How to Reinstate Your Florida Driver's License After a DUI

What you need to pay to get your Florida license back after a DUI

Florida charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driver's license after a DUI suspension. The fee is $250, and you must pay it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) before your license becomes active again. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other penalties the court ordered you to pay.

The reinstatement fee applies whether your suspension was for six months, one year, or longer. You cannot drive legally until both your suspension period has ended and you have paid this fee. Paying the fee alone does not reinstate your license — you must also meet all other requirements the court and DHSMV set, such as completing DUI education programs or installing an ignition interlock device.

Key Takeaways

Florida's reinstatement fee for a DUI suspension is $250, paid directly to DHSMV.
Your suspension period must be fully served before you can pay the fee and restore your license.
You may need to complete additional requirements — such as DUI school or an ignition interlock device — before reinstatement becomes possible.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.
After paying, allow 5 to 10 business days for DHSMV to process your reinstatement and mail your new license.

How to know when you are may be able to access to pay the reinstatement fee

Your suspension period must be completely finished before you can reinstate your license. Check your suspension notice or court documents to find the exact end date. If you received a six-month suspension, you cannot pay the fee until that six months has passed. DHSMV will not accept payment before the suspension period ends, and paying early will not shorten the suspension.

Before you pay the reinstatement fee, verify that you have completed all court-ordered requirements. These typically include DUI school (a substance abuse course), community service, probation, or an ignition interlock device installation. If your case required an ignition interlock, the device must be installed and you must have driven with it for the full monitoring period the court set — usually six months to one year. DHSMV will check whether these are complete before processing your reinstatement.

Where and how to pay the $250 reinstatement fee

You have three ways to pay: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest. Go to the DHSMV website, select the reinstatement option, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and pay by credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.

If you prefer to mail a check or money order, send it to the address listed on your suspension notice or call DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000 to request the mailing address for your county. Include your driver license number and a note stating that the payment is for DUI reinstatement. Mail payments take longer to process — typically 10 to 15 business days.

To pay in person, visit any Florida driver license office with your ID and a check or money order. Some offices accept cash, but call ahead to confirm. Bring your suspension notice so the staff can verify your information. In-person payment is processed the same day, though your new license will still take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

What happens after you pay the reinstatement fee

Once DHSMV receives and processes your payment, your license status changes from suspended to reinstated. You will receive a new physical license card in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Until the card arrives, you can print a temporary driving permit from the DHSMV website if you need to drive when ready — this is valid for 30 days.

If you paid online or in person, you will get a confirmation number. Write this down and keep it until your new license arrives. If there is a delay or your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact DHSMV with your confirmation number and they can check the status.

Additional requirements that may delay reinstatement

Some DUI cases require an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible. This is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol. If your court ordered this, the device must be installed by a certified vendor and you must have driven with it for the full period — usually six months. DHSMV will not reinstate your license until the monitoring period is complete and the vendor confirms it to the court.

If you did not complete DUI school or other court-ordered programs, DHSMV will reject your reinstatement request. The court or your probation officer will tell you which programs are required and the important date to finish them. Complete these first, then pay the reinstatement fee. Some people also owe back child support or have other outstanding court fines — these do not directly block reinstatement, but DHSMV may flag your account if you have a suspension for non-payment of court costs.

If your license was suspended multiple times or for other reasons

If you have multiple DUI suspensions or your license was suspended for other violations at the same time, you may owe more than one reinstatement fee. Each suspension requires its own $250 fee. DHSMV will tell you the total amount due when you contact them or attempt to pay online.

If your license was also suspended for points (traffic violations), unpaid traffic fines, or failure to pay child support, those suspensions must be cleared separately. You cannot reinstate a license that has multiple active suspensions by paying only the DUI fee. Contact DHSMV or your local driver license office to find out all the reasons your license is suspended and what each one requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive before my suspension period ends if I pay the reinstatement fee early?

No. The suspension period must be fully served before you can legally drive, even if you pay the fee. Paying early does not shorten the suspension. You must wait until the end date on your suspension notice, then pay the fee to restore your license.

What if I lost my suspension notice and do not know when my suspension ends?

Call DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000 or visit a driver license office with your ID. They can look up your suspension end date and tell you what other requirements you must complete. You can also check online through the DHSMV website if you have your driver license number and date of birth.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee in person, or can I do it online?

You can pay online, by mail, or in person — whichever is easiest for you. Online payment is fastest and you get a confirmation number right away. By mail takes 10 to 15 business days. In-person payment is processed the same day, though your new license still takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive.

What if I cannot afford the $250 reinstatement fee right now?

Contact DHSMV to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some counties may work with you, though this varies. You can also call your local driver license office to discuss your situation. Until you pay, your license remains suspended and you cannot drive legally.

How long does it take to get my new license after I pay the reinstatement fee?

DHSMV mails your new license within 5 to 10 business days after processing your payment. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary permit from the DHSMV website that is valid for 30 days. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact DHSMV with your confirmation number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.