Reinstate your Broward driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website
You can reinstate a suspended or revoked Florida driver's license online if your suspension is for certain reasons — most commonly unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or administrative suspension. The Florida DHSMV website lets you pay outstanding fines, request reinstatement, and receive your new license by mail without visiting an office in Broward County.
Not all suspensions can be handled online. If your license was suspended for a DUI conviction, a medical reason, or a serious violation, you will need to contact the DHSMV directly or visit a Broward County office in person. The online process works only for financial holds and certain administrative suspensions that have been cleared.
Key Takeaways
- You can reinstate your license online through the Florida DHSMV website if your suspension is for unpaid fines or a cleared administrative hold.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a payment method (credit card or debit card) to complete the reinstatement.
- The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension, but typically ranges from $25 to $150 in addition to any outstanding fines.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your reinstatement is processed.
- If your suspension is for a DUI, medical condition, or serious violation, you must contact the DHSMV office or visit a Broward County location in person.
Check your suspension reason before starting the online process
Before you attempt to reinstate online, you need to know why your license was suspended. The Florida DHSMV website has a tool that shows your current license status and the reason for any suspension. Go to the DHSMV homepage, select "Check License Status," enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system will display whether your suspension can be cleared online.
If the status shows a financial hold (unpaid fines or court costs), an administrative suspension that has been resolved, or a failure-to-appear hold that has been cleared, you can proceed with the online reinstatement. If it shows a DUI suspension, medical suspension, or a hold from the court system, you cannot complete the process online and must call the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2778 or visit a Broward County office.
Gather your information and log into the DHSMV website
Have the following documents and information ready before you begin: your Florida driver's license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid credit card or debit card for payment. You will also need to know the amount of any outstanding fines or court costs owed.
Go to the official Florida DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and look for the "Reinstate Your License" or "License Reinstatement" link in the online services section. You will be asked to create an account or log in if you already have one. Use your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will then show your current suspension details and the total amount due.
Pay fines and reinstatement fees through the find payment system
The DHSMV website will display the exact amount you owe, broken down by category: unpaid traffic fines, court costs, and the reinstatement fee itself. The reinstatement fee is set by Florida law and depends on the type of suspension — administrative suspensions typically cost $25, while other suspensions may cost $50 to $150. You cannot reduce or waive this fee online.
Enter your credit card or debit card information on the find payment page. The DHSMV uses encrypted payment processing, so your financial information is protected. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this number down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your reinstatement.
Verify your mailing address and wait for your new license
After payment is processed, the system will ask you to confirm the mailing address where your new license should be sent. This is usually the address on file with your current suspended license. If you have moved, update your address before you complete the reinstatement. A license sent to the wrong address will delay your ability to drive legally.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you are not legally permitted to drive, even though your suspension has been lifted in the system. Once the license arrives, check it when ready for errors. If the name, date of birth, or license number is incorrect, contact the DHSMV to request a replacement.
What to do if the online process does not work for your situation
If your suspension reason does not appear in the online system, or if you receive an error message during payment, your suspension likely requires in-person handling. Call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-888-769-2778 (available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) to speak with a representative who can explain your options.
You can also visit a Broward County DHSMV office in person. The main office locations in Broward are in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach. Bring your suspended license, proof of identity, proof of residence (a recent utility bill or lease), and payment for any fines and reinstatement fees. Office hours vary by location, so check the DHSMV website for the office nearest you before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my new license to arrive in the mail?
No. Even though your suspension is lifted in the DHSMV system after you complete the online reinstatement, you are not legally permitted to drive until the physical license arrives. Driving during this period can result in additional fines or charges. Keep the confirmation number from your reinstatement as proof that the process is underway if you are stopped.
What if I paid my fines but the online system still shows my license as suspended?
The DHSMV system can take 24 to 48 hours to update after payment is processed. Check your license status again the next day. If it still shows suspended after two business days, call 1-888-769-2778 with your confirmation number and ask a representative to manually verify that your payment was received.
Do I have to pay the entire amount owed at once, or can I set up a payment plan?
The online reinstatement system requires full payment of all fines, court costs, and the reinstatement fee in one transaction. If you cannot pay the full amount, you must contact the DHSMV office or the court that issued the fine to ask about payment plan options. Some courts allow you to pay in installments, but this must be arranged before you can reinstate online.
Will my reinstatement show up when ready on my driving record?
Your license status will update in the DHSMV system within a few hours of payment. However, some third-party services and insurance companies may not see the update for 24 to 48 hours. If you need proof of reinstatement right away, print or save your confirmation page from the DHSMV website.
What if my address on file is incorrect and I do not receive my license?
Contact the DHSMV when ready with your confirmation number. If the license was mailed to the wrong address, you can request that a replacement be sent to the correct address. There may be an additional fee for a replacement license. You can also visit a Broward County DHSMV office to request an expedited replacement in person.