The fee to restore a suspended license in Florida depends on why it was suspended
Florida does not charge a single "suspension fee." Instead, you pay to reinstate your license — and the cost depends on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets costs differently than one for a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support. You will also owe any underlying fines or debts that caused the suspension in the first place.
The reinstatement fee itself ranges from $45 to $150, depending on the violation type. But that fee alone will not restore your driving privileges. You must first resolve the reason the license was suspended — paying tickets, completing a DUI course, settling child support arrears, or whatever else triggered it. Only then can you pay the reinstatement fee and get your license back.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's reinstatement fee is $45 to $150 depending on the suspension reason, but you must resolve the underlying issue before paying it.
- The most common suspension reasons are unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, failure to pay child support, and accumulating too many points on your driving record.
- You can check why your license is suspended and what you owe through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website or by calling their customer service line.
- Paying the reinstatement fee does not happen at the DMV — you typically pay through the court system, the DHSMV, or the agency that caused the suspension.
Common reasons for suspension and their reinstatement costs
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) suspends licenses for different violations, and each has its own reinstatement fee. A suspension for unpaid traffic citations usually costs $45 to reinstate. A suspension for a DUI or drug conviction costs $150. A suspension for failure to pay child support or court-ordered alimony is handled by the court system, not the DHSMV, and the fee varies by county.
Accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record in 12 months also triggers suspension. The reinstatement fee for a points suspension is $45. If your license was suspended because you failed to maintain car insurance, you will pay $45 to reinstate, but you must also show proof of current insurance before the DHSMV will restore your license.
Some suspensions are temporary — for example, a 6-month suspension for a first DUI conviction. Others remain in effect until you take action. The DHSMV website shows your suspension reason and the steps needed to clear it.
How to find out what you owe
The fastest way to learn your suspension reason and exact amount owed is to check the DHSMV website directly. Go to the DHSMV homepage and use the "License Suspension Information" tool. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The tool shows the suspension reason, the reinstatement fee, and what else you must do before you can reinstate.
If you cannot access the website or prefer to speak with someone, call the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-2000. They can tell you the suspension reason, the reinstatement fee, and whether you owe money elsewhere — such as unpaid court fines or child support arrears. Having your driver's license number ready will speed up the call.
If your suspension is related to unpaid traffic tickets, the court that issued the ticket may also have a website where you can check what you owe. If it is related to child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program.
Paying the reinstatement fee and resolving the underlying issue
You cannot straightforward pay the reinstatement fee and drive again. You must first resolve whatever caused the suspension. If you owe unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines to the court. If you failed a DUI course, you must complete it. If you did not maintain insurance, you must obtain a policy and provide proof to the DHSMV.
Once the underlying issue is resolved, you can pay the reinstatement fee. Where you pay depends on the suspension reason. For most traffic-related suspensions, you pay the court that issued the citation. For insurance-related suspensions, you pay the DHSMV directly. For DUI-related suspensions, you typically pay the DHSMV after you have completed the required course.
Payment methods vary by location. Many courts accept online payment through their websites. The DHSMV accepts payment by mail, phone, or in person at a driver's license office. Ask the court or agency handling your case which payment methods they offer and whether they accept credit cards, debit cards, or checks.
What happens after you pay
After you pay the reinstatement fee and resolve the underlying issue, the DHSMV will process your reinstatement. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days. You do not need to visit a driver's license office unless your license was suspended for a reason that requires a new photo or medical evaluation.
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a notice in the mail confirming it. You can also check the DHSMV website to confirm your license status. If you need to drive before the notice arrives, call the DHSMV to confirm your reinstatement is complete, and ask them to provide a verbal confirmation you can show to law enforcement if stopped.
If your reinstatement does not go through after 5 business days, contact the DHSMV or the court that handled your case. Sometimes a payment does not process correctly, or a required step was missed.
Suspensions related to child support and court orders
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support or failure to pay a court-ordered debt, the process is different. The Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program or the court that issued the order controls the suspension, not the DHSMV. You must contact that agency or court directly to learn what you owe and how to resolve it.
Once you have paid the arrears or made a payment arrangement with the court, that agency will notify the DHSMV to lift the suspension. You will not pay a separate reinstatement fee to the DHSMV in this case — the fee, if any, goes to the court or child support agency. The DHSMV will automatically reinstate your license once it receives notice that the underlying issue is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Florida. If you are stopped, you can face additional fines, jail time, and further license suspension. The only exception is a hardship license, which some courts issue for work or medical purposes, but you must request one from the court that suspended your license.
What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the court or agency handling your case and ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines and fees in installments. Some also offer fee waivers or reductions if you demonstrate financial hardship. You must request this before or at the time you pay — the DHSMV does not reduce fees after the fact.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay?
Most reinstatements process within 1 to 3 business days after payment is received and the underlying issue is resolved. However, if you paid by mail, allow extra time for the payment to reach the court or DHSMV. If you paid online or in person, it is usually faster.
Do I need to take a new driving test to get my license back?
Not for most suspensions. You only need to retake the written or road test if your suspension was for a medical reason, if your license expired while suspended, or if the DHSMV specifically requires it. The reinstatement notice will tell you if a test is required.
What if my suspension was a mistake?
Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension and explain the error. If you have documentation showing the suspension was incorrect — such as proof you paid a fine or completed a required course — provide it. The DHSMV or court can review your case and lift the suspension without requiring a reinstatement fee if they determine it was issued in error.