What you need to do to get your license back
Reinstating a suspended Florida driver's license means clearing whatever caused the suspension, paying reinstatement fees to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), and then requesting reinstatement through their system. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or failure to pay child support or court fines. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period; you must actively take steps to resolve the underlying issue and then formally request reinstatement.
The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks once DHSMV receives your request and payment, though it can take longer if your case involves court records or if additional documentation is needed. During this time, driving is illegal, and you should not operate a vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- You must first find out why your license was suspended by checking your DHSMV record online or calling 850-617-2000, because different suspension reasons require different steps to clear.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $150 to $275) plus any outstanding fines, tickets, or child support owed before DHSMV will process your request.
- You can request reinstatement online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Florida driver license office once you have resolved the underlying issue and paid all fees.
- If your suspension was for a DUI or serious traffic violation, you may need to complete a driver improvement course or substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible.
Finding out why your license is suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. DHSMV maintains your driving record, and you can check it yourself without paying a fee. Go to the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov), select "Check Your Driving Record," and follow the prompts to enter your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. The system will show you the suspension reason and any associated court case numbers or ticket numbers.
If you prefer not to check online, you can call DHSMV at 850-617-2000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The representative can tell you the suspension reason and what you need to do to clear it. You can also visit a Florida driver license office in person and ask a clerk to print your record.
Resolving the reason for suspension
Each suspension reason has a different path to resolution. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, you must pay those amounts in full. Contact the court listed on your ticket or check the DHSMV record for the court information. Many Florida courts allow online payment through their websites; others require payment by phone, mail, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, they report it to DHSMV, which can take several days.
If your suspension is due to accumulating too many points (Florida suspends licenses at 12 points within 12 months, 18 points within 18 months, or 24 points within 36 months), you cannot straightforward pay a fee to clear points. Instead, you must wait out a portion of the suspension period or complete a defensive driving course, which removes four points from your record. The DHSMV website lists approved courses; most cost $30 to $50 and can be completed online in a few hours.
For DUI-related suspensions, the process is more involved. You must have completed any court-ordered penalties, paid all fines, and completed a DUI education program (usually a 12-hour course for a first offense). Some DUI suspensions also require an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle before reinstatement. Contact the court handling your DUI case to confirm what programs you have completed and what remains.
If your suspension is for failure to pay child support or court-ordered alimony, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program or the court that issued the order. You will need to bring your payments current or arrange a payment plan. Once the agency or court confirms the arrangement, they notify DHSMV.
Paying the reinstatement fee
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, DHSMV charges a reinstatement fee. This fee is separate from any fines or tickets you already paid. The reinstatement fee is typically $150 for a suspension due to points, $275 for a DUI-related suspension, or $100 to $150 for other suspension types, though the exact amount depends on the reason. DHSMV does not publish a single fee schedule because different suspension categories have different costs.
You can pay the reinstatement fee when you request reinstatement. If you are requesting reinstatement online through the DHSMV website, you can pay by credit or debit card. If you are requesting by mail or in person, you can pay by check, money order, or card (in person only). Do not send cash by mail.
Requesting reinstatement
You have three ways to request reinstatement: online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest. Go to flhsmv.gov, select "Reinstate Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method. The system will confirm whether your suspension has been cleared and process your reinstatement request and fee payment when ready.
If you request by mail, send a letter to the DHSMV address listed on your suspension notice (or call 850-617-2000 to get the correct address for your case). Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (such as a court receipt or completion certificate), and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail takes longer — typically three to four weeks — and you risk the letter getting lost.
To request in person, visit any Florida driver license office with your identification, proof of resolution (court receipt, course completion certificate, or letter from the child support agency), and payment for the reinstatement fee. Bring the original documents or certified copies; photocopies are usually not accepted. The office will submit your reinstatement request on the spot, and you should receive your reinstated license by mail within two to four weeks.
What happens after you request reinstatement
After DHSMV receives your reinstatement request and payment, they verify that the suspension reason has been cleared. This verification can take one to two weeks if the underlying issue was resolved through the court system, because courts and DHSMV do not share real-time databases. If everything checks out, DHSMV mails you a new license to the address on file. You should receive it within two to four weeks of your request.
If DHSMV cannot verify that the suspension reason has been cleared, they will contact you (usually by phone or mail) asking for additional documentation. This is common with DUI cases or child support suspensions, where the court or agency must formally notify DHSMV before reinstatement can proceed. Respond promptly with any requested documents to avoid delays.
Do not drive until you receive your reinstated license in the mail. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in arrest, additional fines, and further suspension.
If your suspension was for a serious violation
Some suspensions — particularly those for DUI, reckless driving, or habitual traffic offender status — may require more than just paying fees and clearing fines. You may need to complete a substance abuse program, driver improvement course, or mental health evaluation before reinstatement is possible. The court or DHSMV will specify what is required in your case.
For DUI suspensions, Florida requires completion of a DUI education program before reinstatement. The length and type of program depend on whether it was a first, second, or subsequent offense. First-time offenders typically complete a 12-hour program; repeat offenders may need a longer program. These programs are offered by approved providers throughout Florida and cost $150 to $400. Once you complete the program, the provider sends a certificate to DHSMV, which is required for reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a learner's permit or borrowed license while my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you cannot legally operate a motor vehicle under any circumstances, even with a learner's permit or someone else's license. Driving during suspension is a separate criminal charge that can result in arrest and jail time, regardless of the original suspension reason.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If you request reinstatement online and your suspension has already been cleared in the system, DHSMV processes it when ready and mails your license within two to four weeks. If you request by mail or in person, or if DHSMV needs to verify that your suspension reason has been cleared, the process takes three to four weeks or longer.
What if I move to a different state before my license is reinstated?
You can still request reinstatement of your Florida license by mail or online, even if you no longer live in Florida. However, if you plan to get a license in your new state, that state's licensing agency will see the Florida suspension on your driving record. You should clear the Florida suspension before explore for a license elsewhere, as most states will not issue a license to someone with an active suspension in another state.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I was not at fault for the suspension?
Yes. The reinstatement fee is a standard administrative charge that applies regardless of fault. If you believe your suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing with DHSMV to contest the suspension itself, but this is a separate process from reinstatement and must happen before you pay the reinstatement fee. Call 850-617-2000 to ask about contesting your suspension.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
DHSMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid court fines or child support, the court or child support agency may offer a payment plan for those amounts. Once you bring those payments current or arrange a plan, you can then pay the reinstatement fee. Some community legal aid organizations in Florida may also provide information about your options.