What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Florida driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you pay, what documents you need, and which agency handles your case. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains the suspension, but the cause could be a traffic conviction, unpaid court fines, a failed drug test, an unpaid child support obligation, or a medical issue. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and walk out; you must resolve the underlying reason first, then submit proof to DHSMV that you have done so.
The reinstatement process takes between two and six weeks after DHSMV receives your completed paperwork, though it can take longer if your case involves court records or if you are waiting for a medical clearance. During this time, your license remains suspended, and driving is illegal — even to work or medical appointments.
Key Takeaways
- You must identify the reason for suspension before you can reinstate; DHSMV will tell you the cause and what documents are required.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, complete a course, obtain a medical evaluation, or satisfy a court order — before DHSMV will process reinstatement.
- The reinstatement fee is typically $150, but additional costs depend on the reason: court fines, child support arrears, substance abuse program fees, or medical evaluation costs may explore.
- You can check your suspension status and required documents online through the DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line.
- If your suspension is related to a medical condition, you will need a signed statement from a physician before reinstatement is possible.
How to find out why your license is suspended
Contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles directly. You can call their customer service line at 850-617-2000, visit a local DHSMV office in person, or check your status online through the DHSMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The online system will show the suspension reason and list the specific documents or actions required for reinstatement.
Write down the exact reason code and the required documents — this list is your roadmap. Common suspension reasons include "FTA" (failure to appear in court), "FTF" (failure to pay fine), "SUSP" (suspension for a conviction), "CHILD" (child support arrears), "DUI" (driving under the influence), and "MED" (medical suspension). Each reason has a different path to reinstatement.
Resolving the underlying reason for suspension
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must address that issue before DHSMV will reinstate it. If the suspension is due to an unpaid fine or court costs, contact the court that issued the citation and pay the full amount owed. Request a receipt or proof of payment — you will need this to submit to DHSMV. If you cannot pay in full, some courts allow payment plans; ask the clerk about your options.
If the suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must contact the court, explain your absence, and either appear in person or work with an attorney to resolve the case. The court will issue a new order once the matter is settled. If the suspension is related to a DUI or substance abuse conviction, you may be required to complete a substance abuse course or DUI education program before reinstatement is possible. The court or DHSMV will specify which program and how to enroll.
If the suspension is due to unpaid child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program or the local child support enforcement office. You will need to bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Child support arrears cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, so this obligation must be addressed directly.
If the suspension is medical in nature, you must obtain a medical evaluation from a licensed physician in Florida. The doctor will complete a form (usually the "Medical Evaluation" form provided by DHSMV) and sign it, confirming that you are medically fit to drive. This form must be submitted with your reinstatement request.
Submitting your reinstatement request and paying the fee
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, gather all required documents. These typically include proof that you have paid fines or court costs, proof of child support payment or arrangement, a completed substance abuse course certificate, or a signed medical evaluation form. You will also need your driver's license number and a valid form of identification.
Submit your reinstatement request to DHSMV along with the $150 reinstatement fee. You can do this in person at any DHSMV office, by mail to the address provided on the DHSMV website, or online if your suspension reason allows it. If you submit by mail, include copies (not originals) of all supporting documents and a cover letter listing what you are enclosing. Keep a copy for your records.
Payment can be made by check, money order, credit card, or debit card, depending on the method you choose. If you submit in person, you can pay when ready and often receive confirmation on the spot. If you mail your request, allow extra time for processing.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
DHSMV will review your paperwork and verify that the underlying issue has been resolved. This verification may involve contacting the court, the child support enforcement office, or the substance abuse program you completed. Once DHSMV confirms everything is in order, your license will be reinstated. You will receive a notice in the mail, and your driving privilege will be restored when ready upon reinstatement.
If DHSMV finds that your paperwork is incomplete or that the underlying issue has not been fully resolved, they will send you a notice explaining what is missing or what additional steps are needed. You will have a set period to respond and provide the missing information. If you do not respond within that timeframe, your reinstatement request may be denied, and you will have to start the process over.
Reinstating a license suspended for multiple reasons
Some drivers have suspensions for more than one reason — for example, an unpaid fine and unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction and a medical issue. In these cases, you must resolve all reasons before DHSMV will reinstate your license. Check the DHSMV suspension notice carefully to see if multiple reasons are listed. If they are, address each one separately and submit proof for all of them together.
If you are unsure whether your suspension has multiple causes, call DHSMV customer service and ask them to review your file. It is better to know this upfront than to submit an incomplete reinstatement request and have it denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially reinstates it. Driving during this period is illegal and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the court or DHSMV whether a hardship license or temporary driving permit is available in your situation.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full fine or reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you have an agreement in place, provide proof of the plan to DHSMV along with your reinstatement request. For the $150 reinstatement fee, DHSMV typically does not offer payment plans, but some local DHSMV offices may work with you on timing.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Processing typically takes two to six weeks after DHSMV receives your complete request. If your case involves court records or a medical evaluation, it may take longer. You can call DHSMV to check the status of your request after two weeks.
What if I move out of Florida before my license is reinstated?
Your Florida suspension remains in effect even if you move. You will need to resolve the underlying issue and complete the reinstatement process with Florida before you can obtain a license in another state. Most states check the National Driver Register, which will show your Florida suspension.
Can I get a hardship license while my suspension is pending?
Hardship licenses are available only in certain situations, such as a medical suspension or a DUI-related suspension, and only if you meet specific criteria. Contact the court that handled your case or call DHSMV to ask whether you are may be able to access. A hardship license allows limited driving — usually to work, school, or medical appointments — but does not fully reinstate your license.