What it costs to reinstate a suspended or revoked Florida license
Florida charges a reinstatement fee to restore a driver's license that has been suspended or revoked. The fee is $75 for most suspensions. If your license was revoked for a serious violation — such as a DUI conviction, habitual traffic offender status, or accumulating too many points — the reinstatement fee is $150.
The reinstatement fee is separate from any other costs you may owe. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or court costs, you must pay those debts first. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will not process your reinstatement until those underlying obligations are cleared.
Some suspensions also require you to complete a course or program — such as a defensive driving course for a points-based suspension, or a substance abuse evaluation for a DUI-related suspension — before you can reinstate. These courses have their own fees, which vary by provider.
Key Takeaways
- The standard reinstatement fee in Florida is $75; revoked licenses cost $150 to reinstate.
- You must resolve any underlying debts — unpaid fines, child support, or court costs — before the DHSMV will process your reinstatement.
- Some suspensions require completion of a course or evaluation before reinstatement is possible, and these have separate fees.
- You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.
- After you pay, processing typically takes one to two weeks; you can check your status online using your driver license number.
Why your license was suspended or revoked
Florida suspends or revokes licenses for different reasons, and the reason determines what you must do before reinstatement. The most common causes are accumulating too many points on your driving record, failing to pay traffic fines or court costs, owing child support, or being convicted of a DUI or reckless driving.
If your suspension is points-based — you received 12 or more points within 12 months, 18 points within 18 months, or 24 points within 36 months — you must complete a Florida-approved defensive driving course before you can reinstate. The course costs between $15 and $50 depending on the provider, and you can take it online or in person.
If your suspension is due to a DUI conviction, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment before reinstatement. A revocation for DUI also requires you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive legally again, even after reinstatement.
How to pay the reinstatement fee online
The fastest way to pay is through the DHSMV website. Go to the Florida DHSMV online services portal and select the option to pay a reinstatement fee. You will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The site accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic check payments.
When you pay online, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Save this number — you will need it if you have questions about your reinstatement status. The DHSMV processes online payments within one to two business days, though the actual reinstatement of your license may take longer if you have other requirements to complete.
After you pay, you can check the status of your reinstatement by logging back into the DHSMV portal with your driver license number. The system will show whether your reinstatement has been processed and whether your license is active again.
Paying by mail or in person
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the DHSMV. Make the check payable to the "Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles" and include a note with your driver license number and the reason for the payment (reinstatement fee). Mail it to the address listed on the DHSMV website for your region.
Payment by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing — because the DHSMV must receive the payment, log it, and update your record. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want a receipt back.
You can also pay in person at any Florida driver license office. Bring your driver license (if you still have it) or another form of ID, and tell the clerk you want to pay a reinstatement fee. Payment in person is processed the same day, though your license may not be reinstated when ready if you have other requirements pending.
What happens after you pay
Once the DHSMV receives your reinstatement fee payment, they verify that you have met all other requirements for reinstatement. If you owe fines, child support, or court costs, or if you have not completed a required course, your reinstatement will be delayed until those items are resolved.
If everything is in order, your license is reinstated within one to two weeks of payment. You do not receive a new physical license card automatically — you can continue using your old one. If you need a replacement card with a new expiration date or updated information, you can order one through the DHSMV website or at a driver license office for an additional fee.
If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or child support, the DHSMV may not reinstate it until the creditor or agency confirms that the debt has been paid. This can add time to the process, so contact the agency that reported the suspension to confirm when they will notify DHSMV of payment.
If you cannot pay the full fee at once
Florida does not offer a payment plan for reinstatement fees. The full amount — $75 or $150 — must be paid before your license can be reinstated. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court or the agency that issued the fine.
Contact the court or agency listed on your suspension notice to ask about payment plan options. If you can arrange a payment plan and make the first payment, some courts will notify the DHSMV that you are in compliance, which may allow your license to be reinstated even while you continue paying off the underlying debt. This varies by court and by the type of debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal in Florida, even if you have paid the reinstatement fee and are waiting for processing. You must wait until the DHSMV confirms that your license is active again before you drive. Driving during suspension can result in additional charges and a longer suspension.
What if I lost my driver license number?
You can find your driver license number on any document the DHSMV sent you, such as a suspension notice or a renewal notice. You can also call the DHSMV at 1-888-486-3339 and provide your name and date of birth to look up your number. Have this information ready before you call.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if my suspension was a mistake?
If you believe your suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing with the DHSMV before paying. Contact the DHSMV to file a request for a hearing and explain why you think the suspension is wrong. If the hearing officer agrees, the suspension may be lifted without you paying the reinstatement fee. This process takes several weeks.
Will my insurance rates go up after reinstatement?
Your insurance rates are determined by your driving record and claims history, not by reinstatement itself. However, the event that caused your suspension — such as a DUI or multiple traffic violations — will remain on your record and may affect your rates. Contact your insurance company to ask how your specific suspension will affect your premiums.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe money to the court?
Not until the debt is resolved. The DHSMV will not process your reinstatement if you have outstanding fines, court costs, or child support arrears. Contact the court or agency that reported the debt to arrange payment or a payment plan, and ask them to notify the DHSMV once the debt is satisfied.