Florida lets you pay a suspension fee to restore your driving privileges, but the amount and process depend on why your license was suspended
If your Florida license is suspended, you can regain driving privileges by paying the reinstatement fee to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The fee is $75 for most suspensions. However, some suspensions—particularly those tied to unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or criminal convictions—may require you to resolve the underlying issue first, not just pay a fee. A few suspensions allow you to request a hardship license while the suspension remains active, which gives you limited driving rights for work or medical purposes.
The path to reinstatement depends on your suspension reason. You can check your suspension status and reason on the DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line at 850-617-3000 to confirm what steps you need to take before paying anything.
Key Takeaways
- The standard reinstatement fee is $75, paid directly to DHSMV by mail, online, or in person at a driver license office.
- Suspensions caused by unpaid traffic citations, child support debt, or criminal convictions require you to clear those obligations before DHSMV will lift the suspension, even after paying the fee.
- A hardship license (also called a business purpose license) may allow limited driving for work or medical needs while a suspension is still in effect, though you must request it and meet specific criteria.
- You can check your suspension status and reason on the DHSMV website or by calling 850-617-3000 to confirm what steps you need to take.
Why your license was suspended determines what you must pay
Florida suspends licenses for different reasons, and the path to reinstatement varies. A suspension for failing to pay a traffic fine requires you to pay both the fine and court costs to the court that issued the citation—the $75 DHSMV fee alone will not restore your license. A suspension tied to unpaid child support requires the Florida Department of Revenue to confirm that the arrearage has been paid or a payment plan established. A suspension for a DUI conviction or reckless driving may require completion of a substance abuse course or driver improvement course before reinstatement is possible.
Other suspensions—such as those for accumulating too many points on your driving record or for failure to maintain insurance—can be cleared by paying the $75 reinstatement fee alone, provided the suspension period has ended. You can view your suspension reason and status on the DHSMV website by entering your driver license number, or call the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-3000 to speak with someone who can explain what you owe.
The $75 reinstatement fee and how to pay it
The reinstatement fee is a flat $75 for most suspensions in Florida. You can pay it online through the DHSMV website, by mail to the address listed on your suspension notice, or in person at any Florida driver license office. Online payment is the fastest method and typically processes within one business day. If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
Payment alone does not restore your license if your suspension is tied to an unpaid fine, child support debt, or a required course. In those cases, the $75 fee is a separate step you take after resolving the underlying obligation. Some people pay the fee before the obligation is cleared, which is allowed, but DHSMV will not lift the suspension until all conditions are met.
Hardship licenses for work and medical driving
If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while your license is suspended, you can request a hardship license (officially called a business purpose license) from DHSMV. This does not lift the suspension—it gives you permission to drive only for the specific purposes you state on the process. A hardship license is typically granted for suspensions related to points, failure to maintain insurance, or unpaid traffic fines, but not for DUI or criminal convictions.
To request a hardship license, you must complete the process at a driver license office in person. You will need to show proof of your need—such as a letter from your employer, a medical appointment card, or a school enrollment document. DHSMV will review your request and issue the license if approved. A hardship license is temporary and expires when your suspension ends or after a set period, whichever comes first.
Suspensions tied to unpaid traffic fines
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic citation, you must pay the fine and court costs to the court that issued the ticket. The court's contact information is on your citation or suspension notice. Once the court confirms payment, it notifies DHSMV, which then lifts the suspension. You still owe the $75 reinstatement fee to DHSMV, which you can pay at the same time or after the court confirms your fine is settled.
If you cannot pay the fine in full, some courts allow payment plans. Contact the court's traffic division or the clerk's office to ask about installment options. Courts vary in what they offer, so there is no single statewide payment plan, but many will work with you if you make a good-faith effort to pay. Ask whether the court will notify DHSMV once a payment plan is in place, or whether you must wait until the fine is fully paid.
Suspensions tied to child support arrears
The Florida Department of Revenue can suspend your license if you owe child support. To restore your license, you must either pay the full arrearage or establish a payment plan with the Department of Revenue. Once a payment plan is in place and you make the first payment, the Department of Revenue will notify DHSMV to lift the suspension. You then pay the $75 reinstatement fee to DHSMV.
Contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office at 1-800-622-5437 to discuss your arrearage and payment options. They can tell you the exact amount owed and whether a payment plan is available. Processing time varies, but once the Department of Revenue sends the clearance to DHSMV, the suspension is usually lifted within a few business days. Ask the Department of Revenue for a written confirmation of your payment plan so you have proof if DHSMV questions your status.
Suspensions for DUI or criminal convictions
A suspension tied to a DUI conviction or certain criminal convictions requires more than payment. You must complete a substance abuse course (for DUI) or a driver improvement course (for other convictions), and in some cases you must install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The course provider sends proof of completion to DHSMV. Once DHSMV receives that proof, you can pay the $75 reinstatement fee and your license will be restored.
The length of a DUI suspension varies based on whether it is your first offense and whether anyone was injured. A first-time DUI suspension is typically six months to one year. You cannot request a hardship license for a DUI suspension in most cases, though you may be able to request one after serving a portion of the suspension period. Contact DHSMV or a DUI attorney in your county to understand your specific timeline and options.
Checking your suspension status online
Before you pay anything, confirm your suspension reason and status on the DHSMV website. Go to the DHSMV homepage, select "Check Driver License Status," and enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will show whether your license is suspended, the reason, and the date the suspension began. This information tells you whether you need to pay only the $75 fee or whether you must resolve another obligation first.
If the online system does not show your suspension or you cannot find the information you need, call DHSMV customer service at 850-617-3000. They can look up your record and explain exactly what you owe and in what order. Having this information before you contact a court or other agency saves time and prevents you from paying the wrong entity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I pay the reinstatement fee?
No. Paying the fee does not when ready restore your license. DHSMV must process your payment and confirm that any underlying obligations (unpaid fines, child support, required courses) are resolved. Processing takes one to three business days. Until DHSMV notifies you that your license is reinstated, you cannot legally drive.
What if I cannot afford the $75 reinstatement fee right now?
DHSMV does not offer payment plans for the reinstatement fee itself. However, if your suspension is tied to an unpaid traffic fine, the court that issued the fine may allow you to pay in installments. Contact the court's traffic division to ask. If your suspension is tied to child support, the Department of Revenue can set up a payment plan for the arrearage.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license reinstated?
No. For most suspensions, you can handle reinstatement yourself by paying the fee and resolving any underlying obligation. However, if your suspension is tied to a DUI or criminal conviction, consulting an attorney can help you understand your options and timelines. Some attorneys offer free initial consultations.
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay?
Online payment typically processes within one business day. Mail payment takes 7 to 10 business days. If your suspension is tied to an unpaid fine or child support, add the time it takes for the court or Department of Revenue to notify DHSMV—usually 2 to 5 business days after they receive payment.
Can I get a hardship license for a DUI suspension?
Generally no, but you may be able to request one after serving a portion of the suspension period. The rules vary by the type of DUI conviction and whether anyone was injured. Contact DHSMV or a DUI attorney in your county to learn whether you are may be able to access and when you can request one.