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 requirement tied to that reason. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) suspends licenses for different causes — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back; you must resolve the underlying issue first.
The fastest way to learn your suspension reason is to check your status online through the DHSMV website or call the DHSMV at 850-617-3800. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Once you know the reason, you can take the exact steps needed to clear it.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what you must do — unpaid fines, court appearances, child support, or medical clearance each require different steps.
- Check your suspension status and reason through the DHSMV website or by calling 850-617-3800 before you do anything else.
- After you resolve the underlying issue, you must pay a reinstatement fee to DHSMV, which varies by suspension type.
- Some suspensions require you to file an SR-22 form (proof of insurance) or take a driver improvement course before your license is restored.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to three business days after DHSMV receives your payment and all required documents.
How to find out why your license is suspended
The DHSMV maintains a public lookup tool on its website where you can enter your driver's license number or Social Security number to see your current status. Go to the DHSMV homepage, find the "Check Driver License Status" link, and follow the prompts. The system will tell you whether your license is suspended and the reason code.
If you prefer not to use the online tool or need to speak with someone, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-3800. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your license number, Social Security number, or date of birth ready. The representative will explain your suspension reason and tell you exactly what you need to do to clear it.
Reinstatement steps for traffic-related suspensions
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, you must resolve the court case first. Contact the traffic court in the county where the violation occurred. You can find the court's phone number and address through the Florida court system website or by searching "[county name] traffic court." Tell them you want to resolve your case — you may be able to pay the fine, request a payment plan, or appear before a judge.
Once the court case is resolved (either by paying the fine, completing a payment plan, or having the case dismissed), the court sends notice to DHSMV. However, do not wait passively. After you resolve the court matter, contact DHSMV to confirm they received the notice. Then pay the reinstatement fee, which is $45 for a traffic-related suspension. You can pay online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office.
Reinstatement steps for child support and financial suspensions
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program. Call 1-800-622-5437 or visit the program's website to set up a payment plan or pay the full amount owed. The department will work with you on a schedule if you cannot pay everything at once.
Once you have made an arrangement or paid in full, the Department of Revenue notifies DHSMV. You then pay the reinstatement fee ($45) to DHSMV. If your suspension was tied to other financial obligations — such as unpaid court costs or restitution — contact the specific court or agency that issued the suspension to learn the payment options and process.
Reinstatement steps for medical or point-based suspensions
If your license was suspended for medical reasons (such as a seizure disorder or vision problem), you must obtain medical clearance from a licensed physician. The DHSMV will tell you what form the doctor must complete — usually the "Medical Evaluation Form" — and which conditions require it. Schedule an appointment with your doctor, bring the form, and have them evaluate you and sign it. Then submit the completed form to DHSMV.
If your suspension resulted from accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may be required to complete a driver improvement course. The DHSMV approves certain courses; search the DHSMV website for "approved driver improvement courses" to find one near you. After you complete the course, submit your certificate of completion to DHSMV along with the reinstatement fee ($45).
Paying the reinstatement fee and filing required documents
Once you have resolved the underlying cause of your suspension, you must pay the reinstatement fee to DHSMV. The standard fee is $45, though some suspension types may have different fees — ask DHSMV when you confirm your suspension reason. You can pay online through the DHSMV website, by mail (send a check or money order to the address provided), or in person at any Driver License office.
Depending on your suspension reason, you may also need to file an SR-22 form, which is proof of financial responsibility (insurance). If your suspension was tied to a serious traffic violation, DUI, or at-fault accident, DHSMV will require this. Contact your auto insurance company and ask them to file an SR-22 on your behalf — most do this at no extra cost. Do not file it yourself; your insurance company must file it directly with DHSMV.
What happens after you submit everything
After DHSMV receives your reinstatement fee and all required documents (court clearance, medical form, course certificate, or SR-22), they process your request. Reinstatement typically takes one to three business days. You will receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks, or you can visit a Driver License office to get a temporary license when ready.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, go to a Driver License office with your identification and proof that you have paid the reinstatement fee. They can issue you a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Florida and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time. Do not drive until your license is reinstated, even if you have started the reinstatement process.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Processing takes one to three business days after DHSMV receives your payment and all required documents. Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need to drive sooner, visit a Driver License office for a temporary license.
What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact DHSMV at 850-617-3800 to ask about payment plans or hardship options. For child support-related suspensions, the Department of Revenue can set up a payment arrangement. For other suspension types, ask whether DHSMV offers a similar option.
Do I need a new license photo when I reinstate?
No. Your reinstated license uses your existing photo and information. You only need a new photo if your license has expired or if DHSMV requires it for other reasons.
What if I was suspended in another state but now live in Florida?
Florida recognizes suspensions from other states through a national database. You must resolve the suspension in the state where it was issued, then notify DHSMV that it has been cleared. Contact the other state's motor vehicle department to learn their reinstatement process.