Canceled

A driver's license is terminated without prejudice. Cancelation of license may be made only when specifically authorized by regulations. It can apply when:

• application is made for a license to operate vehicles of a higher class,
• a license expires,
• a license has been issued through error or
• a license is voluntarily surrendered to the department.

Any person whose license has been canceled may immediately apply for a license.

Barred

The DMV and/or courts have decided that a driver is a "Habitual Offender" due to many legal violations involving a motor vehicle, including Driving While Suspended, Revoked or Barred.

A barred driver has the right to a hearing and will probably need an attorney to help with the hearing.

Denied

A restraint action when no valid license exists at the time of the restraint.

Disqualified

A driver who has been disqualified from driving for a period of time, is allowed to drive again when that period ends.

A disqualification of commercial driving privileges is a loss of only commercial driving privileges as defined in 49 CFR 383.5. During this disqualification, if the driver is not otherwise suspended or revoked, he or she can continue to drive private (non-commercial) motor vehicles without obtaining limited driving privileges.

Expired

A license expired and has not been renewed.

Revoked

A license which has been fully canceled and cannot be reinstated.

In order to get a license again, a driver will have to request approval from their state’s DMV, pay any driver civil penalties owed, and go through the state's licensing process, which typically involves a written test and a road test (and of course is not free). If the tests are passed, a new driver's license will be issued (the old one will not be reinstated). Common reasons for revocations include driving without insurance, being convicted of a serious traffic offense, failing a DMV road test, or making a false statement on a driver’s license or car registration application form. It is also possible to have a driver's license revoked or even permanently revoked due to multiple driving offenses, medical conditions, and age.

Surrendered

A person voluntarily gave up their driving privileges.

Suspended

A license is temporarily out of service. A suspended licenses can be sub-classified as:

• Definite suspension on a license will end once the suspension period ends and the driver has paid the necessary suspension termination fees (which vary by state). Licenses can be suspended for several different reasons and offenses vary by state, but a few common reasons for definite suspensions are alcohol or drug related moving violations, driving without liability insurance, or receiving too many traffic tickets.
• Indefinite suspension means that a license will remain suspended until the driver takes some action, such as paying for a traffic ticket (or child support/taxes, in some states). A license could also be indefinitely suspended under an administrative review suspension in some states if a medical condition that makes the driver a danger on the road.

Other Withdrawal

Some jurisdictions may have other categories for the loss of driving privileges.