Florida's reinstatement fee depends on why your license was suspended
Florida charges a reinstatement fee when you want your license back after suspension. The amount you pay is not the same for everyone — it depends on the reason your license was suspended in the first place. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) sets different fees for different suspension types.
For most suspensions, you will pay $150. This covers suspensions for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, or points accumulation. Some suspensions carry a higher fee of $275, including those for DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or violations of the Implied Consent Law. A few suspension types have lower fees or no reinstatement fee at all, though these are less common.
You cannot reinstate your license until you have met all the conditions that led to the suspension — paying fines, completing a required course, serving a waiting period, or whatever else the court or DHSMV ordered. The reinstatement fee comes after you have done all that work.
Key Takeaways
- Most Florida license suspensions cost $150 to reinstate, but DUI-related suspensions cost $275.
- You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension — paying fines, completing courses, or serving a waiting period — before you can pay the reinstatement fee.
- You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Florida driver license office.
- After you pay the fee and meet all conditions, your license is usually reinstated within one business day if you applied online.
How to find out your exact reinstatement fee
The DHSMV maintains a public database where you can look up your suspension and see the exact fee you owe. Go to the DHSMV website and use the "Check Driver License Status" tool. You will need your driver license number or Social Security number and your date of birth. The system will tell you why your license is suspended and what fee applies to your case.
If you cannot access the online tool or want to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV at 1-844-353-3246. A representative can confirm your suspension reason and the reinstatement fee over the phone. You can also visit any Florida driver license office in person to get this information.
Reinstatement fees by suspension type
| Suspension Reason | Reinstatement Fee |
|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear | $150 |
| Point accumulation (12 or more points) | $150 |
| DUI conviction | $275 |
| Habitual traffic offender status | $275 |
| Implied Consent Law violation | $275 |
| Suspension by court order | Varies (check with court) |
The fees shown above are current as of this writing, but DHSMV can change them. Always check your suspension notice or the DHSMV website to confirm the exact amount you owe before sending payment.
What you must do before paying the reinstatement fee
Paying the reinstatement fee alone will not bring your license back. You must first complete every requirement tied to your suspension. For a suspension due to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines to the court or the traffic citation processing center. For a DUI suspension, you may need to complete a DUI course, install an ignition interlock device, or serve a mandatory waiting period.
The DHSMV will not accept your reinstatement fee until the court or the relevant agency confirms that you have met these conditions. When you check your status online or call, the system will list what you still need to do. Do not send money until you have finished all of it.
How to submit your reinstatement fee
You have three ways to pay your reinstatement fee in Florida. The fastest is online through the DHSMV website. Go to the reinstatement section, enter your information, and pay by credit card or debit card. Your license is usually reinstated within one business day if you have met all other conditions.
You can also mail a check or money order to the DHSMV along with a completed reinstatement form. Include your driver license number, the reinstatement fee, and a note explaining why your license was suspended. Mail it to the address listed on the DHSMV website. Processing by mail takes longer — usually five to seven business days after the DHSMV receives your payment.
A third option is to visit a Florida driver license office in person and pay cash, check, or card. You will receive a receipt on the spot, and your license can sometimes be reinstated the same day if all conditions are met and the office has time to process it.
Additional costs beyond the reinstatement fee
The reinstatement fee is only one cost you may face. If your suspension was due to unpaid traffic fines, you owe those fines to the court — they are separate from the reinstatement fee. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may have to pay for a DUI education course, which costs between $250 and $500 depending on the provider. An ignition interlock device, if required, costs money to install and a monthly fee to maintain.
If you need to renew your license at the same time you reinstate it, you will also pay the standard renewal fee, which is $48 for an eight-year license. Some people find it cheaper to wait until their renewal date rather than reinstate early, but that depends on your situation and how long you can go without driving.
What happens after you pay
Once you have paid the reinstatement fee and the DHSMV confirms that you have met all conditions, your license is reinstated. If you paid online, you should see your status change within one business day. You can then drive legally in Florida and in other states that recognize Florida licenses.
If you paid by mail, allow five to seven business days for processing. If you paid in person at a driver license office, ask for a receipt that shows your payment was received. Do not drive until you have confirmation that your license is active again — driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my reinstatement fee back if I change my mind?
No. Once you have paid the reinstatement fee to the DHSMV, it is not refundable. Make sure you have met all the conditions for reinstatement and that you are ready to have your license back before you submit payment.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
The DHSMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court that issued the fine. Contact the court directly to ask about installment options. Once you have paid the fines, you can then pay the reinstatement fee.
Do I have to reinstate my license, or can I just wait for it to expire?
You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended, even if you are waiting for it to expire. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. If you do not want to reinstate it, you must not drive. When your license expires, you will need to go through the full renewal process, which includes paying renewal fees and passing a new driving test.
Will my insurance rates go up after I reinstate my license?
That depends on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for a DUI or habitual traffic offender status, your insurance rates will likely increase significantly when you reinstate. If it was suspended for unpaid fines or points, the rate increase may be smaller or none at all. Contact your insurance company to ask how reinstatement will affect your policy.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe money to the court?
No. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines before the DHSMV will accept your reinstatement fee. The court and the DHSMV share records, so the DHSMV will know if you still have an outstanding balance. Pay the court first, then pay the reinstatement fee.