How to Check Laravel Version (Including Laravel 13) in 2026

Laravel is one of the most popular PHP frameworks, valued for its elegant syntax and powerful features. Knowing your exact Laravel version is essential for package compatibility, security updates, bug fixes, and planning upgrades — especially with Laravel 13 (released March 17, 2026) now available.

This guide covers the most reliable methods to check your Laravel version in any environment, including on InMotion Hosting servers. We’ll also cover Laravel 12 vs. Laravel 13 support and quick upgrade tips.

Applies to: Laravel 10, 11, 12, and 13

Why Checking Your Laravel Version Matters

• Ensures compatibility with packages and Laravel ecosystem tools.
• Helps identify if you’re on a supported version (Laravel 13 receives bug fixes until ~2027 and security support longer).
• Prevents issues during deployment or when switching PHP versions on shared/VPS hosting.

InMotion Hosting Note: InMotion supports PHP 7.4 through 8.4. Laravel 13 requires PHP 8.3+, while Laravel 12 supports PHP 8.2–8.5. Check your PHP version with php -v and switch via cPanel if needed before upgrading Laravel.

Recommended Methods to Check Laravel Version

Here’s a quick comparison:

1. Using the Artisan Command (Fastest for Most Users)

Navigate to your Laravel project root and run:

php artisan --version

Example output:

Laravel Framework 13.0.0

For more details (Laravel 9.21+ and still excellent in 13):

php artisan about

This displays Laravel version, PHP version, environment, drivers, and more — very useful for debugging.

Tip: If the command fails due to missing dependencies, run composer install first (or composer update in a safe branch).

2. Check composer.lock (Most Reliable Method)

The composer.lock file in your project root contains the exact installed version of every package, including Laravel.

Open it and search for "laravel/framework". Look for the "version" key:

"laravel/framework": {
    "version": "v13.0.0",
    ...
}

Why this is best for production/deployment: It reflects what was actually installed, not just what constraints allow.

3. Check composer.json (For Version Constraints)

In the project root, open composer.json and look under "require":

"laravel/framework": {
    "version": "v13.0.0",
    ...
}

This shows the allowed range, not the exact installed version. Useful when reviewing before upgrades.

4. Check the Framework Source File (For Restricted Environments)

If Artisan isn’t available:

cat vendor/laravel/framework/src/Illuminate/Foundation/Application.php | grep "const VERSION"

Expected output:

const VERSION = '13.0.0';

This works in Docker containers, minimal servers, or when Composer dependencies are incomplete.

Laravel Version Support Overview (2026)

• Laravel 13 (released March 17, 2026): Minimum PHP 8.3. Focuses on modern PHP features, AI-native tools, and smoother developer experience. Zero breaking changes from 12 in many cases — upgrade often takes ~10 minutes.
• Laravel 12: Still supported (bug fixes until August 2026, security until 2027). Good transition target if you’re on older versions.
• Older versions (11 and below): Moving toward security-only or end-of-life — upgrade recommended for production.

InMotion Tip: Use InMotion’s PHP Version Selector in cPanel to match your Laravel requirements. Laravel 13 works best on PHP 8.3 or 8.4.

How to Upgrade Laravel (Quick Overview)

1. Backup your project and database.
2. Update composer.json to target the new version (e.g., "laravel/framework": "^13.0").
3. Run composer update.
4. Follow the official upgrade guide (many changes are optional).
5. Test thoroughly, then clear caches:

php artisan cache:clear
php artisan config:clear
php artisan route:clear
php artisan view:clear

6. Consider tools like Laravel Boost for AI-assisted upgrades.

Always upgrade step-by-step (e.g., 11 → 12 → 13) on a staging environment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• “Command not found” or Artisan errors: Ensure you’re in the project root and run composer install.
• Version mismatch across environments: Always commit composer.lock to version control.
• PHP version too old: Update via cPanel or ask InMotion support. Laravel 13 needs PHP 8.3+.
• After upgrade, blank page or errors: Check logs (storage/logs/laravel.log) and run migrations if needed (php artisan migrate).

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Knowing which version of Laravel is installed in your project is crucial for maintaining compatibility with packages and libraries, and keeping your application up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. By using the Laravel Artisan command, inspecting the Application.php file, or checking the composer.json file, you can easily determine the Laravel version you are working with. This information will help you make informed decisions when developing and maintaining your Laravel applications.

Ready to host or scale your Laravel project? InMotion Hosting offers optimized Laravel hosting and support with easy PHP switching, SSD storage, and expert assistance.