How to reinstate your Florida driver's license
To reinstate a suspended Florida driver's license, you must contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), pay any required reinstatement fees, and resolve the reason your license was suspended in the first place. The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, a DUI conviction, or another violation. Most people can start the reinstatement process online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a local driver's license office.
The reinstatement fee itself is typically $45 to $75, but you may also owe additional costs tied to the original violation. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid tickets, you must pay those tickets before reinstatement. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse course and install an ignition interlock device. Understanding what caused the suspension is your first step, because you cannot move forward without addressing that underlying issue.
Key Takeaways
- Find out why your license was suspended by checking your DHSMV record online or calling 850-617-2000, because the reason determines what you must do to reinstate it.
- Pay the reinstatement fee (usually $45 to $75) plus any fines, child support arrears, or other costs tied to the original suspension reason.
- Complete any required programs — such as a DUI course, traffic school, or substance abuse evaluation — before you can reinstate.
- Submit your reinstatement request through the DHSMV website, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at a driver's license office.
- Your license is reinstated once DHSMV processes your request and confirms all requirements are met, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended. DHSMV suspends licenses for many different violations, and each one has its own reinstatement path. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI or reckless driving conviction, failure to maintain car insurance, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.
Check your suspension reason by visiting the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and using the online driver's license status tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, contact DHSMV at 850-617-2000. A representative can tell you the suspension reason and what you must complete before reinstatement. Write down the exact reason and any case numbers or ticket numbers they give you — you will need these details when you submit your reinstatement request.
Pay all fines, fees, and related costs
Every reinstatement requires you to pay the state reinstatement fee, which is $45 if your suspension was for a non-criminal traffic violation, or $75 if it was for a criminal offense like DUI. But the reinstatement fee is only part of what you owe. You must also pay any outstanding traffic fines, child support arrears, court costs, or other debts that caused the suspension in the first place.
If your suspension was for unpaid traffic tickets, contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount owed, including any late fees or court costs. If it was for failure to pay child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office at 1-800-622-5437. If it was for failure to maintain insurance, you may only need to pay the reinstatement fee once you show proof of current coverage. Ask DHSMV or the relevant agency for an itemized list of everything you owe so there are no surprises when you submit payment.
Complete required programs or courses
Depending on the reason for your suspension, you may need to complete a course or program before DHSMV will reinstate your license. If your suspension was for a DUI, you must complete a substance abuse course approved by DHSMV — this is not optional. If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you may need to complete a traffic school course. If it was for a serious violation like reckless driving, you may need to pass a written exam or attend a driver improvement course.
Search for approved courses on the DHSMV website under "Driver Improvement" or "Substance Abuse Programs." Many courses can be completed online and take between four and eight hours. Once you finish, the course provider will send your completion certificate directly to DHSMV, or you may need to print it and submit it yourself. Do not pay the reinstatement fee until you have proof that any required course is complete, because DHSMV will not process your reinstatement without it.
Submit your reinstatement request
Once you have paid all fines and completed all required programs, you can submit your reinstatement request. You have three options: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a local driver's license office. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request and pay the reinstatement fee in one transaction, and DHSMV will process it within one to two weeks.
To reinstate online, go to flhsmv.gov, select "Driver Licenses," then "Reinstate Your License." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). If you prefer to mail your request, send a check or money order for the reinstatement fee to the DHSMV address listed on their website, along with a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended. If you go in person, bring your identification, proof of payment for any fines, and proof of course completion if required. The staff at the driver's license office can process your reinstatement on the spot if all documents are in order.
What happens after you submit your request
After you submit your reinstatement request, DHSMV will review your file to confirm that all requirements have been met. This review usually takes one to two weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended, so you cannot legally drive. If DHSMV finds that you have paid all fines, completed all required programs, and submitted all necessary documents, your license will be reinstated and you will receive a new license in the mail within a few days.
If DHSMV finds that something is missing — for example, a course completion certificate did not arrive or a fine was not fully paid — they will contact you by mail or phone to let you know what else is needed. At that point, you must complete the missing requirement and resubmit your request. Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again, but be aware that your driving record will still show the suspension. Future insurance companies and law enforcement will see it, so drive carefully to avoid future violations.
Reinstate your license in person at a driver's license office
If you want to reinstate your license when ready and do not want to wait for mail processing, you can visit a driver's license office in person. Bring your current identification (passport, state ID, or other government-issued document), proof of payment for all fines and the reinstatement fee, and proof of completion for any required course. If all documents are in order, the staff can process your reinstatement on the spot and issue you a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed.
To find the driver's license office nearest you, visit flhsmv.gov and use the office locator tool. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment — some offices require one, especially in busy areas. Bring extra copies of any documents you have, because the office will keep one copy in your file. If you are missing any required document, the staff will tell you exactly what you need to bring back before they can complete the reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a Florida driver's license?
If you submit your request online or by mail, reinstatement usually takes one to two weeks after DHSMV receives your payment and all required documents. If you go in person to a driver's license office, you can receive a temporary permit the same day, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within a few days.
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. If you need to drive for work or emergencies, ask DHSMV whether you are may be able to access for a hardship license while your reinstatement is pending.
What if I cannot pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. Once you have a payment plan in place, DHSMV may reinstate your license even if you have not paid the full amount, though this varies by case. Call DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to ask whether your situation qualifies.
Do I need a new driver's license photo after reinstatement?
Not necessarily. If your license was suspended for a non-criminal reason like unpaid tickets, you can reinstate without a new photo and your old license will be reactivated. If your suspension was for a criminal offense like DUI, you may need to visit a driver's license office for a new photo and signature. DHSMV will let you know if a new photo is required when you submit your reinstatement request.
What if my license was suspended for a reason I disagree with?
You have the right to request a hearing with DHSMV to contest the suspension. Contact DHSMV at 850-617-2000 and ask about the hearing process. You must request a hearing within a certain time frame, so act quickly. If you win the hearing, the suspension may be lifted without requiring reinstatement fees or course completion.