The reinstatement fee in Florida depends on why your license was suspended
Florida charges a reinstatement fee when you restore a suspended license, but the amount varies based on the reason for suspension. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you'll pay one fee. If you were suspended for a DUI conviction or accumulating too many points, you'll pay a different amount. The state also charges additional fees if you need to retake the written or driving test.
You cannot reinstate your license until you've met all the conditions that caused the suspension — paying fines, completing a DUI program, serving a waiting period, or whatever else the suspension order requires. The reinstatement fee comes after those steps are done, not before.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's reinstatement fee ranges from $45 to $150 depending on the suspension reason, and you must pay it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
- You cannot pay the reinstatement fee until you have completed all other suspension requirements, such as paying fines, completing a DUI course, or serving a waiting period.
- If your suspension was for unpaid traffic citations or child support, the fee is typically $45; DUI suspensions usually cost $150.
- You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.
- After paying the fee, allow 5 to 10 business days for processing before your license is active again.
Reinstatement fees by suspension reason
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) charges different fees based on what triggered your suspension. For suspensions related to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or failure to pay court costs, the fee is $45. For suspensions due to a DUI conviction, habitual traffic offender status, or accumulating 12 or more points in a 12-month period, the fee is $150.
Some suspensions carry additional costs beyond the reinstatement fee itself. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may have already paid for a mandatory substance abuse course, an ignition interlock device installation, or both. These are separate from the reinstatement fee and are required before you can even request reinstatement. Check your suspension order or call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 to confirm which fees explore to your specific case.
How to pay your reinstatement fee
You have three ways to submit payment to the DHSMV. Online payment through the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) is the fastest option and allows you to pay by credit or debit card. You can also mail a check or money order to the DHSMV office listed on your suspension paperwork, though mail processing takes longer. A third option is to pay in person at any Florida driver license office during business hours.
When you pay, have your driver license number and the suspension order number ready. If you're paying by mail, include a copy of your suspension notice so the DHSMV can match your payment to your record. Online payment is processed when ready, but your license won't be active until the DHSMV updates its system, which typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
What happens after you pay the fee
Paying the reinstatement fee does not when ready restore your license. The DHSMV must receive and process your payment, verify that you have completed all suspension requirements, and update its records. During this processing period — usually 5 to 10 business days — your license remains suspended. You should not drive during this time, even if you have paid the fee.
Once processing is complete, you will receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated. Some people receive this by mail; others can check their status online through the DHSMV website. If you need to drive before your license is officially active, you can request a temporary driving permit from a driver license office, though this is only issued in limited circumstances and requires additional paperwork.
Additional fees if you need to retake tests
If your suspension included a requirement to retake the written test, the driving test, or both, you will pay separate fees for each test attempt. The written knowledge test costs $10, and the driving test costs $20. These fees are in addition to the reinstatement fee and must be paid when you schedule your test appointment at a driver license office.
Some suspensions — particularly those for accumulating too many points or for a DUI — require you to pass a test before reinstatement is possible. You cannot pay the reinstatement fee until you have passed the required test. If you fail a test, you must pay the test fee again to retake it.
Reinstatement fees for different suspension types
| Suspension Reason | Reinstatement Fee | Other Requirements Before Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines or court costs | $45 | Pay all outstanding fines and costs |
| Unpaid child support | $45 | Arrange payment plan or pay in full with child support agency |
| DUI conviction | $150 | Complete substance abuse course, install ignition interlock, serve waiting period |
| Habitual traffic offender status | $150 | Serve mandatory waiting period (usually 5 years) |
| 12+ points in 12 months | $150 | Serve suspension period, pass written test |
What to do if you cannot pay the reinstatement fee
If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee, contact the DHSMV directly at 850-617-3000 to ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. The state does not automatically offer payment plans for reinstatement fees, but some offices may work with you on a case-by-case basis, particularly if your suspension was for unpaid fines and you are in a financial hardship situation.
Another option is to contact a local legal aid organization if your suspension was related to child support or court fines. Some nonprofits can help you negotiate with the court or child support agency to reduce what you owe, which may lower your overall reinstatement costs. The Florida Justice Center (floridajustice.org) can direct you to a legal aid office in your county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement fee is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DHSMV confirms that your payment has been received and all suspension requirements are met. This typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Driving during this period is illegal and can result in additional charges.
What if I paid my reinstatement fee but my license still shows as suspended online?
Processing delays are common, especially if you paid by mail. Wait at least 10 business days from the date you submitted payment. If your status has not changed after that time, call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 with your payment confirmation number and driver license number so they can investigate.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee in person, or can I mail it?
You can mail a check or money order, pay online, or pay in person. Online payment is fastest and processed when ready. Mailed payments take longer because they must be received, opened, and matched to your record manually.
Is the reinstatement fee the same for all types of suspensions?
No. Suspensions for unpaid fines or child support cost $45 to reinstate. Suspensions for DUI, habitual traffic offender status, or point accumulation cost $150. Check your suspension notice or call the DHSMV to confirm which fee applies to you.
What if I was suspended for multiple reasons?
You pay one reinstatement fee based on the most serious reason for suspension. If you were suspended for both unpaid fines and a DUI, you would pay the $150 DUI reinstatement fee, not both fees. However, you must resolve all suspension causes before reinstatement is possible.