What happens when you reinstate a suspended Florida license
Reinstating a suspended Florida driver's license means getting your driving privilege back after the state has taken it away. The state suspends licenses for specific reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, DUI convictions, or failure to pay child support, among others. To reinstate, you must fix whatever caused the suspension in the first place, then submit proof to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
The reinstatement process is not automatic. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period and drive again. You have to take action, and the steps depend on why your license was suspended. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee; others require you to complete a course or provide a document from a court or agency. The DHSMV will not reinstate your license until they receive the correct proof.
Key Takeaways
- You must first resolve the reason for your suspension — pay fines, complete a course, appear in court, or provide proof from the relevant agency — before the DHSMV will reinstate your license.
- Most reinstatements require a $45 fee paid to the DHSMV, though some suspensions have additional costs depending on the cause.
- You can check your suspension reason and status through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov or by calling their customer service line at 850-617-2000.
- Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you submit proof to the DHSMV by mail, in person at a driver license office, or online through their website.
- Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the DHSMV receives your reinstatement request and all required documents.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason it was suspended. The DHSMV sends a notice by mail when a suspension takes effect, but if you have lost that notice or need current information, you can look it up yourself.
Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use their "Check Driver License Status" tool. You will need your driver license number or Social Security number and your date of birth. The system will show your current status and the reason for any suspension. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-2000. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Common suspension reasons and what you must do first
Different suspension reasons require different actions before reinstatement. Here are the most common ones:
Traffic violations and unpaid fines: If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, you must pay the fine or resolve the court case. Contact the court listed on your citation or the county clerk's office where the violation occurred. Once you have paid or resolved the matter, the court or clerk will notify the DHSMV, or you can provide proof of payment yourself.
Accumulation of points: Florida suspends licenses when a driver accumulates 12 or more points within 12 months, 18 or more points within 18 months, or 24 or more points within 36 months. To reinstate after a points suspension, you must complete an approved driver improvement course. The DHSMV website lists approved courses; many are offered online and cost between $20 and $50. After you complete the course, the provider sends your completion certificate directly to the DHSMV.
DUI or refusal to take a breath test: Suspensions related to DUI or breath test refusal have specific requirements. You may need to complete a DUI education course, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance). The court handling your DUI case will tell you exactly what is required. Some DUI suspensions have a mandatory waiting period before reinstatement is even possible.
Child support arrears: If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office or the court that ordered the support. Once you have made arrangements to pay or have brought your account current, that office will notify the DHSMV.
Failure to maintain insurance: If you were suspended for driving without insurance or failing to maintain coverage, you must obtain an SR-22 certificate from an insurance company and provide it to the DHSMV. An SR-22 is proof that you carry the minimum required liability insurance.
Submitting your reinstatement request to the DHSMV
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you are ready to request reinstatement. You will need to pay a $45 reinstatement fee (some suspension types have additional fees) and provide proof that you have fixed the problem.
You have three ways to submit your reinstatement request. Online: Visit flhsmv.gov, go to the reinstatement section, and follow the prompts. You can pay the fee by credit or debit card. By mail: Send a letter requesting reinstatement, your driver license number, proof of resolution (such as a paid receipt or course completion certificate), and a check or money order for $45 to the DHSMV address listed on their website. In person: Visit any Florida driver license office with your proof of resolution and payment method. Bring your current ID.
Keep copies of everything you send. If the DHSMV needs additional information, they will contact you by mail or phone. Processing usually takes one to two weeks after they receive your complete request.
What to do if you cannot resolve the suspension when ready
Some suspension reasons have mandatory waiting periods or require actions you cannot complete right away. If you are in this situation, you still have options.
If a court case is pending, ask the court or your attorney whether you can request a hardship license (also called a business purpose license). A hardship license allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs during your suspension. You must petition the court and show that the suspension causes undue hardship. The court decides whether to grant it.
If you are waiting out a mandatory suspension period, mark your calendar for the date it ends. You can still prepare by completing any required courses or gathering documents ahead of time so you can submit your reinstatement request as soon as the waiting period is over.
Reinstating a license suspended in another state
If your Florida license was suspended because of an out-of-state violation or suspension, the process is similar but may involve additional steps. Some states report suspensions to Florida through a national system; others do not. Contact the DHSMV to find out what proof you need from the other state.
You may need to resolve the matter in that state first, or provide documentation showing that you have done so. The DHSMV can tell you whether the other state has already reported the suspension to Florida and what documents will satisfy their reinstatement requirements. This step prevents delays when you submit your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit my reinstatement request?
Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the DHSMV receives your complete request with all required documents and payment. If you submit online, you may see your status updated within a few business days. If documents are missing or unclear, the DHSMV will contact you and processing will take longer.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DHSMV officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Florida and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DHSMV before you drive.
What if I lost my driver license and my license is also suspended?
You will need to reinstate your license first, then renew or replace it. Contact the DHSMV to confirm your suspension status and what you need to do. Once your license is reinstated, you can explore for a replacement at any driver license office.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if the suspension was a mistake?
If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the DHSMV when ready to dispute it. Explain the situation and provide any supporting documents. If the DHSMV agrees the suspension was a mistake, they will remove it without charging a fee. If the suspension is upheld, you will still need to pay the reinstatement fee to restore your driving privilege.
What happens if I do not reinstate my license and keep driving?
Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense. You can be arrested, fined up to $500 for a first offense, and face jail time. Your vehicle can be impounded. Your suspension will be extended, and you may face additional penalties. Reinstate your license as soon as you are able to do so.