Florida charges a reinstatement fee based on why your license was suspended

The cost to reinstate your Florida driver's license depends on the reason it was suspended. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) charges different fees for different suspension types — a suspension for unpaid traffic tickets costs less to clear than a suspension for a DUI conviction or a medical suspension. You will also owe any underlying fines, court costs, or child support arrears that caused the suspension in the first place.

Before you can reinstate, you must first resolve the reason for the suspension. That might mean paying a fine, completing a DUI course, or providing a medical clearance. Only after that is done can you pay the reinstatement fee itself and get your driving privileges back.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees range from $45 to $150 depending on the suspension reason, and you must resolve the underlying cause before paying the fee.
  • You can check your suspension reason and any outstanding fines or court costs through the DHSMV website or by calling 850-617-2000.
  • Most reinstatements are processed within one to two business days once you pay the fee and meet all requirements.
  • If your suspension is related to unpaid child support, you must contact the Florida Department of Revenue to resolve the debt before DHSMV can reinstate you.

Common reinstatement fees and what causes them

A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court typically costs $45 to reinstate. A suspension for a DUI or other serious traffic offense costs $150. A suspension for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder or vision problems — costs $60 to reinstate once you provide medical clearance from a doctor. A suspension for unpaid child support costs $45, but you cannot proceed until the Department of Revenue confirms the debt is resolved.

These fees cover only the reinstatement itself. You will still owe the original fine, any court costs, and any other penalties that led to the suspension. For example, if you were suspended for an unpaid $300 speeding ticket, you pay the $300 fine plus the $45 reinstatement fee. If you were suspended for a DUI, you pay court costs, DUI fines, and the $150 reinstatement fee — often totaling several hundred dollars or more.

How to find out what you owe

The fastest way to learn your suspension reason and any outstanding balances is to check the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section and select "Check Driver License Status." You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The system shows your suspension reason, any fines or court costs owed, and the reinstatement fee amount.

If you cannot access the website or need to speak with someone, call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff can tell you exactly what must be paid and in what order — for instance, whether you need to pay a court fine before the reinstatement fee, or whether you need a medical clearance first.

Steps to reinstate after paying what you owe

Once you have resolved the underlying cause — paid the fine, completed the DUI course, obtained medical clearance, or cleared the child support debt — you can pay the reinstatement fee. You can pay online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Florida DMV office. Online payment is the fastest option and usually processes within one business day.

To pay online, go to flhsmv.gov, select "Pay a Fine or Fee," and enter your driver's license number or case number. You can pay by debit card or credit card. After payment is processed, your license status updates and you can drive legally again. If you pay by mail or in person, allow three to five business days for processing.

Reinstatement when child support is involved

If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, the reinstatement process has an extra step. You cannot pay the DHSMV reinstatement fee until the Florida Department of Revenue confirms that your child support debt is resolved or that you have a current payment plan in place. Contact the Department of Revenue at 1-800-622-5437 to discuss your options.

Once the Department of Revenue clears you — either because the debt is paid or because you have an approved payment arrangement — they notify DHSMV electronically. You can then pay the $45 reinstatement fee through DHSMV. This process usually takes one to two weeks from the time you contact the Department of Revenue.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor, and you can face fines up to $500, jail time up to 60 days, or both. A second offense within five years increases the penalty. Your vehicle can be impounded, and your insurance rates will rise significantly if you ever reinstate.

The safest and most affordable path is to resolve the suspension before driving. If you cannot afford the full amount at once, contact the court or the agency that issued the suspension to ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments, which lets you reinstate sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Florida offers a hardship license (also called a business purposes license) in some suspension cases, but not all. Suspensions for DUI, medical reasons, or child support typically do not may have access to. Suspensions for unpaid fines may may have access to if you can show financial hardship. Contact your local county court to request a hardship license hearing.

What if I cannot pay the full amount right now?

Contact the court or agency that issued the suspension and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. Once you have a payment arrangement in place, you may be able to reinstate your license even if you have not paid the full amount.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?

If you pay online, your license status usually updates within one business day. If you pay by mail or in person at a DMV office, allow three to five business days. You can drive legally as soon as your status changes in the DHSMV system.

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

No. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has expired or unless the suspension was for medical reasons and you need to provide a doctor's clearance. In most cases, you straightforward pay the fee and your privileges are restored.

What if my suspension was for a medical reason?

You must obtain a medical clearance from a licensed physician before you can reinstate. The doctor must complete a form confirming that you are safe to drive. Submit the form to DHSMV along with the $60 reinstatement fee. Processing usually takes one to two weeks after DHSMV receives the medical documentation.