What you need to do to get your license back
A suspended license in Florida means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The state will not automatically restore your driving privileges — you must take specific steps to reinstate it, and those steps depend on why your license was suspended in the first place. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) handles reinstatement, and the process typically takes two to four weeks once you meet all requirements.
The most common reasons for suspension are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Each reason has different reinstatement requirements, and you must satisfy all of them before DHSMV will restore your license. If you do not know why your license was suspended, you can check your status on the DHSMV website or call their customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- You must find out the specific reason for your suspension before you can reinstate your license, because each reason has different requirements.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or court costs to DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension.
- Some suspensions also require you to complete a driver improvement course or other mandated program before reinstatement is possible.
- You can check your suspension status and the reason for it on the DHSMV website or by calling 850-617-2000.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason for the suspension. DHSMV suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one has its own reinstatement path. You can look this up yourself without paying anyone to do it for you.
Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the "Check Driver License Status" tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is suspended and the reason code for the suspension. Write down this reason code — you will need it for the next step.
If you cannot access the website or prefer to speak with someone, call DHSMV at 850-617-2000. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The representative will tell you the reason for your suspension and what you must do to reinstate it. This call is free and usually takes less than ten minutes.
Pay all fines, fees, and court costs
Most suspensions require you to pay money before reinstatement. This might be unpaid traffic fines, court costs, reinstatement fees, or a combination of all three. The amount you owe depends on the reason for your suspension and how long it has been suspended.
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you pay the court that issued the ticket or citation. DHSMV will tell you which court when you check your status. You can usually pay online through the court's website, by phone, or in person at the courthouse. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount owed and the payment methods they accept.
If your suspension is due to failure to pay child support, you must contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program. They will tell you the amount owed and payment options. Once you pay, they will notify DHSMV that the suspension can be lifted.
After you pay all fines and costs, DHSMV charges a reinstatement fee of $75 to restore your license. You pay this fee directly to DHSMV when you submit your reinstatement request. Some suspensions have additional fees depending on the reason — for example, a suspension for too many points may include a driver improvement course fee.
Complete any required courses or programs
Depending on why your license was suspended, you may need to complete a course or program before DHSMV will reinstate it. The most common requirement is a driver improvement course, which is mandatory if your suspension was due to accumulating too many points on your driving record.
The Florida-approved driver improvement course is four hours long and can be taken online or in person. You must take it from a DHSMV-approved provider — the DHSMV website lists all approved providers by county. The course costs between $25 and $50 depending on the provider. Once you complete it, the provider sends a certificate directly to DHSMV, so you do not need to submit it yourself.
If your suspension was due to a DUI conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse course or DUI school before reinstatement. The court that handled your case will tell you which program to take and where. These programs are longer and more expensive than a driver improvement course, typically costing $150 to $400.
Check with DHSMV about what courses you need before you enroll in anything. Taking the wrong course will not help your reinstatement and wastes your money.
Submit your reinstatement request to DHSMV
Once you have paid all fines and completed any required courses, you are ready to request reinstatement. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Online is the fastest method and usually takes one to two weeks.
To reinstate online, go to flhsmv.gov and select "Reinstate Your Driver License." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method for the $75 reinstatement fee. The system will ask you to confirm that you have paid all outstanding fines and completed all required courses. Once you submit, DHSMV will process your request and send you a confirmation email.
If you prefer to mail your request, read the reinstatement form from the DHSMV website or pick one up at any DHSMV office. Fill it out completely, include a check or money order for $75 made payable to DHSMV, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks.
You can also reinstate in person at any DHSMV office. Bring your driver's license, proof that you paid all fines, proof that you completed any required courses, and $75 in cash or card. The office will process your reinstatement on the spot, and you will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After DHSMV receives your reinstatement request, they verify that you have satisfied all requirements for lifting the suspension. This verification process takes one to four weeks depending on whether you submitted online, by mail, or in person. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive.
Once DHSMV confirms that all requirements are met, they will reinstate your license. If you submitted online or by mail, you will receive a confirmation email or letter. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you reinstated in person, you receive a temporary permit when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail.
If DHSMV finds that you have not met all requirements, they will send you a notice explaining what is still missing. Common reasons for denial include unpaid fines that were not recorded in the system yet, or a course certificate that has not arrived from the provider. Contact DHSMV to clarify what is needed and resubmit your request once everything is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for your reinstatement confirmation before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine and ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. Once you have a payment plan in place, you can often request a temporary driving permit while you pay, though this varies by court. Call the court directly to ask what options are available.
How long does reinstatement take?
Online reinstatement usually takes one to two weeks. Mail reinstatement takes two to four weeks. In-person reinstatement at a DHSMV office is processed when ready, and you receive a temporary permit on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after any method.
Do I need to retake my driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the written or road test. You only need to satisfy the specific requirements for your suspension — usually paying fines and completing a course if required. Your original license is straightforward restored once those requirements are met.
What if I lost my driver's license or it expired while it was suspended?
You will need to renew your license at the same time you reinstate it. Contact DHSMV to find out whether you can renew and reinstate together or if you must do them separately. The renewal fee is $75 in addition to the $75 reinstatement fee, so budget for both.