Where to Start: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
To reinstate your driver's license in Broward County, you work with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), not a local Broward office. The state agency handles all license suspensions and reinstatements across Florida. You cannot walk into a Broward County courthouse or sheriff's office and get this done — you need to contact DHSMV directly and resolve whatever caused the suspension first.
The reason your license was suspended matters, because different suspensions require different steps before reinstatement is even possible. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines works differently than one for a failed drug test or a DUI conviction. DHSMV will not reinstate your license until the underlying issue is resolved.
Start by finding out exactly why your license is suspended. You can check your suspension status and the reason online through the DHSMV website, by calling the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 1-888-769-2338, or by visiting a local Driver License office in Broward County in person.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspension reason determines what you must do before reinstatement — unpaid fines, court orders, medical issues, and criminal convictions each have different requirements.
- DHSMV handles reinstatement statewide; you contact them directly, not Broward County government.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines or fees, clear a court hold, or complete a required program before DHSMV will process reinstatement.
- Reinstatement fees vary by suspension type and typically range from $75 to several hundred dollars, paid to DHSMV.
- After you resolve the underlying issue, you submit proof to DHSMV and wait for processing, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Common Suspension Reasons and What You Must Do First
The most frequent suspensions in Florida are for unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If this is your reason, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. You cannot pay DHSMV directly — the money goes to the court. Once the court receives payment, they notify DHSMV electronically, and your suspension lifts automatically within a few business days.
If your suspension is due to a failure to appear in court or a failure to pay a court-ordered fine, contact the court listed on your suspension notice. The clerk's office can tell you the exact amount and accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number showing the debt is cleared.
Suspensions for DUI convictions, drug-related offenses, or medical conditions (such as a seizure disorder) require completion of specific programs or clearance from a medical professional before reinstatement is possible. A DUI suspension, for example, typically requires completion of a DUI school program and an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation if the conviction involved a breath or blood alcohol level above a certain threshold. You must provide proof of completion to DHSMV before they will process reinstatement.
If you are unsure of your suspension reason, DHSMV Customer Service can explain it and tell you the exact steps needed. Write down the suspension code they give you — it helps you understand which documents you need to gather.
Gathering Documents and Proof of Resolution
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you need to gather proof that you did so. The documents required depend on your suspension type. For unpaid fines, you need a receipt or letter from the court showing the debt is paid. For a DUI suspension, you need a certificate of completion from an approved DUI school and proof of IID installation from a certified vendor.
Keep originals or certified copies of all documents. DHSMV may ask to see them, and some documents must be submitted with your reinstatement request. If you completed a program, ask the provider for an official certificate or letter on their letterhead — informal confirmation is not enough.
If your suspension involved a medical issue, you may need a letter from your doctor or a medical clearance form signed by a physician. DHSMV can tell you the exact form required when you call.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
You have three ways to request reinstatement: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office in Broward County. The online method is fastest if your suspension type allows it — not all do. Check the DHSMV website to see if your suspension reason qualifies for online reinstatement.
If you go online, log into your DHSMV account, navigate to the reinstatement section, upload scans of your proof documents, and pay the reinstatement fee by credit or debit card. Processing usually takes one to two weeks, and you will receive confirmation by email.
If you mail your request, send it to the DHSMV address listed on your suspension notice or available on the DHSMV website. Include a cover letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason for reinstatement, along with copies of your proof documents and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail takes longer — expect three to four weeks from the time DHSMV receives your envelope.
For in-person reinstatement, visit a Driver License office in Broward County with your proof documents and payment. Bring your current ID and be prepared to wait. The office staff can review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing before you leave.
Reinstatement Fees and Payment
The reinstatement fee depends on your suspension type and how long your license has been suspended. Most reinstatement fees range from $75 to $150, though some suspension types cost more. DHSMV will tell you the exact fee when you check your suspension status or when you contact Customer Service.
You can pay by credit card, debit card, check, or money order. If you pay online, the fee is charged when ready. If you pay by mail, include a check or money order made out to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If you pay in person at a Driver License office, they accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Do not send cash by mail. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, DHSMV will contact you and your reinstatement will be delayed.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
After DHSMV receives your reinstatement request and fee, they review your documents to confirm the underlying issue is resolved. If everything is in order, they process the reinstatement and your license status changes in their system. You do not receive a new physical license card — your existing license becomes valid again.
Processing time is usually one to two weeks if you submit online or in person, and three to four weeks if you mail your request. You can check the status of your reinstatement request on the DHSMV website or by calling Customer Service.
If DHSMV finds that your documents are incomplete or that the underlying issue is not fully resolved, they will contact you by mail or phone and tell you what else is needed. Respond promptly — delays in providing missing information extend the reinstatement timeline.
Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally in Florida when ready. Your license remains valid until its expiration date, which is printed on the card itself.
Broward County Driver License Offices
If you choose to handle reinstatement in person, Broward County has multiple Driver License offices. The main office is located in Fort Lauderdale, and satellite offices operate in other parts of the county. Hours vary by location, and many offices require you to take a number and wait, so arrive early or check online for current wait times.
Bring your proof documents, current ID, and payment. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DHSMV website. Calling ahead to confirm hours and current procedures is wise, since office operations can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially processes the reinstatement and updates their system. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, additional fines, and further suspension. Wait for written confirmation that your license is reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact DHSMV Customer Service to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some suspension types may may have access to for a reduced fee if you demonstrate financial hardship, though this is not may provide. You must still resolve the underlying issue (such as paying court fines) before reinstatement is possible, regardless of fee information.
How do I know if my reinstatement was approved?
If you submitted online, you will receive an email confirmation. If you submitted by mail, DHSMV will send a letter. You can also check your status on the DHSMV website or call Customer Service. Your license status will show as "valid" or "reinstated" instead of "suspended" once the process is complete.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new test. You are straightforward restoring the license you already held. The only exception is if your license expired while it was suspended — in that case, you must renew it, which may include a vision test but not a written or driving test.
What if the court says my fine is paid but DHSMV still shows my license as suspended?
There is usually a delay of a few business days between when the court processes your payment and when DHSMV receives notification. Wait three to five business days and check your status again. If the suspension is still showing after that time, call DHSMV Customer Service with your court receipt number — they can investigate and may be able to clear it manually.