Where to check your Broward license status online
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs an online tool where you can look up your license status from home. You'll need your driver's license number and your date of birth. Go to the DHSMV website, find the "License Status" or "Driver License Check" tool, and enter those two pieces of information. The system will show you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
This online check works for anyone with a Florida driver's license, including Broward County residents. It takes less than a minute and costs nothing. You don't need to create an account or log in — you just look up your information once and get an answer.
If you can't find the tool on the DHSMV website or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV customer service line. They can tell you your status over the phone, though wait times vary depending on how busy they are.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online license status tool is the fastest way to check — it takes a minute and requires only your license number and date of birth.
- You can also call DHSMV customer service to have someone look up your status by phone if you prefer not to use the website.
- A suspended or revoked license means you cannot legally drive in Florida or any other state until the suspension is lifted.
- If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at a Broward County Driver License office before you can drive legally.
- Broward County has multiple Driver License offices in different cities, so you can visit the one closest to you.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you can drive legally. Expired means the date on your license has passed — you cannot drive until you renew. Suspended means your driving privileges have been taken away temporarily, usually because of unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or too many points on your record. A suspension can last weeks or months, and it ends on a specific date set by the state.
Revoked means your license has been permanently canceled. You cannot drive in Florida or any other state. To get back on the road, you must wait the time period set by DHSMV (often years), then reapply for a new license and pass the written and road tests again. Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually results from serious violations like DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.
If your status shows suspended or revoked, the online tool or the customer service representative should tell you why and when (if applicable) the suspension will end. Write down that information — you'll need it if you want to challenge the suspension or understand what you must do to restore your license.
Why your Broward license might be suspended
Florida suspends licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, failure to pay child support, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or missing a required court appearance. Some suspensions come from out-of-state violations or from failing to maintain car insurance.
If you know why your license was suspended, you can often take action to lift it. For example, if it was suspended because of unpaid fines, paying those fines may restore your license. If it was suspended for lack of insurance, getting insurance and providing proof to DHSMV may end the suspension. The DHSMV website has a section on "License Restoration" that explains what you need to do for each type of suspension.
If the reason is unclear from your online check, call DHSMV customer service or visit a Broward County Driver License office in person. Staff there can explain exactly why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take.
Visiting a Broward County Driver License office in person
If you need to renew an expired license, restore a suspended one, or get a replacement, you'll visit a Broward County Driver License office. Broward has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities. You can find the full list and hours on the DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line.
Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card. If you're renewing after expiration, you may also need to pass a vision test or a new written test, depending on how long it's been expired. Call ahead or check the office website to see what documents you specifically need — requirements can vary slightly by location.
Wait times at Driver License offices vary. Some offices take walk-ins; others use an appointment system. Check the DHSMV website for your nearest office to see whether you need to book ahead or can just show up during business hours.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, find out why it was suspended by using the online status check or calling DHSMV. Once you know the reason, take the action required to lift it — pay fines, provide proof of insurance, show proof of child support payment, or whatever applies to your situation.
After you've completed the required action, contact DHSMV to confirm the suspension has been lifted. Sometimes the system updates automatically within a few days; sometimes you need to call or visit an office to request that they process your restoration. Do not drive until you've confirmed that your status has changed back to valid — driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension.
If you believe your license was suspended by mistake or if you don't understand why it was suspended, you have the right to request a hearing. DHSMV will send you a notice explaining how to request one. This process takes longer but allows you to present your side of the story to a hearing officer.
Renewing an expired Broward license
If your license is expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can do it from home in minutes. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.
Not everyone can renew online. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, if you need a new photo, or if your address has changed, you may have to renew in person or by mail. The DHSMV website will tell you which method works for your situation.
In-person renewal at a Broward Driver License office takes longer but is straightforward. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. You'll take a new photo, pass a vision test, and pay the renewal fee. The new license is usually mailed to you within two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to check my license status online?
The online status check takes about one minute. You enter your license number and date of birth, and the system shows your status when ready. There's no waiting or processing time — you get an answer right away.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The online tool requires the license number and date of birth of the person whose license you're checking. You cannot look up another person's status without their information and permission. If you need information about someone else's license for a legal reason, you may need to contact DHSMV directly or go through a court process.
What if the online tool says my license is suspended but I don't know why?
Call DHSMV customer service or visit a Broward County Driver License office. Staff can tell you the specific reason for the suspension and what you need to do to lift it. Bring your license or ID with you if you visit in person.
Can I drive while my license is suspended if I have a good reason?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Florida, even if you have a valid reason for needing to drive. Some suspensions can be lifted through a hardship petition, but you must go through the formal process first — you cannot straightforward drive and hope for the best.
How often should I check my license status?
You don't need to check regularly unless you're waiting for a renewal or restoration. Most people check their status when they think there might be a problem or when they're renewing. If you've paid fines or taken action to restore a suspended license, check once to confirm the status has changed.