What the Broward Clerk handles for license reinstatement

The Broward Clerk of Courts processes reinstatement requests for driver's licenses suspended or revoked in Broward County, Florida. The clerk's office does not issue licenses — that is the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) — but the clerk handles the paperwork and fees required before DHSMV will restore your driving privilege.

Reinstatement through the clerk is necessary when your suspension or revocation came from a court case, unpaid traffic fines, or a criminal conviction. The clerk verifies that you have met the court's conditions — paid fines, completed required programs, or served a suspension period — and then forwards your case to DHSMV to lift the hold on your license.

The process is different from straightforward renewing an expired license. You cannot go directly to a license office; you must first clear the suspension or revocation through the clerk's office in the county where the suspension originated.

Key Takeaways

  • The Broward Clerk of Courts processes reinstatement requests but does not issue licenses; DHSMV restores your driving privilege after the clerk clears the suspension.
  • You must pay all outstanding fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees to the clerk before your case moves forward.
  • The clerk's office is located at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, and you can also handle reinstatement by mail or phone for some cases.
  • After the clerk processes your reinstatement, DHSMV typically restores your license within one to two weeks, though you may need to visit a license office to obtain a new card.

Why your license was suspended or revoked

Suspensions and revocations come from different causes, and the reason matters because it determines what you must do to reinstate. A suspension is temporary; your license is paused for a set period or until you meet specific conditions. A revocation is permanent unless you go through formal reinstatement — the state has taken away your privilege to drive.

Common reasons for suspension in Broward County include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court for a traffic citation, conviction for driving with a suspended license, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, or failure to complete a required program such as traffic school or DUI education. Revocations typically result from serious convictions such as DUI, reckless driving causing injury, or habitual traffic offender status.

You can check the reason for your suspension or revocation by contacting the Broward Clerk of Courts directly or by visiting the DHSMV website and entering your driver's license number. Knowing the specific reason tells you what steps you must complete before reinstatement is possible.

Documents and fees you will need

The exact documents required depend on why your license was suspended, but most reinstatement cases require proof that you have paid all fines and court costs related to the case. Bring your case number (found on any court paperwork or citation), a valid form of identification, and proof of payment if you have already paid fines.

The reinstatement fee charged by the Broward Clerk of Courts varies depending on the type of suspension or revocation. As of 2024, reinstatement fees typically range from $25 to $150, though this amount changes and you should confirm the exact fee when you contact the clerk. If you have unpaid fines or court costs, those must be paid in addition to the reinstatement fee.

If your suspension came from a DUI conviction, you may also need proof of completion of a DUI education program or substance abuse treatment, depending on the court's original order. If it came from a traffic violation, you might need proof of completion of traffic school. The clerk's office will tell you which documents explore to your case when you call or visit.

How to contact the Broward Clerk of Courts

The Broward Clerk of Courts Criminal Division, which handles license reinstatement cases, is located at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can visit in person during business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary by division.

To reach the clerk by phone, call the main clerk's office at (954) 831-6000 and ask to be transferred to the Criminal Division or the department handling license reinstatement. You can also mail your reinstatement request and payment to the address above, though processing by mail takes longer than in-person visits.

Before you visit or call, gather your case number and any court documents related to your suspension. This information speeds up the process and allows the clerk's staff to tell you when ready what you still need to do.

Steps to reinstate your license

Start by confirming the reason for your suspension and what conditions you must meet. Contact the Broward Clerk of Courts or check DHSMV's website to see your suspension status and any outstanding fines or required programs.

Next, complete any required programs or conditions set by the court. If you were ordered to take traffic school, DUI education, or substance abuse treatment, finish that before you go to the clerk. The clerk cannot process reinstatement until the court's conditions are met.

Pay all outstanding fines and court costs. You can pay the Broward Clerk of Courts in person at their office, by phone using a credit or debit card, by mail with a check or money order, or online through the clerk's website if that option is available for your case type. Keep a receipt or confirmation number showing payment.

Visit or contact the clerk's office with your case number, identification, proof of payment, and any documents proving you completed required programs. The clerk will verify that all conditions are met and process your reinstatement request. You will pay the reinstatement fee at this time.

After the clerk processes your reinstatement, the office sends the paperwork to DHSMV. DHSMV typically lifts the suspension or revocation within one to two weeks. You can check your status on the DHSMV website or by calling DHSMV at 1-850-617-3000.

What happens after DHSMV restores your privilege

Once DHSMV removes the suspension or revocation from your record, your driving privilege is restored. However, you may still need to obtain a new physical license card. If your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it at a Florida license office.

Visit any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office with your identification and proof of residency. Bring your Social Security number or an ITIN. The license office will issue you a new card on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office's procedures.

If your license has not expired, you can sometimes drive legally once DHSMV restores your privilege, but you should still obtain a new card to avoid confusion during traffic stops. The license office can tell you whether you need to renew or straightforward get a replacement card.

If you cannot pay fines all at once

If you owe fines or court costs but cannot pay the full amount when ready, contact the Broward Clerk of Courts to ask about a payment plan. The clerk's office may allow you to pay in installments, though reinstatement cannot be processed until all amounts are paid in full.

Some courts also offer hardship waivers or reductions for people with financial difficulty, though these are granted on a case-by-case basis. Call the clerk's office and explain your situation; they can tell you whether a waiver or reduction is possible for your case.

Do not ignore unpaid fines. The longer you wait, the more interest and collection costs may accumulate, and your suspension will remain in effect. Contacting the clerk early gives you the most options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reinstate my license after I contact the Broward Clerk?

The clerk typically processes reinstatement requests within one to three business days if all conditions are met and fees are paid. DHSMV then takes one to two weeks to update your record and lift the suspension. Total time from clerk approval to restored driving privilege is usually two to three weeks.

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially removes the suspension from your record. Driving during this time is illegal and can result in additional charges. Wait until you receive confirmation from DHSMV that your privilege has been restored.

What if I moved out of Broward County — do I still go through the Broward Clerk?

Yes. You must go through the clerk in the county where the suspension originated, which is Broward County. You can handle this by mail, phone, or in person. After the Broward Clerk processes your reinstatement, DHSMV will restore your privilege regardless of where you currently live.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement is an administrative process that you can handle yourself by contacting the clerk, paying fines, and submitting required documents. A lawyer is not necessary unless your case involves a complex legal issue or you want help negotiating a payment plan or hardship waiver.

What if the clerk says I still owe money I did not know about?

Ask the clerk for an itemized breakdown of all fines, court costs, and fees. Request a copy of the original court order so you can see what was ordered. If you believe an amount is incorrect, ask about the process to dispute it or request a hearing. The clerk can direct you to the right department.