Florida's reinstatement fee depends on why your license was suspended
Florida charges a reinstatement fee when you want to drive legally again after a suspension. The amount you pay is not the same for everyone — it depends on the reason your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs differently than a suspension for a DUI conviction, which costs differently than a suspension for accumulating too many points.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) sets these fees. You cannot avoid the fee by renewing your license instead — you must pay the reinstatement fee before DHSMV will restore your driving privileges, even if your license has technically expired.
The fee itself is separate from any other costs you may owe, such as court fines, restitution to victims, or fees for required programs like traffic school or DUI education courses.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's reinstatement fee ranges from $15 to $275 depending on the reason for suspension, with most common suspensions falling between $50 and $150.
- You must pay the reinstatement fee to DHSMV before your license will be restored, even if you have resolved the underlying reason for the suspension.
- The fee is separate from court fines, restitution, or costs of required programs like DUI school or traffic school.
- You can pay the fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office, but you should first confirm your suspension is actually may be able to access for reinstatement.
Common reinstatement fees by suspension reason
A suspension for accumulating 12 points within 12 months (or 18 points within 24 months for drivers 21 and older) carries a $50 reinstatement fee. This is one of the most common reasons for suspension in Florida.
A suspension for unpaid traffic citations or court-ordered fines is $50. However, you must also pay the actual fines and court costs before DHSMV will reinstate you — the reinstatement fee is only the administrative charge.
A suspension for a DUI conviction is $250. This applies whether it is your first DUI or a subsequent one, though the underlying criminal penalties and required programs differ.
A suspension for refusing a breath or blood test (called a "refusal suspension") is $275, the highest fee. This suspension is separate from any criminal DUI case and can happen even if you are not convicted of DUI.
A suspension for driving with a suspended license is $50. If you were caught driving while already suspended, you owe this fee to clear that second suspension.
How to find out your exact suspension reason and fee
DHSMV maintains a record of why your license was suspended, and you need to know this before you can pay the correct fee. You can check your driving record online through the DHSMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The record will list every suspension, the date it began, and the reason.
If you cannot access the online system or need to speak with someone, you can call DHSMV at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368). Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The staff member can tell you the suspension reason and the exact fee you owe.
You can also visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring your driver's license or ID. Staff can print your record and tell you what you need to do next.
What happens if you have multiple suspensions
If your license was suspended more than once for different reasons, you may owe multiple reinstatement fees. For example, if you accumulated points and were suspended, then later were suspended for unpaid fines, you would owe both the $50 points fee and the $50 fines fee.
Your driving record will show each suspension separately. When you check your record online or call DHSMV, ask the staff member to list every active suspension. This tells you how many fees you need to pay.
You must resolve all suspensions before your license will be restored. Paying one fee will not reinstate you if other suspensions remain on your record.
How to pay the reinstatement fee
DHSMV accepts payment through three methods. Online payment through the DHSMV website is the fastest — you can pay with a credit or debit card, and the fee is processed when ready. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Pay a Fine or Fee," and follow the prompts with your driver's license number.
You can also mail a check or money order to DHSMV. Include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for the suspension. Mail it to the address listed on the DHSMV website. Payment by mail takes longer to process — typically one to two weeks after DHSMV receives it.
In-person payment at any DHSMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You can pay and often receive confirmation on the spot, though the actual reinstatement may take a few business days to appear in the system.
What happens after you pay the fee
Paying the reinstatement fee does not automatically restore your license. DHSMV must process the payment and confirm that you have met all other requirements for reinstatement. This typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.
You will receive written confirmation by mail once your license is reinstated. Some people also see the change reflected in their online driving record before the physical notice arrives.
If you paid online, check your email for a receipt. Keep this receipt until you receive official confirmation from DHSMV, in case there is a question about whether your payment was received.
Other costs beyond the reinstatement fee
The reinstatement fee is only one cost you may face. If your suspension was for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines in full before reinstatement — the fee does not cover them. If your suspension was for a DUI, you may be required to complete a DUI education course, which costs money and takes time.
Some suspensions require you to file an SR-22 form (proof of financial responsibility insurance) with DHSMV. Your insurance company files this for you, but you may pay a small fee to your insurer for the filing.
If you were suspended for accumulating points, you may be able to reduce the points by completing a traffic school course. This costs money but can lower your insurance rates and help you avoid future suspensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my reinstatement is processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Florida, even if you have paid the reinstatement fee and are waiting for processing. You must wait until DHSMV officially restores your license. Driving during this period can result in additional charges and another suspension.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
DHSMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid court fines, the court that issued the fine may allow you to set up a payment plan. Contact the court directly to ask about this option. Until the fee is paid, your license will remain suspended.
Do I need to renew my license at the same time I pay the reinstatement fee?
No. The reinstatement fee and license renewal are separate. You can reinstate your license without renewing it. However, if your license is also expired, you will need to renew it separately after reinstatement, which involves a different fee and process.
Will the reinstatement fee show up on my credit report?
The reinstatement fee itself does not appear on your credit report because it is owed to DHSMV, not a creditor. However, if your suspension was due to unpaid court fines and those fines go unpaid long enough, the court may refer the debt to a collection agency, which can affect your credit.
What if I move out of Florida after my suspension?
Your Florida suspension remains in effect even if you move. If you want to drive legally in another state, you will need to resolve the Florida suspension first. Most states check the National Driver Register, which includes Florida suspensions. You can reinstate your Florida license from out of state by paying the fee online or by mail.