How to reinstate your license in Broward County

To reinstate your driver's license in Broward County, you will need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof that you have resolved whatever caused the suspension or revocation. The specific documents you need depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. You cannot reinstate online; Florida requires an in-person visit to a local office.

Broward County has multiple DHSMV locations, including offices in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities. Before you go, you should find out the exact reason for your suspension and what proof the office will need from you. This prevents a wasted trip and speeds up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in Broward County in person; reinstatement cannot be done by mail or online.
  • The reinstatement fee is $45 for most suspensions, though some violations carry additional fees or court-ordered costs.
  • You will need to bring your current ID, proof of insurance (if required), and documentation showing you have resolved the reason for suspension.
  • The reason your license was suspended determines what documents you must provide — unpaid fines, DUI completion certificates, and proof of points reduction are common examples.
  • You can call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 or visit the Florida DHSMV website before going to an office to confirm what you need to bring.

Finding the reason for your suspension

Your first step is to know exactly why your license was suspended. Florida suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic citations, accumulation of points, DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain insurance, or court order. Each reason requires different proof that you have resolved it.

You can find out why your license was suspended by calling the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 or by visiting the Florida DHSMV website and using their license status check tool. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The phone line can tell you the suspension reason, what you need to bring, and which local office can process your reinstatement fastest.

What documents to bring to the DHSMV office

You will always need a current photo ID (your suspended license counts) and your Social Security number. Beyond that, the documents depend on your suspension reason.

If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, bring proof that you have paid them — a receipt from the court or the citation agency. If it was for a DUI conviction, bring the completion certificate from a DUI school or substance abuse program that the court required. If it was for points accumulation, you may need to show proof that you completed a defensive driving course. If it was for failure to maintain insurance, bring a current proof of insurance document from your insurer.

Some suspensions require court documents or letters from the agency that reported you — for example, the Department of Revenue if child support was involved. Call the DHSMV before you go so you know exactly what to bring for your specific reason.

The reinstatement fee and processing time

The standard reinstatement fee in Florida is $45. Some suspensions carry additional fees: a DUI-related reinstatement may include a $100 additional fee, and certain court-ordered suspensions may have costs set by the court. Ask the DHSMV when you call what the total fee will be for your situation.

Bring a check, money order, or card — most DHSMV offices accept all three. Processing usually takes a few minutes if you have all the required documents. You will receive a temporary driving permit on the spot, valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within two weeks.

Which Broward County DHSMV office to visit

Broward County has DHSMV offices in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and other locations. Each office handles reinstatements, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Fort Lauderdale office is the largest and often has longer lines, while smaller offices in Deerfield Beach or Coral Springs may be faster.

Call ahead to ask which office has the shortest wait, or check the DHSMV website for current wait times. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

What to do if you cannot resolve the suspension reason

If you cannot pay outstanding fines, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court or citation agency. Call the court that issued the fine and ask about installment options. Some courts will work with you if you show you are making a good-faith effort to pay.

If you cannot afford a required DUI program or defensive driving course, some organizations offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Ask the DHSMV or the court whether low-cost options are available in Broward County. Until you complete the required step, your license cannot be reinstated, but taking action toward completion may help you later if you need to explain the delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary permit while waiting for my new license?

Yes. The temporary permit you receive at the DHSMV office is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is mailed. Once your new license arrives, the temporary permit is no longer needed.

What if I lost my license for points and I do not know how many I have?

Call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 and ask for your current point total. If you have accumulated too many, you may need to complete a defensive driving course to reduce points before reinstatement. The DHSMV can tell you whether this is required for your situation.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test to reinstate?

No. Reinstatement does not require a new test. You only need to pay the fee and provide proof that you have resolved the suspension reason. A new test is only required if your license has expired, not if it was suspended.

What if the DHSMV office says I still owe money or have not completed a requirement?

Ask them to provide the specific amount or requirement in writing. Contact the agency or court that reported the suspension — the DHSMV office can give you their phone number. Resolve it, get written proof, and return to the DHSMV with that proof to complete reinstatement.

How long does reinstatement take from start to finish?

If you have all required documents, the office visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. You receive a temporary permit when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. The entire process from office visit to new license in hand is usually three weeks.