What happens when your Florida license is suspended
A suspended Florida driver's license means you cannot legally drive in Florida or most other states until you take specific steps to restore it. The suspension stays in effect until you address whatever caused it — usually unpaid traffic fines, a conviction for driving under the influence, points accumulation, or failure to pay child support or court-ordered fees.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is the agency that suspends licenses and the one you must contact to reinstate yours. You cannot straightforward wait out a suspension or ignore it; the clock does not start counting down until you take action.
The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended. Some suspensions require you to pay a fee, others require you to complete a course or program, and some require both. Understanding your specific reason for suspension is the first step.
Key Takeaways
- You must find out why your license was suspended by checking your DHSMV record online or calling the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 before you can reinstate it.
- Most reinstatements require a fee to the DHSMV, which ranges from $45 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a course, pay fines to the court, or show proof of insurance before the DHSMV will reinstate your license.
- You can check your suspension status and begin the reinstatement process online through the DHSMV website or in person at a Florida driver's license office.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the reason for the suspension. The DHSMV does not automatically tell you — you have to look it up yourself. The fastest way is to check online through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to log in.
If you do not want to check online, you can call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 during business hours. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member can tell you the reason for suspension and what you need to do to reinstate your license.
Common reasons for suspension in Florida include accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, failing to pay a traffic fine or court cost, a DUI conviction, driving with a suspended license, failure to maintain car insurance, or failure to pay child support or other court-ordered obligations. Each reason has a different reinstatement path.
Paying the reinstatement fee
Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the DHSMV before your license is restored. The fee is typically $45 for a standard suspension, but can be higher — up to $150 — depending on the reason for suspension and whether you have had previous suspensions.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. If you pay online, you will receive a confirmation number. If you pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address provided on the DHSMV website. If you pay in person, bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait.
Paying the fee alone does not always reinstate your license. If your suspension was for a DUI conviction, unpaid court fines, or failure to maintain insurance, you will need to complete additional steps after paying the fee.
Completing required courses or programs
If your suspension was related to a DUI conviction, you must complete a DUI course before reinstatement. Florida requires a Level 1 or Level 2 DUI course depending on whether you had prior DUI convictions. These courses are offered by approved providers throughout Florida and typically cost between $150 and $300.
If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you may be required to complete a traffic school course. This is a four-hour online or in-person course that costs around $30 to $50. Completing traffic school can also reduce points from your driving record.
After you complete any required course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate — you will need to show it to the DHSMV or submit it with your reinstatement request.
Handling unpaid fines and court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts to the court that issued the citation, not to the DHSMV. The DHSMV cannot reinstate your license until the court notifies them that the debt has been paid.
Contact the court listed on your citation to find out the exact amount owed and your payment options. Many courts allow you to pay online, by phone, or in person. Once you pay, ask the court clerk to confirm that the payment has been processed and that they will notify the DHSMV.
After the court sends notice to the DHSMV that you have paid, you still need to pay the DHSMV reinstatement fee. This is a separate payment and is required even after you have settled your court debt.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have completed all required steps — paid the reinstatement fee, finished any courses, and settled court fines — you can submit your reinstatement request. You have three options: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.
The online method is fastest. Log into your DHSMV account, navigate to the reinstatement section, and follow the prompts. You will need to upload any certificates of completion or proof of payment. The system will tell you when ready if your request has been accepted.
If you submit by mail, include your driver's license number, a copy of your certificate of completion (if required), proof of payment of the reinstatement fee, and a letter explaining that you are requesting reinstatement. Mail it to the DHSMV address listed on their website. Processing by mail takes longer — typically two to four weeks.
If you go in person to a driver's license office, bring your photo ID, proof of payment of the reinstatement fee, and any certificates of completion. The office can process your request on the spot, though you may have to wait several hours.
What to do if your suspension has multiple causes
Some drivers have suspensions for more than one reason — for example, unpaid fines and a DUI conviction. In these cases, you must address every cause before reinstatement. The DHSMV will not reinstate your license until all conditions are met.
When you check your suspension status, the DHSMV will list all reasons for suspension. Work through them one at a time. Pay any court fines first, then complete any required courses, then pay the reinstatement fee. Keep records of each step so you can prove to the DHSMV that you have completed everything.
If you are unsure whether you have completed all requirements, call the DHSMV again before submitting your reinstatement request. It is better to ask than to submit an incomplete request and have to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my license after I submit my request?
Online reinstatement typically takes a few minutes to a few hours. By mail, it takes two to four weeks. In person at a driver's license office, you may receive your reinstated license the same day, though processing can take up to two weeks depending on the office's workload.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Florida and can result in additional charges and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee and court fines at the same time?
Contact the court that issued your citation and ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have a payment plan in place, you can still pay the DHSMV reinstatement fee separately. Some DHSMV offices may also work with you on payment arrangements.
Do I need to take a new driving test to reinstate my license?
No. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than a certain period or your suspension was for a serious offense like multiple DUIs. The DHSMV will tell you if a test is required when you check your suspension status.
What if the DHSMV denies my reinstatement request?
The DHSMV will tell you why your request was denied. Usually it means you have not completed all required steps. Review the denial letter, complete whatever is missing, and submit a new request. If you disagree with the reason for denial, you can request a hearing with the DHSMV.