What happens when your Florida license is suspended or revoked
Your Florida driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, accumulating too many points, driving under the influence, or failing to pay child support. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored after you meet certain conditions. A revocation is more serious and usually requires you to go through a formal reinstatement process with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
The reason your license was suspended or revoked matters, because each reason has different steps and costs to get it back. You cannot straightforward renew your license online or at a local office — you have to clear the specific issue that caused the suspension first.
Key Takeaways
- You must find out why your license was suspended or revoked by checking your DHSMV record online, calling the DHSMV, or visiting a local driver license office.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions — paying fines, completing a DUI course, paying child support, or waiting out a point suspension.
- After you resolve the underlying issue, you must file a reinstatement request with DHSMV and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by reason.
- Processing takes several weeks, and you cannot legally drive until DHSMV notifies you that your license is active again.
Finding out why your license was suspended or revoked
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused it. DHSMV maintains your driving record, and you can check it three ways.
The fastest way is online through the DHSMV website. Go to flhsmv.gov, find the "Driver Records" section, and select "Check Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show you any active suspensions or revocations and the reason for each one.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000. Have your license number and date of birth ready. A representative can tell you the reason and what you need to do next. You can also visit a local driver license office in person — find the nearest one on the DHSMV website by entering your county.
Resolving the underlying reason for suspension
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must address that specific issue. The most common reasons and what you need to do are listed below.
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine. You can usually find the court's phone number on your citation or online through the Florida court system website. Pay the full amount owed, including any late fees. Ask for written confirmation of payment — you will need this when you request reinstatement.
Accumulation of points: If you received too many points from traffic violations, your license is suspended for a set period. You cannot shorten this suspension, but it will lift automatically once the time passes. Check your driving record to see the suspension end date. You do not need to take action other than waiting, but you cannot drive during this time.
DUI or refusal to take a breath test: You must complete a DUI course approved by DHSMV. The course is usually eight hours long for a first offense. Search for approved providers on the DHSMV website under "DUI Education." After you finish, the provider sends your completion certificate directly to DHSMV. You will also need to pay a reinstatement fee.
Failure to pay child support: Contact the Florida Department of Revenue, which handles child support enforcement. You must bring your account current or set up a payment plan. Once the department confirms you are compliant, they notify DHSMV, and your suspension is lifted. This process can take several weeks.
Failure to maintain auto insurance: Obtain a new insurance policy and ask your insurance company to file an SR-50 form with DHSMV. This form proves you now have coverage. Your suspension lifts once DHSMV receives it.
Filing for reinstatement with DHSMV
After you have resolved the underlying issue, you must formally request reinstatement. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.
The online method is fastest. Go to flhsmv.gov, find the reinstatement section, and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and payment information for the reinstatement fee. The fee ranges from $45 to $275 depending on the reason for suspension — check the DHSMV website for the exact amount for your situation.
If you prefer to mail your request, read the reinstatement form from the DHSMV website or pick one up at a driver license office. Include proof that you resolved the underlying issue (payment receipt, DUI course certificate, child support compliance letter, or insurance SR-50 form). Mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the reinstatement fee.
You can also visit a driver license office in person with the same documents and fee. An employee can submit your reinstatement request on the spot.
What to expect after you submit your request
DHSMV typically processes reinstatement requests within two to four weeks. During this time, you cannot legally drive — your license remains suspended until you receive written notice that it has been reinstated.
You will receive notification by mail at the address on file with DHSMV. The letter will confirm that your license is active again. Some people also see the status change in their online driving record before the letter arrives.
If your request is denied, the letter will explain why. Common reasons include incomplete documentation or failure to fully resolve the underlying issue. You can resubmit your request once you address the problem.
Renewing your license after reinstatement
Reinstatement restores your driving privileges, but it does not renew your license if it has expired. Check your license expiration date. If it has passed, you will need to renew it separately through DHSMV.
You can renew online if your license is not suspended and you meet other requirements. Go to flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License." If you cannot renew online, visit a driver license office with your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Renewal fees vary by license type and validity period — check the DHSMV website for current amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV sends you written notice of reinstatement. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, arrest, or vehicle impoundment. Wait for the official notification before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee all at once?
DHSMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension was due to unpaid 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.
Do I need to take a new driver's license test to get reinstated?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the written or driving test unless your license was revoked for a serious reason like multiple DUIs. DHSMV will notify you if a test is required as part of your reinstatement.
How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?
Suspensions and revocations remain on your record for varying lengths of time depending on the reason. Once the suspension period ends and you complete reinstatement, the record is still visible but marked as resolved. You can request details about your specific record from DHSMV.
What if I moved and DHSMV has my old address?
Update your address with DHSMV before submitting your reinstatement request. You can do this online at flhsmv.gov, by mail, or at a driver license office. This ensures you receive the reinstatement notification at the correct address.