Suspended License

Check Your Driver's License Status

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you can order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver’s license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what’s on record at the DPS. This report will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

Notification of Suspension

In Oklahoma, there are a number of ways in which your license can be suspended. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will mail notice to any license holder to notify them of a suspension.

Even if your chances of having a license suspension are slim, this is still a great reason for keeping your address information up-to-date with the DPS. If you discover that your license has been suspended, you may begin the process of reinstating it, or, at least not do any driving.

Suspension vs. Revocation

A suspension is a temporary loss of the privilege to drive. The State may reinstate your driving privileges after a certain amount of time or by the payment of a fee. In some cases, you may be able to restore your driving privilege by taking care of a particular issue, such as the purchase of liability insurance.

Revocation is a way to both discipline a driver and to protect the public. If your license is revoked, it means that you are no longer allowed to drive. A revoked license is usually permanent for a pre-determined period of time as set by law.

You could be required to re-take the driver's license knowledge and skills test and there may be a court hearing regarding the reinstatement of your license.

Drivers Under 21

As long as you are under the age of 18, you must be enrolled in school in order for your driver's license to be valid. Acceptable schools include a secondary school (public or private high school), vocational training school, or you must be enrolled in a program that will lead to the completion of a Certificate of High School Equivalency or a General Education Diploma (GED).

If you withdraw from school, it is mandatory that your school administration notify the DPS and you will automatically lose your driver's license.

There are also very strict guidelines regarding your driving record. It is at the DPS's discretion to revoke your driver's license if you are convicted of a moving violation.

If you are under the age of 21 and convicted of driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle with any measurable quantity of alcohol, you will lose your driver's license.

Drivers 21 and Older

Oklahoma has a stringent policy on license revocations. Any of the infractions listed below will automatically result in the immediate revocation of your driver's license for a period of six months to three years:

• Manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from operating a motor vehicle.

• Driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants.

• Any felony in which a motor vehicle is used.

• Failure to stop and render aid if you are a driver involved in a collision resulting in death or personal injury (leaving the scene of a collision, i.e., hit-and-run).

• Perjury or making a false statement under oath to obtain a license or for any other legal matter relating to the ownership or operation of a motor vehicle.

• Any drug conviction (misdemeanor or felony); this does not have to involve a motor vehicle.

You may also be subject to revocation of your driver's license if you are convicted of multiple traffic violations. Oklahoma has a mandatory point system, where points are accumulated against your record for moving violations.

If you wish to know more about the point system, please visit our section on the Oklahoma Mandatory Point System.

Hardship License

Depending on the circumstances of your license suspension or revocation, you might be able to get a hardship license. This license allows you to drive with limitations, including:

• To and from work

• To and from alcohol treatment

• To and from church

• During daylight hours only

To get a hardship license, you might be required to install an ignition interlock system in your vehicle (see below). Call (405) 425-2098 to find out more about hardship licenses.

Ignition Interlock System

If you have lost your license due to alcohol, you will probably be required to have an ignition interlock system installed on your vehicle.

The ignition interlock system is a mechanical device installed into your vehicle that makes it impossible for you to drive if you have been drinking. The interlock system is similar to a Breathalyzer, in that you must breathe into a tube or aperture before you can start your vehicle. If the system detects alcohol, your vehicle will not start.

Call (405) 425-2098 for further information about obtaining an ignition interlock system.

Regaining Your Driving Privileges

Except in the cases of repeat offenders, a license revocation does not have to mean that you will never drive a motor vehicle again. There are a number of ways you can regain your driving privileges, depending on the nature of the infraction. These reinstatements are determined on a case-by-case basis and depend on a variety of circumstances.