How to Reinstate Your Driver's License in Florida

What you need to do to get your Florida license back

To reinstate your Florida driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked — the reason determines what steps you take and what you pay. Florida suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, missed court dates, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, and other violations. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is the agency that suspended it, and they are also the only agency that can reinstate it.

The basic path is: contact DHSMV to learn the specific reason, resolve that reason (pay fines, complete a course, serve a waiting period), then request reinstatement and pay the reinstatement fee. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks once you have resolved the underlying issue, though some suspensions have mandatory waiting periods that extend this timeline.

Key Takeaways

You must contact the Florida DHSMV directly to find out why your license was suspended, because different reasons require different steps to fix it.
Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, completing a DUI course, or waiting out a suspension period — before DHSMV will reinstate your license.
You will pay a reinstatement fee (currently $75 for most suspensions) in addition to any fines, court costs, or course fees tied to the reason for suspension.
You can request reinstatement online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DHSMV office, but you cannot drive legally until reinstatement is approved.

Finding out why your license was suspended

Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what it is. Call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 or visit the DHSMV website and use the "Check License Status" tool. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The automated system or a representative will tell you the suspension code and the reason — for example, "FTR" (failure to respond to a traffic citation) or "DUI" (driving under the influence).

Write down the exact reason and any case numbers or court information provided. This information tells you what you must do to clear the suspension. If the reason is unclear, ask the DHSMV representative to explain it in plain language and confirm what action removes the suspension.

Resolving the reason for suspension

Each type of suspension has its own path to resolution. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court listed on your citation or the DHSMV to find out the exact amount and where to send payment. If you cannot pay in full, some courts allow payment plans — call the court directly to ask.

If your suspension is due to a DUI conviction, you must complete a DUI course (also called a substance abuse course) approved by the DHSMV before reinstatement is possible. The course is typically eight hours long and costs between $150 and $300. You can find approved providers on the DHSMV website. Once you complete the course, the provider sends proof directly to DHSMV.

If your suspension is due to accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may have to wait out a suspension period (usually 30 days for a first suspension) before you can request reinstatement. If your license was suspended for failure to pay child support or failure to respond to a court order, you must resolve that issue with the court or the agency involved — the DHSMV cannot lift the suspension until the underlying obligation is met.

Requesting reinstatement from the DHSMV

Once you have resolved the reason for suspension, you can request reinstatement. You have three options: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DHSMV office. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request and pay the reinstatement fee when ready.

To request reinstatement online, visit the DHSMV website, log into your account (or create one), and select the reinstatement option. You will need to confirm that you have resolved the suspension reason and pay the reinstatement fee, which is $75 for most suspensions. Some suspensions (such as those for habitual traffic offender status) have higher fees. If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to the DHSMV with your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and confirmation that you have resolved the suspension reason, along with a check for the reinstatement fee.

What happens after you request reinstatement

After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the DHSMV reviews your file to confirm that the suspension reason has been resolved. This review typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a letter in the mail confirming whether your license has been reinstated. Once approved, your license is active and you can drive legally again.

If your request is denied, the letter will explain why — usually because the underlying issue has not been fully resolved. For example, if you paid most but not all of a fine, or if the DUI course provider has not yet sent proof of completion to DHSMV. Contact the DHSMV or the relevant court to clarify what remains to be done, then resubmit your request once the issue is cleared.

Suspensions with mandatory waiting periods

Some suspensions require you to wait a set amount of time before you can request reinstatement, even if you have resolved the underlying issue. A suspension for accumulating 12 points in 12 months carries a 30-day mandatory waiting period. A suspension for a second violation within five years carries a longer waiting period. A habitual traffic offender suspension (three violations in five years) typically requires a one-year waiting period.

During the waiting period, you cannot drive legally, and requesting reinstatement early will be denied. Mark the date when your waiting period ends on your calendar, then submit your reinstatement request on or after that date. The DHSMV website shows your suspension start date; add the waiting period length to find your reinstatement may be able to access date.

Reinstatement fees and additional costs

The reinstatement fee itself is $75 for most suspensions. However, you may also owe other costs depending on the reason for suspension: unpaid traffic fines and court costs, DUI course fees (typically $150 to $300), and in some cases, fees for a required substance abuse evaluation or counseling program. Add these costs together to understand your total financial obligation before you begin the reinstatement process.

Some people in financial hardship may be able to set up a payment plan with the court for fines and costs, though this varies by court. Call the court that issued the citation to ask whether a payment plan is available. The DHSMV does not offer payment plans for the reinstatement fee itself, but you can pay it at the same time you pay court fines if you are consolidating payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have requested reinstatement?

No. You cannot drive legally until the DHSMV approves your reinstatement request and sends you confirmation. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and can result in arrest, additional fines, and further suspension. Wait for written confirmation of reinstatement before you get behind the wheel.

What if I do not know which court issued my traffic citation?

Call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you which court has jurisdiction over your case and provide contact information. You can also search by citation number on the Florida court system website if you have your citation paperwork.

How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?

The DHSMV typically processes reinstatement requests within 5 to 10 business days of receiving them. If you submit online, processing may be faster. You will receive a letter confirming approval or denial. If you do not hear back within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to confirm your request was received.

Do I need to take a new written test or road test to get my license reinstated?

No. Reinstatement restores your existing license; you do not retake the written or road test. However, if your license has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it at the same time you request reinstatement, which may require a new photo and payment of the renewal fee.

What if my license was suspended for failure to pay child support?

You must work with the child support enforcement agency or the court to resolve the arrearage or set up a payment plan. Once the agency or court confirms that the issue is resolved, they notify the DHSMV, and your suspension is lifted automatically. You do not need to submit a separate reinstatement request in this case, but you should confirm with the DHSMV that the suspension has been cleared before you drive.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.