Where to send your reinstatement request in Broward County
You send a reinstatement request to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), not to Broward County directly. The county does not issue or reinstate licenses — that is a state function. You can submit your request by mail, in person at a DHSMV office, or online through the Florida DHSMV website, depending on why your license was suspended or revoked.
The DHSMV office in Broward County is located in Fort Lauderdale. If you go in person, bring your current ID and any documents the suspension letter told you to bring. If you are mailing your request, send it to the address listed on your suspension notice — different suspension reasons go to different DHSMV units, so using the address from your letter ensures it reaches the right department.
Key Takeaways
- Florida suspends and reinstates licenses through the state DHSMV, not through Broward County, so your request goes to a state office.
- The reason your license was suspended determines what documents you need to send and which DHSMV office handles your case.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, in person at the Fort Lauderdale DHSMV office, or online if your suspension reason qualifies for online reinstatement.
- Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee before your license is restored, and the amount depends on the suspension reason.
- Processing time varies from a few days to several weeks depending on the suspension type and whether your paperwork is complete.
Common reasons your license was suspended and what each requires
Florida suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common are suspension for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, driving with a suspended license, accumulating too many points, or not maintaining required insurance. Your suspension letter should state the reason — if you cannot find it, you can check your status on the DHSMV website or call the DHSMV customer service line.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you typically need to pay what you owe to the court or the collection agency listed on your notice. If it is for failure to pay child support, you work with the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office, not DHSMV directly — they notify DHSMV once the issue is resolved. If you failed to appear in court, you must resolve the underlying case before reinstatement is possible. Each path has different timelines and different people to contact, so knowing your suspension reason is the first step.
Documents and fees you will need to gather
What you need depends on your suspension reason. For most suspensions, you need a completed process for Reinstatement of Driver License (Form HSMV 42-040.001), which you can read from the DHSMV website or pick up at an office. You also need to show proof that you have resolved whatever caused the suspension — proof of payment for fines, proof from the court that your case is resolved, or proof from the child support office that arrears are paid.
Most reinstatement requests include a fee. The amount varies by suspension type — it may range from around $25 to $150, though the exact amount depends on your specific situation. Some suspensions do not require a fee. The DHSMV website lists the fee for each suspension type, or you can call and ask before you submit anything. If you cannot afford the fee, ask whether a payment plan is available.
How to submit your request online, by mail, or in person
The DHSMV online reinstatement system works for certain suspension types — mainly those related to unpaid traffic fines, failure to maintain insurance, or accumulation of points. Log into your account on the DHSMV website, navigate to the reinstatement section, and follow the prompts. You will upload proof that you have resolved the issue (such as a receipt showing payment) and pay the reinstatement fee by credit or debit card. Online reinstatement usually processes within a few business days.
If you cannot use the online system, mail your completed Form HSMV 42-040.001, proof of resolution, and the reinstatement fee to the address on your suspension notice. Include a copy of your suspension letter so the office can match your request to your file. Mail processing typically takes two to four weeks. For in-person submission, visit the Fort Lauderdale DHSMV office with the same documents and fee. Bring your current ID and be prepared to wait — bring a book or plan to return another time if the office is busy.
What happens after you submit your request
Once DHSMV receives your request, they review it to confirm you have resolved the suspension cause and paid any required fee. If everything is in order, your license is reinstated — you will receive a notice in the mail or see the status change online within the timeframe for your suspension type. If something is missing or incorrect, DHSMV will send you a letter explaining what else they need.
Do not assume your license is reinstated just because you submitted your request. Check your status on the DHSMV website or call to confirm before you drive. Driving on a suspended license, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request, is illegal and can result in arrest and additional charges. Once your status shows reinstated, you can drive legally again.
If your request is denied or delayed
If DHSMV denies your reinstatement request, they will explain why in a letter. Common reasons include incomplete paperwork, proof that does not match what DHSMV has on file, or an underlying issue that has not actually been resolved. Read the denial letter carefully and contact the DHSMV office listed to ask what you can do next. You may be able to resubmit with corrected information.
If your request is taking longer than expected, call the DHSMV customer service line or visit the office in person to check the status. Delays sometimes happen because of high volume or because a document got lost in the mail. Calling early can help you catch and fix problems before they cause a longer wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request and are waiting for approval. Wait until you receive confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the DHSMV office handling your case and ask whether a payment plan is available. Some offices can work with you on timing. You can also ask whether any community organizations in Broward County offer financial information for reinstatement fees.
Do I need a lawyer to request reinstatement?
No. Reinstatement is a straightforward administrative process that you can handle yourself. A lawyer is not necessary unless your suspension is tied to a criminal case or a complex court matter.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Online requests typically process within a few business days. Mail requests usually take two to four weeks. In-person requests may be processed the same day or within a few days, depending on the office workload and whether your paperwork is complete.
What if the reason for my suspension was resolved years ago and I forgot about it?
You can still request reinstatement. Contact DHSMV to find out whether you still owe any fees or whether the suspension has expired on its own. Some suspensions automatically lift after a certain period, but you should confirm your status rather than assume.