Send a money order to the Florida DMV to reinstate your suspended or revoked license by mail

If your Florida driver's license is suspended or revoked, you can reinstate it without visiting an office in person by mailing a money order to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The process requires you to send the reinstatement fee, proof that you have met the reason for suspension (such as paying a traffic fine or completing a required course), and a completed form. The DHSMV processes mail requests and mails your reinstated license to your address on file.

This method works if your suspension or revocation is for a reason the DHSMV can clear by mail — such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to complete a required driver improvement course. Some suspensions, such as those for DUI convictions or medical reasons, may require an in-person hearing or additional steps before reinstatement is possible.

Key Takeaways

  • You must send a money order (not a personal check) made payable to the Florida DHSMV along with your reinstatement fee and supporting documents.
  • The reinstatement fee is $75 for most suspensions, but fees vary depending on the reason your license was suspended.
  • You need to include proof that you have resolved the issue that caused the suspension, such as a receipt showing a fine was paid or a certificate of completion for a course.
  • Mail your money order and documents to the DHSMV address listed on your suspension notice, and expect processing to take two to four weeks.
  • Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof the DHSMV received your documents.

Gather your reinstatement fee and supporting documents before mailing

The first step is to find out exactly how much you owe and what documents you need to include. Your suspension notice should list the reinstatement fee and the reason for suspension. If you no longer have the notice, you can call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 to confirm the fee amount and what proof of resolution is required.

The reinstatement fee is $75 for most suspensions related to traffic violations or failure to complete a required course. If your suspension is for unpaid child support or failure to pay a court-ordered fine, the fee may be different — the DHSMV will tell you the exact amount when you call. You cannot pay this fee online or by credit card when using the mail-in method; you must send a money order.

Next, gather proof that you have resolved the underlying issue. If your suspension was for an unpaid traffic fine, you need a receipt or letter from the court showing the fine has been paid. If it was for failure to complete a driver improvement course, you need the certificate of completion from the course provider. If it was for unpaid child support, you need a letter from the Florida Department of Revenue showing the arrears have been paid. The DHSMV will not process your reinstatement without this proof.

Obtain a money order and complete the required form

Purchase a money order from a bank, post office, grocery store, or check-cashing service. The money order must be made payable to "Florida DHSMV" and must be in the exact amount of your reinstatement fee. Do not send cash or a personal check — the DHSMV will not accept these forms of payment by mail.

You will also need to complete the appropriate reinstatement form. For most suspensions, this is the process for Reinstatement of Driver License (Form HSMV 42040). You can read this form from the DHSMV website or request it by calling 850-617-3000. Fill in your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current address. Sign and date the form before mailing it.

If your suspension is for a specific reason — such as failure to pay child support or a medical condition — there may be a different form required. The DHSMV website lists forms by suspension reason, or you can call to confirm which form applies to your situation.

Mail your documents to the correct DHSMV address

Your suspension notice should include the mailing address where you must send your reinstatement request. If you do not have the notice, the general mailing address for DHSMV reinstatement requests is:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Driver License Bureau Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32399

However, some reinstatement requests are processed at different addresses depending on the reason for suspension. Before mailing, confirm the correct address by calling 850-617-3000 or checking your suspension notice.

Place your money order, completed form, and proof of resolution in an envelope. Write your driver's license number on the outside of the envelope. Consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the DHSMV received your documents. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Understand the processing timeline and what happens next

The DHSMV typically processes mail-in reinstatement requests within two to four weeks of receipt. During this time, staff will verify that your money order is valid, that your form is complete, and that your proof of resolution meets their requirements. If any documents are missing or incomplete, the DHSMV may contact you by mail or phone to request additional information.

Once your reinstatement is approved, the DHSMV will mail your reinstated license to the address on file with your driver's license record. If your address has changed since your suspension, call 850-617-3000 before mailing your reinstatement request to update your address. Your new license should arrive within one to two weeks after approval.

If you do not receive your reinstated license within six weeks of mailing your request, contact the DHSMV to confirm that your reinstatement was processed. Have your driver's license number and the date you mailed your request available when you call.

Know which suspensions cannot be resolved by mail

Some types of license suspensions require an in-person hearing or additional steps that cannot be completed through the mail. If your license was suspended for a DUI conviction, you will need to complete a DUI course and may need to install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible. If your suspension is medical-related, you may need to provide a letter from a physician clearing you to drive.

If your suspension is for accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may be able to reinstate by mail if you have completed a driver improvement course. However, if you have multiple suspensions or a revocation (rather than a suspension), the process may be more complex.

Before spending money on a money order, call 850-617-3000 and describe your suspension reason. The DHSMV can tell you whether your situation can be resolved by mail or whether you need to visit an office or attend a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a personal check or credit card instead of a money order?

No. The DHSMV only accepts money orders for mail-in reinstatement requests. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted by mail. If you want to pay by credit card or check, you must visit a DHSMV office in person or use the online payment system if your suspension reason allows it.

What if my money order gets lost in the mail?

This is why certified mail with return receipt is recommended. If you use certified mail and the DHSMV does not receive your money order, you will have proof of mailing and can contact them to request a trace. If the money order is lost, you can purchase a replacement from the issuing institution (usually the post office or bank) by providing your receipt. Keep your money order receipt until your reinstatement is complete.

How do I know if my reinstatement was approved?

You will receive your reinstated license in the mail if approval is granted. If you want to check the status before your license arrives, call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 with your driver's license number. They can tell you whether your request has been processed and when your license was mailed.

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until the DHSMV approves your reinstatement and mails your new license to you. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait until you receive your reinstated license before driving.

What if the DHSMV says my documents are incomplete?

The DHSMV will contact you by mail or phone to explain what is missing. Respond as quickly as possible with the additional documents they request. Mail your response to the same address where you sent your original request, and include a note referencing your driver's license number so your new documents are matched to your file.