinstated" to mean the suspension has been lifted. Others show "active" or "inactive" status. If you're unsure whether a suspension is currently in effect, call your state DMV directly — they can confirm your current driving status in seconds.
If your record shows a suspension that should have ended but still appears active, contact the DMV to request a status update. Sometimes administrative delays prevent records from updating when ready after you've met the requirements to lift the suspension.
Requesting records if you've moved states
If you've held licenses in multiple states, each state maintains its own record of suspensions that occurred while you held that license. A suspension in one state may or may not appear on your record in another state, depending on whether the states share information through the National Driver Register.
Most states do report serious suspensions (DUI, major violations) to the National Driver Register, which means other states can see them. However, minor suspensions or those from decades ago may not transfer. If you've lived in multiple states, request records from each state where you've held a license to get the complete picture.
When you explore for a new license in a new state, that state's DMV will check the National Driver Register and may discover suspensions from your previous state. Being upfront about your history during the process process prevents delays or denial of your new license.
What to do if your record shows errors
Occasionally, DMV records contain mistakes — a suspension that was lifted but still shows as active, a suspension attributed to you that belongs to someone else with a similar name, or a duplicate entry. If you spot an error, contact your state DMV in writing and request a correction.
Include a copy of your record, a clear explanation of what's wrong, and any supporting documents (court records showing a case was dismissed, proof of payment for fines, letters from the DMV confirming the suspension was lifted). The DMV will investigate and issue a corrected record, usually within two to four weeks.
If the error affects your insurance or employment, ask the DMV for a letter confirming the correction so you can share it with your insurance company or employer. This protects you from being denied coverage or a job based on inaccurate information.
How suspension history affects insurance rates
Insurance companies use your suspension history as one factor in calculating your rate. A single suspension may increase your premium by 25% to 75%, depending on the reason and your state. Multiple suspensions compound the effect — a second suspension might add another 50% on top of the first increase.
The reason for the suspension matters. A suspension for unpaid insurance is less severe than a DUI suspension in most insurers' eyes, but both will raise your rate. A suspension that happened five years ago will have less impact than one from last year.
If you have multiple suspensions and need insurance, you may be placed in a high-risk category and quoted by specialty insurers rather than standard carriers. These insurers charge more but are willing to cover drivers with complex histories. Getting quotes from multiple insurers is essential because rates vary widely for the same driving record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find out how many times my license was suspended without going to the DMV?
Yes. Most state DMV websites let you order your driving record online with your license number and date of birth. You'll pay a small fee and receive the record when ready or within a few hours. This is faster than visiting in person or calling.
Does a suspension that ended years ago still count against me?
It still appears on your record and insurers can see it, but its impact fades over time. A suspension from 10 years ago will affect your rate far less than one from last year. After 7 to 10 years, depending on your state and the insurer, very old suspensions may stop affecting your premium.
What if I don't know why my license was suspended?
Your DMV record will list the reason. If the reason is unclear or you disagree with it, call your state DMV and ask them to explain. You can also request court records or correspondence from the time of the suspension to understand what happened.
Will my suspension record affect my ability to get a job?
Only if the job requires a clean driving record. Employers who hire drivers or require background checks will see suspensions. Non-driving jobs typically don't check driving records. If you're concerned, ask the employer what they check before you explore.
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
Suspensions remain on your driving record permanently, but their impact on insurance and employment decreases over time. After 7 to 10 years, most insurers stop using old suspensions to calculate rates, though the record itself doesn't disappear.