Last updated November 2025
If you’re heading to the DMV in Fort Lauderdale and suspect there’s a warrant for your arrest, you might feel a pit in your stomach—and with good reason.
⚖️ So, can you be arrested at the DMV?
The answer: Yes, it’s possible—but it depends. Let’s break it down.
đź‘® Arrest Risk at the DMV: What You Should Know
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) does not routinely conduct warrant checks for every visitor. However, there are scenarios where a DMV staff member may discover an active warrant—especially if you’re there to renew a license, update personal info, or resolve a suspension.
- If your warrant is for a serious or violent offense, such as aggravated battery, drug trafficking, or failure to appear for a felony case, law enforcement is far more likely to be contacted.
- For non-violent misdemeanors or older warrants, arrest at the DMV is less common, but not impossible.
đź“Ś Bottom line:The more serious the warrant, the higher the risk of arrest—even in routine settings like the DMV.
🚨 Warrants & Arrests at the DMV: Quick Facts
âś… Yes, you can be arrested at the DMV if a warrant is flagged
âś… Minor or old warrants = less likely, but still possible
đźš« DMV doesn’t always check, but certain services (license reinstatement, suspensions) may trigger reviews
đźš« Waiting it out is risky — warrants don’t expire
👉 Learn more about Florida Warrant Defense works or read the law authorizing Florida arrest warrants
âś… Step 1: Speak With a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney
At Michael White, P.A., I help clients in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida resolve active warrantsbefore they lead to public embarrassment or unnecessary jail time.
A criminal defense lawyer can:
- Check if your warrant is active
- Determine if it’s local, state, or federal
- File a motion to recall or quash the warrant
- Arrange a voluntary surrender (often resulting in reduced penalties or avoiding jail entirely)
- Negotiate bond or pre-trial release
đź“ŠSuspect you have a warrant? Schedule a Free Consultation today.
⚖️ Why Handle the Warrant Proactively?
Here’s what a proactive legal strategy can help you avoid:
- Being arrested in front of family, coworkers, or strangers
- Spending the weekend in jail while waiting to see a judge
- Losing the ability to drive, work, or travel freely
đź“ž If you act before law enforcement does, you retain control over the situation—and your future.
đź“… Schedule a Consultation Today
If you suspect an active warrant for your arrest, don’t wait for it to surface at the worst possible moment—like during a DMV visit.
đź“Ť Contact Michael White, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale to get ahead of the problem:
đź“ž Call now: (954) 710-0925
đź’¬ Schedule a confidential consultation
Let’s resolve your warrant and protect your freedom before it’s too late.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I really be arrested at the DMV in Florida if I have a warrant?
A: Yes. If DMV staff or their system flags an active warrant—especially for felonies or serious charges—they can notify law enforcement, and you may be arrested.
2. Will I be arrested at the DMV for a minor warrant or traffic offense?
A: It’s less common. Arrests at the DMV for non-violent misdemeanors or older traffic warrants are rare, but they still can happen. The seriousness of the warrant determines the risk.
3. Does the DMV in Florida check for warrants?
A: Not for every visitor. But certain services—like reinstating a suspended license or resolving a hold—may trigger a warrant review. That’s when an active warrant is more likely to be flagged.
4. What should I do if I think I have a warrant before going to the DMV?
A: Contact a criminal defense attorney before your visit. A lawyer can check if your warrant is active, help quash or recall it, and guide you through the process—often avoiding an arrest entirely.
5. Can a lawyer help me avoid being arrested for a warrant in Florida?
A: Yes. An attorney can file motions, coordinate voluntary surrender, or arrange bond/pre-trial release. This proactive approach often prevents an embarrassing public arrest and reduces time in custody.