What you need to do to get your license back
A suspended Florida license cannot be renewed through the normal renewal process. You must first clear the suspension by handling whatever caused it — usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or an unpaid child support obligation — then request reinstatement from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The reinstatement process is separate from renewal and involves paying a reinstatement fee, submitting proof that the suspension cause has been resolved, and waiting for DHSMV to process your request.
The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended. If you do not know the reason, you can look it up online through the DHSMV website or call their Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. Having this information before you start will save you time and help you gather the right documents.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot renew a suspended license through normal renewal — you must first clear the suspension by resolving the underlying cause.
- The most common suspension causes are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support obligations.
- You can check your suspension reason and status on the DHSMV website or by calling 850-617-2000.
- Reinstatement requires paying a fee (typically $45 to $150 depending on the cause), submitting proof the issue is resolved, and waiting for DHSMV approval.
- Processing time is usually two to four weeks after DHSMV receives your complete reinstatement request.
Find out why your license is suspended
Before you can fix the suspension, you need to know what caused it. DHSMV maintains a record of every active suspension on your license, and you can look this up yourself without calling.
Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Click on "License and ID" in the top menu, then select "Check Your Driver License Status." Enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will show your current status and the reason for any suspension. Write down the exact reason — this determines what documents you need and which agency you pay.
If you cannot access the online system or need to speak with someone, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your driver license number ready when you call.
Resolve the underlying cause of the suspension
Your next step depends entirely on why your license was suspended. The three most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, and unpaid child support. Each requires a different action.
For unpaid traffic fines: Contact the court that issued the ticket. You can find the correct court by searching the case number on the Florida Courts Public Records Portal at myflorida.com, or by calling the clerk's office in the county where you received the ticket. Pay the fine in full. Once paid, ask the clerk for written confirmation that the fine is satisfied — you will need this for your reinstatement request. Some courts allow payment by phone or online; others require you to pay in person or by mail.
For failure to appear in court: Contact the court listed on your notice. You will likely need to appear before a judge to explain the missed appearance, and the judge may impose an additional fine. Once the court resolves the matter, request written confirmation that the failure to appear has been cleared. This is essential for reinstatement.
For unpaid child support: Contact the Florida Department of Revenue, Office of Program Policy and Governance, or the child support enforcement office in your county. They will tell you the exact amount owed and payment options. Pay the full amount or set up a payment plan if the office allows it. Request written proof that the obligation has been satisfied or that a payment plan is in place. DHSMV will not reinstate your license until child support is current.
If your suspension is for a different reason — such as a medical suspension, a conviction for driving under the influence, or a failure to maintain insurance — contact DHSMV directly at 850-617-2000 to learn what action is required.
Gather documents and pay the reinstatement fee
Once you have resolved the cause of the suspension, you need to submit a reinstatement request to DHSMV along with proof that the issue is cleared. You will also pay a reinstatement fee at this time.
The reinstatement fee varies by suspension cause. For most suspensions (unpaid fines, failure to appear, child support), the fee is $45. For suspensions related to a conviction for driving under the influence or refusing a breath test, the fee is $150. Some suspensions have no fee. DHSMV will tell you the exact amount when you call or check online.
Gather these documents before you submit your reinstatement request:
- Your Florida driver license (or ID card if your license has expired)
- Written proof from the court, child support office, or relevant agency that the suspension cause has been resolved
- Proof of payment (receipt, cancelled check, or confirmation number)
- A completed reinstatement form if DHSMV requires one for your suspension type
Do not submit originals of court documents or payment receipts. Make copies and keep the originals for your records. DHSMV will not return documents you send.
Submit your reinstatement request
You can submit your reinstatement request in three ways: by mail, in person at a DHSMV office, or online if your suspension type allows it.
By mail: Send your completed reinstatement form, copies of proof documents, and the reinstatement fee (check or money order made payable to DHSMV) to the address listed on the DHSMV website. Mail processing takes longer than in-person or online submission — typically three to four weeks after DHSMV receives your envelope.
In person: Visit any DHSMV office with your documents and payment. Bring a photo ID and your driver license. The office will review your documents on the spot, process your payment, and give you a receipt. Processing time is usually two to three weeks after your visit. Find your nearest office at flhsmv.gov under "Locations."
Online: Some suspension types can be handled through the DHSMV website. Go to flhsmv.gov, click "License and ID," and look for "Reinstatement." Not all suspensions are may be able to access for online reinstatement; the system will tell you if yours is. If you can proceed online, you will pay the fee by credit or debit card. Processing time is typically two weeks.
After you submit your request, DHSMV will send you a confirmation. Keep this confirmation until your license is reinstated. Do not assume your request was received if you do not hear back within a week.
What happens after you submit your request
DHSMV will review your documents to confirm that the suspension cause has been resolved. If everything is in order, they will lift the suspension and reinstate your license. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming reinstatement, usually within two to four weeks of submission.
Once your license is reinstated, it is still expired if your renewal date has passed. You will need to renew it separately through the normal renewal process. You can renew online at flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Renewal is straightforward once the suspension is cleared — you will not face any additional obstacles.
If DHSMV denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documents, proof that the underlying issue was not fully resolved, or a payment that did not clear. If this happens, contact DHSMV to find out what is missing and resubmit with the corrected information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Florida and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full fine or reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the court or agency that issued the suspension and ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have a payment plan in place, ask for written confirmation and submit that to DHSMV along with your reinstatement request. DHSMV may reinstate your license while you are paying under a plan, depending on the suspension cause.
How long does reinstatement take?
Processing time is usually two to four weeks after DHSMV receives your complete request. In-person submissions and online submissions tend to be faster than mail. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to check the status.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license reinstated?
No. Reinstatement is a straightforward administrative process that you can handle yourself. You only need to resolve the underlying cause and submit proof to DHSMV. A lawyer is not necessary unless you are contesting the original suspension or facing criminal charges related to it.
What if my suspension was for a medical reason?
Medical suspensions require clearance from a physician or the Florida Department of Health. Contact DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to learn what medical documentation is required. You will need to submit this documentation along with your reinstatement request.