Check Your License Status Online or by Phone
The fastest way to find out whether your license is suspended is to check your state's DMV website or call the DMV directly. Most states let you look up your license status online using your driver's license number and date of birth — no login required. A few states require you to create an account first, but the process takes less than five minutes.
If you do not want to go online, you can call your state DMV's customer service line and give them your license number. They will tell you when ready whether your license is suspended, what caused it, and what you need to do to get it back. Have your license number and Social Security number ready when you call.
Some states also let you check your status through a third-party service — for example, California's DMV lets you use the official CA DMV mobile app. Check your state's DMV homepage to see which method is available where you live.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV website usually has a free status checker that works with your license number and date of birth.
- Calling the DMV directly is faster than visiting in person and gives you the reason for the suspension on the same call.
- A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid; you cannot legally drive until it is lifted.
- The steps to lift a suspension depend on the reason — unpaid fines, traffic school completion, or insurance proof are the most common requirements.
What Information You Will Need to Look Up Your Status
To check your license status online, you need your driver's license number and your date of birth. Some states also ask for your Social Security number or the last four digits of it. You do not need a password or to create an account on most state DMV websites.
If you are calling the DMV instead, have the same information ready. The representative will ask for your license number first, then confirm your identity with your date of birth or Social Security number. If you are checking on someone else's license (for example, a family member's), you may not be able to see their status — most states treat license records as private and only release them to the license holder.
State-by-State DMV Websites and Phone Numbers
Every state runs its own DMV and posts its own status checker. Below are the main entry points for each state's license lookup:
| State | Online Status Checker | Customer Service Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | alea.gov/dps/driver-license | 334-242-4437 |
| Alaska | dmv.alaska.gov | 907-465-4335 |
| Arizona | azdot.gov/mvd | 602-255-0072 |
| Arkansas | dfa.arkansas.gov/driver-services | 501-682-7207 |
| California | dmv.ca.gov (online or mobile app) | 1-800-777-0133 |
| Colorado | dor.colorado.gov/dmv | 303-205-5613 |
| Connecticut | ct.gov/dmv | 860-263-5700 |
| Delaware | dmv.delaware.gov | 302-744-2500 |
| Florida | flhsmv.gov | 850-617-2000 |
| Georgia | dds.ga.gov | 678-413-8400 |
| Hawaii | honolulu.gov/dls | 808-532-4961 |
| Idaho | itd.idaho.gov/dmv | 208-334-8736 |
| Illinois | sos.illinois.gov/departments/index/drivers_licenses | 217-782-6900 |
| Indiana | in.gov/bmv | 317-234-6104 |
| Iowa | iowadot.gov/mvd | 515-244-8725 |
| Kansas | ksrevenue.org/dls | 785-296-3671 |
| Kentucky | drive.ky.gov | 502-564-6800 |
| Louisiana | omv.louisiana.gov | 225-925-6146 |
| Maine | maine.gov/dmv | 207-624-9000 |
| Maryland | mva.maryland.gov | 410-787-7758 |
| Massachusetts | mass.gov/rmv | 857-368-8000 |
| Michigan | michigan.gov/sos | 888-767-6424 |
| Minnesota | state.mn.us/dvs | 651-297-2126 |
| Mississippi | dps.ms.gov/driver-services | 601-987-1200 |
| Missouri | dmv.mo.gov | 573-526-2407 |
| Montana | doj.mt.gov/driving | 406-444-3933 |
| Nebraska | dmv.nebraska.gov | 402-471-3861 |
| Nevada | dmvnv.com | 702-486-4368 |
| New Hampshire | nh.gov/safety/dmv | 603-271-2371 |
| New Jersey | nj.gov/mvc | 609-292-6500 |
| New Mexico | env.nm.gov/mvd | 505-827-2000 |
| New York | dmv.ny.gov | 518-486-4368 |
| North Carolina | ncdmv.org | 919-715-7000 |
| North Dakota | dot.nd.gov/divisions/motor-vehicles | 701-328-2725 |
| Ohio | bmv.ohio.gov | 614-752-7500 |
| Oklahoma | dps.ok.gov/dlstc | 405-521-3600 |
| Oregon | oregon.gov/odot/dmv | 503-945-5000 |
| Pennsylvania | dmv.pa.gov | 717-391-6190 |
| Rhode Island | ri.gov/dmv | 401-462-4368 |
| South Carolina | scdmvonline.com | 803-896-5000 |
| South Dakota | dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing | 605-773-6883 |
| Tennessee | tn.gov/safety/driver-services | 615-741-3954 |
| Texas | dps.texas.gov/driverlicense | 512-424-2000 |
| Utah | dmv.utah.gov | 801-297-7780 |
| Vermont | dmv.vermont.gov | 802-828-2000 |
| Virginia | dmvnow.com | 804-367-0538 |
| Washington | dol.wa.gov/driverslicense | 360-902-3900 |
| West Virginia | transportation.wv.gov/dmv | 304-558-0238 |
| Wisconsin | dmv.wisconsin.gov | 608-266-2353 |
| Wyoming | wyoming.gov/business/transportation/driver-licensing | 307-777-4800 |
If the main DMV website does not have an obvious status checker link, look for "Check License Status," "License Lookup," or "Driver Record." If you cannot find it online, the phone number will get you an answer in minutes.
What the DMV Will Tell You About Your Suspension
When you check your status or call, the DMV will tell you three things: whether your license is suspended, why it is suspended, and what you need to do to lift it. The reason matters because different suspensions have different fixes.
Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain car insurance, conviction of a DUI or reckless driving, or failure to complete a required traffic school course. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you do not pay a fine by the court important date, the court sends the suspension order to the DMV. Others happen because you did not respond to a notice or did not show up for a court date.
The DMV representative or online result will also tell you whether the suspension is indefinite (it stays in place until you take action) or temporary (it lifts on a specific date). Most suspensions are indefinite and require you to do something — pay a fine, complete a course, or provide proof of insurance — before the DMV will reinstate your license.
What to Do After You Find Out Your License Is Suspended
Once you know why your license is suspended, your next step depends on the reason. If it is unpaid fines, you need to pay the court or the DMV (depending on your state). If it is a failed traffic school requirement, you need to enroll in and complete the course, then submit proof to the DMV. If it is a child support issue, you need to contact the child support enforcement agency in your state.
After you complete the required action, contact the DMV again to confirm the suspension has been lifted. Some states lift suspensions automatically once they receive proof (for example, proof of insurance), but others require you to request reinstatement. Do not assume your license is valid again — check the status a second time before you drive.
If you believe the suspension is a mistake — for example, you paid the fine but the court did not report it to the DMV — ask the DMV for the contact information of the court or agency that ordered the suspension. You will need to contact them directly to correct the record, and then ask them to notify the DMV.
Visiting the DMV in Person
You do not need to visit the DMV in person to learn about your license is suspended. The online checker and phone line are faster and do not require an appointment. However, if you need to pay a fine, request reinstatement, or resolve a dispute about the suspension, you may need to go to a DMV office.
Before you go, call ahead or check the DMV website to see whether you need an appointment. Many states now require appointments, and walk-ins may be turned away. Bring your driver's license, proof of the action you took (for example, a receipt showing you paid a fine), and any documents the DMV told you to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you will be cited. If your license is suspended, you should not drive until it is reinstated.