How to Check for a Valid Driver's License

An invalid drivers license is not an uncommon thing, according to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. While there are those who create fake identification, there is a completely different set of individuals who don't realize that the license they obtained legally and properly is no longer valid. The license may have been suspended for drunk driving, child support arrears, or not maintaining enough insurance. Some states allow you to check the validity of a driver license through the state's department of motor vehicles (DMV), though you will not obtain any other information beyond "yes it is valid" or "no it isn't."

Instructions

1. Look at the driver's license identification card. Locate the driver's license number on the card.

2. Go to the website for the appropriate state DMV. Do a search on the site to find "license status." Go to this page.

3. Enter the driver's license number located on the identification card itself. Submit the form.

Tips & Warnings

• Some states, such as Wisconsin, will also allow you to search for a valid license based on Social Security Number and date of birth or with legal name, sex and date of birth. This allows a third party to determine if someone has a valid license without looking at the actual identification card.

• Not every state offers the ability to check the status remotely. You may need to drive to the DMV of record to obtain this information.

References

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation: Driver License Status Check
• Washington State Department of Licensing: Check the status of a driver license
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Driver License Check
• DMVFlorida.org: Florida Driver License Check