How to Check Your Driver's License Status

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Not knowing whether your driver's license is valid can be frustrating, especially if your license was recently suspended. While the specific process varies depending on the state that issued your license, most states allow you to at least check the status of your license online at the website for the state department of motor vehicles. While you may also be able to call the department of motor vehicles or visit a local office in person, online services are typically the quickest and most convenient.[1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Confirming Your License's Validity

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  1. Step 1 Have your driver's license handy before you check the status.
    At the least, you will need to provide your driver's license number to check its status. You may also need to provide your Social Security number and date of birth.[2]
    • If you are asked to provide your name, it typically must be exactly the same as the name listed on your license.

    Tip: You typically need the information from your most recently issued driver's license. If you've ordered a driver's license and have not yet received it in the mail, wait for it to arrive before attempting to access information online.

  2. Step 2 Find the website for your state's department of motor vehicles.
    In most states, the agency that issues driver's licenses is called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, some states use different names or initials. The correct name for the agency that issues driver's licenses in your state is likely on your driver's license.[3]
    • Search the internet for the name of the licensing agency in your state along with the name of your state. You can also search "driver's license" with the name of your state.
    • Make sure the page you go to is an official government site. Typically, the URL will end in ".gov," although this isn't always the case. However, an official government site will always state that up front. Look for an "about" page to confirm that you're at the official site if you're not sure.
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  3. Step 3 Enter your information to find your license record.
    On the home page, look for a link to log in or register a driver's license account with the agency. When you click on that, you'll typically be asked for your name, driver's license number, and birth date.[4]
    • You may be asked to provide additional information, such as your Social Security number (or at least the last 4 digits) to confirm your identity.
  4. Step 4 Review the results for your license status.
    Once your identity is confirmed, the website will display the information available in the system for your driver's license. From here, you can find out the current class and status of your driving privilege.[5]
    • Most states will also show the number of points you have on your license. You can use this information to determine if your license is at risk of being suspended.
    • You can also verify your name and address as they appear in the records of the department of motor vehicles. If you need to update your address, you typically can do this online. If you need to change your name, you'll have to make an appointment with the local office to appear in person.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Reinstating a Suspended License

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  1. Step 1 Access your license information online.
    Navigate to the website of your state's department of motor vehicles. If you don't have the URL handy, you can typically find it by doing a search for "driver's license" with the name of your state.[6]
    • On the website, you'll have to provide information such as your driver's license number, name, and date of birth to access your driving record.
  2. Step 2 Read through the list of holds on your license.
    Once you enter information about your driver's license, the website will pull up information about its status. If your license is revoked or suspended, you'll typically get a list of reasons. Depending on your state, you may also have information on how to reinstate your license that is specific to your situation.[7]
    • For example, if your license was suspended for lack of insurance, you may need to provide proof of adequate insurance as well as pay a fine before your license will be reinstated.

    Tip: If you believe your license was suspended in error, you may be able to appeal the suspension. Look for information on how to file an appeal on the website of your state's department of motor vehicles.

  3. Step 3 Gather documents to prove that you've met the required conditions.
    If your driver's license was suspended due to your failure to maintain eligibility for a license, you can only get it back by proving that you have remedied that failure. You may be able to take these documents to the local office of your state's department of motor vehicles.[8]
    • For example, if you were required to attend a safe driving course, you may have to show a certificate of completion for that course before you can get your license reinstated.
    • In some situations, you'll have to wait for a third party to notify the department of motor vehicles that you are in compliance. For example, if your license was suspended for failure to carry the required insurance, you may have to wait for your insurance company to transmit information to the department.
  4. Step 4 Pay all fines and reissue fees.
    If your driver's license is suspended, information on the website of the department of motor vehicles will tell you how much it costs to get your license reinstated. These amounts vary among states and also depend on the reason your license was suspended.[9]
    • Some states may allow you to pay any fines or fees online. If online payment is accepted, you typically must have a major credit or debit card.
    • If you want to pay your fines or fees with cash or by check, you'll typically have to go to the local office of the department of motor vehicles. Call ahead and find out if you need to make an appointment.
  5. Step 5 Attend a reinstatement hearing if required.
    For some more egregious offenses, you may need to appear before a judge before your license will be reinstated. Hearings are more likely if your license was suspended due to repeat violations or for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.[10]
    • At the hearing, the judge will look at how you've conducted yourself since your license was suspended and determine whether you've met the conditions for reinstatement.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Getting a Copy of Your Driving Record

