Florida reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

The cost to reinstate your Florida driver's license ranges from $45 to $150, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets or child support typically costs $45. A suspension for a DUI conviction costs $150. If your license was suspended for medical reasons or failure to pay a traffic fine, you may owe the original fine amount plus the reinstatement fee. You must pay the reinstatement fee before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will process your request.

The reinstatement process itself is free — you are only paying to clear the suspension from your record. However, if you also need to renew your license because it has expired during the suspension period, you will owe a separate renewal fee of $48 for an eight-year license or $75 for a commercial license.

Key Takeaways

  • Most reinstatement fees in Florida are $45, but DUI-related suspensions cost $150 to reinstate.
  • You must pay the full reinstatement fee before DHSMV will lift the suspension, even if you are on a payment plan for the underlying fine.
  • If your license expired while suspended, you will owe both the reinstatement fee and a separate renewal fee.
  • You can pay reinstatement fees online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Florida driver license office.

Reinstatement fees by suspension reason

Florida groups suspensions into categories, and each has its own reinstatement cost. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court costs $45 to reinstate. A suspension for a DUI or refusal to take a breath test costs $150. A suspension for accumulating too many points on your driving record (12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months) also costs $45.

If your suspension was for a medical reason — such as a seizure disorder or vision problem — the reinstatement fee is $45, but you must also provide a medical evaluation form signed by a doctor before DHSMV will process your request. This medical form is free to obtain, but your doctor may charge an office visit fee.

Some suspensions carry additional costs beyond the reinstatement fee. If you were suspended for not paying a traffic fine, you still owe the original fine amount. DHSMV will not lift the suspension until both the fine and the $45 reinstatement fee are paid.

How to pay your reinstatement fee

You can pay your reinstatement fee online, by mail, or in person. The online method is fastest: visit the DHSMV website, select "Pay a Fine or Reinstatement Fee," enter your driver license number, and pay by credit or debit card. Payment is processed when ready, though it may take one to two business days for the suspension to be lifted from your record.

To pay by mail, send a check or money order made out to "DHSMV" along with a completed Form HSMV 14-010 (Reinstatement Request) to the address listed on your suspension notice. Include your driver license number and the reason for suspension. Mail payment takes seven to ten business days to process.

You can also pay in person at any Florida driver license office. Bring your driver license, proof of payment for any underlying fines, and cash or a card. In-person payment is processed the same day, though the suspension may not clear from the system until the next business day.

What happens after you pay

Once DHSMV receives your reinstatement fee, the suspension is typically lifted within one to two business days. You will receive written confirmation by mail or email, depending on which contact method you provided. Your driving privilege is restored as soon as the suspension is removed — you do not need to visit a driver license office or take any additional action.

If you paid online or in person, you can check the status of your reinstatement by visiting the DHSMV website and selecting "Check License Status." Enter your driver license number and date of birth. If the suspension still shows as active after two business days, contact the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-353-0136.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once

DHSMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees themselves, but you may be able to set up a payment plan for the underlying fine that caused the suspension. Contact the court or agency that issued the fine to ask about payment plan options. Once you have made arrangements, you can still pay the $45 or $150 reinstatement fee separately to lift the suspension while you pay the fine over time.

If the suspension was for unpaid child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program to discuss payment options. You can reach them at 1-800-622-5437. They may be willing to work with you on a payment schedule, which could allow you to reinstate your license sooner.

Renewal fees if your license expired during suspension

If your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it after paying the reinstatement fee. A standard eight-year Florida driver license renewal costs $48. A commercial driver license renewal costs $75. These fees are separate from the reinstatement fee and must be paid in addition to it.

You can renew your license at the same time you pay your reinstatement fee if you pay online or in person. If you pay by mail, you may want to include both the reinstatement fee and the renewal fee in the same payment to speed up the process. Include both Form HSMV 14-010 (Reinstatement Request) and Form DHSMV 44-015 (Driver License Renewal process) with your payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially lifts the suspension. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. Wait for written confirmation that your suspension has been removed before driving.

What if I paid my fine but the suspension is still showing?

Suspensions can take one to two business days to clear after payment is received. Check your status online at the DHSMV website. If more than two business days have passed, call DHSMV customer service at 1-844-353-0136 with your payment confirmation number.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I move out of Florida?

Yes. A Florida suspension follows you to any state. If you want to drive legally in Florida again or transfer your license to another state, you must pay the reinstatement fee to clear the suspension from your record.

Is there a fee to check if my license is suspended?

No. You can check your license status for free on the DHSMV website by entering your driver license number and date of birth. You can also call DHSMV at 1-844-353-0136 to ask about your suspension status.