What happens when your Florida license is suspended
A suspended Florida driver license means you cannot legally drive in Florida or most other states. The suspension stays in effect until you complete whatever requirement caused it — usually paying a fine, completing a traffic school course, or resolving a child support or insurance issue. Once you meet that requirement, you then file for reinstatement with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
The reinstatement process itself is straightforward: you pay a reinstatement fee, submit proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, and wait for DHSMV to process your request. The whole thing typically takes two to four weeks if you submit everything correctly the first time.
Key Takeaways
- You must first resolve whatever caused the suspension — pay a traffic fine, complete a course, or settle a child support debt — before you can request reinstatement.
- The reinstatement fee is $45 for most suspensions, though some suspensions have additional fees depending on the reason.
- You can request reinstatement online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.
- DHSMV will mail you a new license once your reinstatement is approved, which usually takes two to four weeks.
Finding out why your license is suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. You can check your suspension status on the DHSMV website by entering your driver license number and date of birth. The website will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to clear it.
Common reasons for suspension in Florida include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, driving without insurance, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failing to appear in court. Each reason has a different resolution step. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines. If it was suspended for no insurance, you must show proof of current insurance coverage.
If you cannot find the information online or are unsure what step to take next, you can call the DHSMV at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368) and speak with someone who can explain your specific suspension.
Resolving the underlying issue
The time this takes depends entirely on the reason for your suspension. If you owe a fine, you can pay it online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a courthouse or DHSMV office. If your suspension is due to a traffic school requirement, you must complete an approved traffic school course — this can usually be done online and takes a few hours to a few days depending on the course.
If your suspension is tied to child support, you will need to contact the Florida Department of Revenue's child support enforcement office to arrange payment or a payment plan. If it is tied to an insurance lapse, you will need to obtain a new insurance policy and have your insurer file proof of coverage with DHSMV — this usually happens automatically once you purchase a policy.
Keep documentation of whatever you do. If you pay a fine, keep the receipt. If you complete traffic school, keep the certificate. If you obtain insurance, keep the policy documents. You will need to show proof when you request reinstatement.
Submitting your reinstatement request online
The fastest way to request reinstatement is through the DHSMV website at www.flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Reinstate Your License" section and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the reason your license was suspended. The website will confirm that you have met the requirements and allow you to pay the $45 reinstatement fee by credit card or debit card.
After you submit your request and payment, DHSMV will send you a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to four weeks. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in — the entire transaction happens online.
If the website tells you that you have not yet met the requirements for reinstatement, do not submit the request. Go back and complete whatever step is still outstanding, then try again.
Requesting reinstatement by mail or in person
If you prefer not to use the website, you can request reinstatement by mail. Send a letter to the DHSMV address listed on their website, include your driver license number and date of birth, and enclose a check or money order for $45 payable to "DHSMV." Also include copies of your proof that you have resolved the underlying issue — a paid fine receipt, traffic school certificate, insurance card, or child support payment confirmation.
Mail requests take longer than online requests because of processing time. Plan for four to six weeks from the date you mail your letter.
You can also request reinstatement in person at any Florida driver license office. Bring your proof of resolution, your driver license (if you still have it), and $45 in cash, check, or card. The office will process your request on the spot, and you will receive your new license by mail within two to four weeks.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
DHSMV will deny your reinstatement request if you have not actually resolved the underlying issue, or if you have submitted incomplete documentation. For example, if you claim to have paid a fine but the court has no record of payment, your request will be denied.
If your request is denied, DHSMV will send you a letter explaining why. Read it carefully and take the action it specifies. Usually this means going back and completing the step you missed, then submitting a new reinstatement request. You will have to pay the $45 fee again.
If you believe DHSMV made an error, you can request a hearing. The denial letter will include instructions for how to do this. A hearing officer will review your case and decide whether to overturn the denial.
Fees and what they cover
The standard reinstatement fee is $45. Some suspensions carry additional fees — for example, if your license was suspended for accumulating too many traffic points, you may owe a $100 driver improvement fee on top of the $45 reinstatement fee. The DHSMV website will tell you the total amount due when you check your suspension status.
The reinstatement fee covers the cost of processing your request and issuing a new license. It does not cover any fines, child support payments, traffic school tuition, or insurance premiums — those are separate costs that you must pay to resolve the underlying issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my reinstatement is approved?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Florida and can result in additional charges, fines, and jail time. You must wait until your reinstatement is approved and your new license arrives before you drive.
What if I move to a different state before my reinstatement is approved?
Your Florida license suspension follows you to other states. Most states will not issue you a new license until Florida clears your suspension. Contact DHSMV to update your mailing address so your new license reaches you at your new home.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Once your reinstatement is approved, DHSMV mails your new license within two to four weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact DHSMV to confirm your mailing address is correct.
Do I have to go to a driver license office to reinstate my license?
No. You can reinstate online, by mail, or in person. Online is fastest — you will have confirmation within minutes. In-person and mail requests take longer but do not require internet access.
What if I cannot afford to pay my fine right now?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have arranged a payment plan, you may be able to request reinstatement while you are paying, though this depends on the court's policy. Call DHSMV to ask whether your specific situation allows reinstatement before the fine is fully paid.