REV stands for "Revoked" — your license is no longer valid
REV on your driver's license means your license has been revoked. The state has taken it away, and you cannot legally drive. This is different from a suspension, which is temporary. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal process to get your license back.
When your license shows REV, law enforcement will see it when ready if they run your name. Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense in every state, separate from whatever caused the revocation in the first place. The penalties include fines, jail time, and a longer period before you can even request reinstatement.
The state does not send you a new physical card that says REV. Instead, the revocation appears in the Department of Motor Vehicles database. If you try to renew your license or get a replacement card, the system will flag it and deny the request.
Key Takeaways
- A revoked license is permanent until you complete the state's reinstatement process, which varies by reason for revocation.
- Driving with a revoked license is a separate criminal charge that carries fines and possible jail time.
- The revocation shows up in the DMV database even if your physical card does not say REV.
- Common reasons for revocation include multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic violations, or failure to pay court-ordered fines.
- You must contact your state's DMV directly to learn the specific reason for your revocation and what steps are required to restore your license.
Why the state revokes a license instead of suspending it
A suspension is temporary — you serve your time and your license comes back automatically. A revocation means the state believes you are too dangerous or too unreliable to drive, and you have to prove otherwise before you get another chance.
The most common reason is multiple DUI or DWI convictions within a certain period. A third DUI in ten years, for example, often triggers a revocation rather than another suspension. Habitual traffic violators — people with multiple serious violations like reckless driving or hit-and-run — can also face revocation. Some states revoke for failure to pay court-ordered fines or child support, or for refusing to take a breathalyzer test.
Each state sets its own rules for what triggers revocation. A revocation in one state does not automatically carry over to another, but many states share information through the National Driver Register, so other states may see it and take their own action.
How to find out why your license was revoked
You need to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. Call the main number or visit the DMV website and look for a section on license status, revocation, or reinstatement. Some states let you check your status online; others require a phone call or an in-person visit.
Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DMV will tell you the specific reason for the revocation — whether it was DUI-related, traffic violations, unpaid fines, or something else. They will also tell you what you must do to get your license back, which depends entirely on the reason.
If you were revoked for DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program, install an ignition interlock device, and wait a mandatory period. If it was for unpaid fines, you need to pay them. If it was for habitual violations, you may need to take a defensive driving course and pass a written test. The requirements are different in every case.
The difference between revocation, suspension, and cancellation
These three terms sound similar but mean different things on your driving record. A suspension is temporary — you lose your license for a set period, then it comes back automatically. A revocation is permanent until you take action to restore it. A cancellation means the state has ended your license because you no longer meet the requirements — usually because you moved out of state, reached a certain age, or failed to renew.
If your license is suspended, you cannot drive during the suspension period, but you do not have to do anything to get it back when the time is up. If it is revoked, you must complete specific steps — pay fines, finish a program, pass a test — before you can even request reinstatement. If it is cancelled, you have to reapply from the beginning, which usually means taking the written and driving tests again.
Your DMV record will show which one applies to you. If you see REV, it is revocation, and you need to contact the DMV to learn the reinstatement requirements.
What happens if you drive with a revoked license
Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense. The charge is separate from whatever caused the revocation in the first place. If you were revoked for DUI and then drive with a revoked license, you face charges for both the original DUI and the new offense of driving revoked.
Penalties vary by state but typically include fines ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, jail time of days to months, and a longer waiting period before you can request reinstatement. Some states add points to your record, which makes future violations more serious. A second or third offense of driving revoked carries steeper penalties.
Law enforcement can pull you over for any traffic violation and will discover the revocation when ready when they run your license. You do not have to be speeding or breaking another law — a broken taillight is enough for them to check your status.
How to request reinstatement after revocation
The process depends on why your license was revoked. Start by calling your state's DMV and asking what you need to do. They will give you a list of requirements specific to your case.
For a DUI revocation, you typically need to complete a substance abuse program, pay reinstatement fees, and sometimes install an ignition interlock device. You may also need to provide proof of insurance and pass a written test. The waiting period before you can even request reinstatement is usually one to five years, depending on the number of prior DUIs.
For a revocation based on traffic violations, you may need to take a defensive driving course, pass a written exam, and pay fees. For unpaid fines or child support, you must pay what you owe. Once you have completed all requirements, you submit your request to the DMV. They will review it and either approve reinstatement or tell you what is still missing.
Reinstatement is not automatic. The DMV reviews your case and decides whether to restore your license. If approved, you may receive a new physical license in the mail, or you may need to visit the DMV in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while my license is revoked?
Some states offer a hardship or restricted license that lets you drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your license is revoked. Not all states have this option, and not all reasons for revocation may have access to. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether a hardship license is available for your situation.
Does a revoked license from another state affect my license in my current state?
It depends on the state. Many states share information through the National Driver Register and will take action on their own. Some states will revoke your license if you were revoked in another state; others will not. Check with your current state's DMV to find out.
How long does reinstatement take after I complete the requirements?
Processing time varies by state, usually between two to eight weeks after you submit your reinstatement request and all required documents. Some states are faster; others are slower. Call your DMV to ask how long the current wait is.
Will a revoked license show up on a background check?
Yes. A revoked license appears on your driving record, which employers, insurance companies, and landlords can see if they run a background check. It will remain on your record even after reinstatement, though some states allow it to be removed after a certain period.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fees?
Contact your state's DMV and ask about fee waivers or payment plans. Some states reduce fees for people with low income. You may also be able to pay in installments rather than all at once. Ask what options are available in your state.