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, then complete the specific steps the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires for that reason. The process is different depending on whether you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another cause. You cannot straightforward renew your license — you must formally request reinstatement and often pay a reinstatement fee.
The fastest way to start is to check your suspension status online through the DHSMV website or call their Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. They will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do before you can drive legally again.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines your reinstatement steps — unpaid fines, DUI convictions, and point accumulation each have different requirements.
- You must contact DHSMV to confirm your suspension status and learn what actions are required before reinstatement is possible.
- Most reinstatements require a fee (typically $75 to $150) paid to DHSMV, plus any outstanding fines or court costs owed.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a course or program — such as a DUI education course or traffic school — before reinstatement can happen.
- Once you complete all requirements, you request reinstatement through DHSMV by mail, phone, or in person at a driver license office.
Check your suspension status and reason
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly why it was suspended. DHSMV suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic citations, failure to pay child support, DUI or drug conviction, accumulating too many points, failure to maintain insurance, or a medical condition. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.
Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the "Check Driver License Status" tool. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The system will show your current status and, if suspended, the reason. If you cannot access the online tool, call DHSMV Customer Service at 850-617-2000 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your license number or Social Security number ready.
Pay outstanding fines and court costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic citations, you must pay the fine and any court costs before reinstatement. Contact the traffic court in the county where you received the citation — the court name and contact number should be on your citation or court paperwork. Ask the clerk exactly how much you owe and whether you can pay by phone, online, or in person.
Some courts allow payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Once you have paid in full, ask the court clerk for written confirmation. Keep this receipt — you may need to show it when you request reinstatement. The court will notify DHSMV that the fine is paid, but this can take several days, so do not assume your license is when ready reinstated.
Complete required courses or programs
Certain suspension reasons require you to finish a course before reinstatement is possible. If you were suspended for a DUI conviction, you must complete a DUI education course (also called a substance abuse course) approved by DHSMV. The course length depends on whether it is your first offense and other factors — typically 4 to 12 hours. You pay the course provider directly, not DHSMV.
If your suspension is due to accumulating too many points, you may be required to complete a traffic school course. Florida-approved traffic schools offer these courses online or in person. Once you finish, the school sends proof of completion to DHSMV. Keep your own copy of the completion certificate as well.
If your suspension is for a medical reason, you may need to provide a letter from your doctor stating you are fit to drive, or pass a medical examination. Contact DHSMV to learn what medical documentation is required.
Request reinstatement from DHSMV
Once you have completed all requirements for your suspension reason, you request reinstatement. You have three options: online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.
Online: Visit flhsmv.gov and use the reinstatement request tool if your suspension reason is may be able to access for online reinstatement. Not all suspension types can be handled online — the system will tell you if yours cannot.
By mail: Send a letter to DHSMV requesting reinstatement. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and proof that you have met all requirements (such as a court receipt, course completion certificate, or medical letter). Mail to: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Driver License Bureau, Post Office Box 5775, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5775.
In person: Visit any Florida driver license office with your identification and proof of completion. Bring the same documents you would mail — receipts, certificates, or letters showing you have satisfied all requirements.
Pay the reinstatement fee
DHSMV charges a reinstatement fee when you request reinstatement. The fee is typically $75 for a standard suspension or $150 for a suspension related to a DUI conviction, though fees can vary. You pay this fee at the time you request reinstatement — online, by mail, or at the driver license office.
If you request reinstatement by mail, include a check or money order payable to "DHSMV" along with your letter. If you request online or in person, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash (in person only). Do not send cash by mail.
Understand reinstatement timelines
The time it takes to reinstate your license depends on how you request it and how quickly DHSMV processes your request. If you request reinstatement online and all your requirements are met, reinstatement can happen within one to three business days. If you request by mail, allow two to three weeks for DHSMV to receive your letter, process it, and notify you.
If you request reinstatement in person at a driver license office, you may receive your reinstated license the same day, though this depends on office wait times and whether your file is complete. Call ahead to ask what documents to bring and whether you need an appointment.
During the reinstatement process, your license remains suspended. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation from DHSMV that your license has been reinstated. Driving on a suspended license carries serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and further license suspension.
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 time is illegal and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and further suspension. Wait for written confirmation from DHSMV before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Contact DHSMV to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some courts also offer payment plans for outstanding fines. Explain your situation to the court clerk or DHSMV staff — options may be available depending on your circumstances.
Do I need to take a new driver's license test to get reinstated?
Usually no. Reinstatement restores your existing license without requiring a written or driving test. However, if your license has expired during the suspension, you may need to renew it, which could include a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been expired.
What if my suspension was due to failure to pay child support?
Contact the Florida Department of Revenue, Office of Program Policy, at 850-488-9100. They handle child support suspensions. You must work with them to resolve the child support debt or set up a payment plan before DHSMV can reinstate your license.
How do I know if my reinstatement was approved?
DHSMV will send you written confirmation by mail if you requested reinstatement by mail or in person. If you requested online, check your email for confirmation. You can also call DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to confirm your status. Your license is reinstated once you receive official notification — not before.