Government impersonation

Is the DMV text message a scam?

Quick answer

Yes. Your state DMV does not send unsolicited texts about license suspensions, unpaid tolls, or registration renewals. DMV correspondence is by US mail. Any text claiming to be from the DMV with a link to pay is phishing.

Red flags to look for

1
Text claims your license, registration, or driving privileges will be suspended
2
Link goes to dmv-payment.com, statedmv.org, or other non-state-gov domains
3
Demands a small fee or fine ($5-50)
4
Real state DMV domains end in .gov (e.g., dmv.ca.gov, dmv.ny.gov)
5
Urgency: 'pay within 24 hours to avoid suspension'

Real examples

Text message

[State DMV] Final notice: Your license will be suspended on March 14 due to an unpaid traffic violation of $43.50. Pay now: dmv-payment-portal.us/v

Likely Scam

Real DMV citations come by mail. The domain is not a .gov address. The DMV does not suspend licenses by SMS warning.

What to do

Don't tap the link.
If you're worried, go to your state's actual DMV website (search for it directly — must end in .gov).
Forward the text to 7726.
Report DMV impersonation to your state attorney general.
Block and delete.

Not sure about a message? Check it in seconds.

Paste any suspicious text, email, link, or screenshot into Double Check and get a plain-English answer instantly. Free to start. Family alerts included.

Download on the App Store Get for Android

Why scammers use this approach

Everyone with a car cares about their license. The small payment ($5-50) feels like a fine you'd just pay to avoid hassle — but the goal is your card details for resale.

Frequently asked questions

How does the real DMV contact me?

By mail. Some states offer email or SMS notifications if you've explicitly signed up, but they never include payment links.