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  1. Step 1 Look up your record online.
    If you just need information about your driving record for your own knowledge, you may be able to access this from the website of your state's department of motor vehicles. However, the online service typically isn't an official copy of your driving record, so it shouldn't be used for any other purpose.[11]
    • In some states, you'll need to purchase a certified copy of your driving record if you want to know the number of violation points you have on your record. However, if you have a list of violations you may be able to estimate the points on your own.
    • If you need a copy of your driving record for employment or insurance purposes, you typically need a certified copy.
  2. Step 2 Choose the type of official record you want to order.
    Different states may have different classifications for types of official records. Different types of records include different information and cover a different number of years. Make sure you choose the record that best suits your needs. Some types that may be available include:[12]
    • Full record: most comprehensive; includes all information on your driving record since the date of creation
    • Insurance record: 3-year history of all convictions, violations, collisions; used to create or renew an insurance policy
    • Employment record: a full history of convictions, violations, collisions, suspensions, revocations, and qualifications; used to determine if someone should be employed as a driver
    • Alcohol and drug treatment record: 5-year driving history; used for referrals to drug and alcohol treatment facilities.
  3. Step 3 Buy an official copy of your driving record online.
    Most states allow you to purchase a copy of your own driving record online with a major credit or debit card. While fees for your driving record vary among states, they typically are less than $20.[13]
    • If you order an official copy of your driving record online, you typically are provided a PDF file that you can download and print immediately. This can save you a lot of time and effort.
  4. Step 4 Fill out a paper order form if you don't want to order online.
    Most states have a paper form available that you can use to order a copy of your driving record. Once you fill out the form, you can mail it to the address provided along with the required fee.
    • Some states may include space for you to enter your credit or debit card number for payment through the mail. However, typically you'll need to send a check or money order for the total amount of the fee. Do not send cash through the mail.
    • If you mail in your request for your driving record, it may take up to 2 weeks for you to get it.

    Tip: You may also be able to take your form into the local office of the department of motor vehicles in person to pick up a copy of your driving record. Call ahead to find out if you need to make an appointment.

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Tips

  • If you've recently ordered a new driver's license or state ID card, it may take up to 30 days for your card to arrive in the mail. You may be able to call the customer service number for your state's department of motor vehicles to find out when it was mailed to you.[14]
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  • Most states also allow you to check the status of your state ID card online.
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Warnings

  • This article describes the process for checking your driver's license status in the US. If you live in another country, the process may be different. Contact the government agency that issues driver's licenses in your country.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/checkstatus.html
  2. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-the-status-of-your-drivers-license-or-massachusetts-id-mass-id
  3. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/check-my-licensedriving-privilege-status
  4. ↑ https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dleligibility/login.do
  5. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/check-my-licensedriving-privilege-status
  6. ↑ https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/checkstatus.html
  7. ↑ https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/checkstatus.html
  8. ↑ https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/suspendcancelinsurance.html
  9. ↑ https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/suspendtickets.html
  1. ↑ https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/suspendhto.html
  2. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/check-my-licensedriving-privilege-status
  3. ↑ https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/drivingrecfaq.html
  4. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/dmv-records/get-my-own-driving-record-abstract
  5. ↑ https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/dlstatusCheck.htm

About This Article

Jennifer Mueller, JD
Written by:
Jennifer Mueller, JD
Doctor of Law, Indiana University
This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been viewed 89,797 times.
20 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: May 22, 2024
Views: 89,797
Categories: Driver's Licenses
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 89,797 times.

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