What Happens When You Drive Under Suspension in Florida
Driving under suspension in Florida means operating a vehicle when your license is not valid. The state treats this as a separate criminal offense from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. If you are convicted of driving under suspension, your license gets suspended again — often for a longer period — and you face fines, possible jail time, and a permanent mark on your driving record.
The reinstatement process after a driving-under-suspension conviction is more complex than a standard suspension reinstatement. You must resolve the criminal case first, pay specific fees to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), and in some cases complete court-ordered programs before your license can be restored.
The timeline depends on whether your suspension was administrative (automatic, based on points or violations) or criminal (imposed by a court as part of a sentence). Criminal suspensions require court clearance before DHSMV will process reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot reinstate your license until the criminal case is resolved and the court has lifted the suspension or your sentence is complete.
- Florida charges a reinstatement fee (amount varies by reason for suspension) that must be paid to DHSMV before your license is restored.
- If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must clear those debts first — DHSMV will not process reinstatement otherwise.
- Some driving-under-suspension convictions require completion of a substance abuse course or traffic school before reinstatement is possible.
- You can check your suspension status and reason through the DHSMV website or by calling their Customer Service Center.
Determine Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can reinstate, you need to know the exact reason for the suspension. Florida suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI conviction, accumulation of points, failure to appear in court, or driving under suspension itself. Each reason has different reinstatement steps.
Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the License Status Check tool, or call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 1-844-353-4762. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The system will tell you the suspension reason and whether any court action is still pending.
If the suspension was imposed by a court (criminal), you will see a note indicating that. Write down the suspension reason code and any court case number provided — you will need this information when you contact the court or prepare your reinstatement request.
Resolve the Criminal Case or Court Sentence
If you were convicted of driving under suspension, the court imposed the license suspension as part of your sentence. You cannot proceed with reinstatement until that sentence is complete or the court has formally lifted the suspension.
Contact the criminal court that handled your case — usually the county court in the county where you were arrested. Ask the clerk whether your sentence is complete and whether the court has issued an order lifting the suspension. If your case is still active, ask what steps remain (probation completion, fines, community service, or mandatory programs).
Once your sentence is complete, request a certified copy of the order lifting the suspension or a letter from the court confirming sentence completion. Keep this document — you will submit it to DHSMV as proof that the court has cleared you for reinstatement.
Pay Outstanding Fines, Child Support, or Other Debts
Florida will not reinstate your license if you have unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or unpaid court costs related to your case. DHSMV checks these records before processing any reinstatement request.
Contact the court that issued the fines or the Florida Department of Revenue (child support division) to confirm the exact amount owed. You can pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse. Request a receipt or confirmation number — save this for your records.
If you cannot pay the full amount, some courts allow payment plans. Contact the court clerk and ask about a payment arrangement. DHSMV will not process reinstatement until the debt is resolved or a court-approved plan is in place and you are current on payments.
Complete Required Programs or Courses
Depending on your conviction, Florida may require you to complete a substance abuse course, traffic school, or other court-ordered program before reinstatement. The court order or sentencing paperwork will specify which programs explore to you.
Common requirements include the DUI School (if your driving-under-suspension conviction involved alcohol or drugs) and the Traffic Offender School (for certain moving violations). Some courts also require a Substance Abuse Evaluation and treatment if recommended by the evaluator.
Enroll in the program through a provider approved by the court or DHSMV. Once you complete the course, the provider sends a certificate of completion directly to DHSMV and the court. Keep a copy for yourself. Do not submit your reinstatement request until DHSMV has received proof of completion.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request to DHSMV
Once the court has cleared you, all debts are paid, and all required programs are complete, you can request reinstatement. You have two options: mail your request or explore in person at a DHSMV office.
By mail: Send a letter to the DHSMV License Suspension Unit at 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, a copy of the court order lifting the suspension, proof of program completion (if required), and proof that all fines and debts are paid. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee (amount depends on the suspension reason; typical fees range from $75 to $150, but verify the exact amount with DHSMV before mailing).
In person: Visit any DHSMV office with the same documents and payment. Bring your Social Security card or other ID. Processing is faster in person — you may receive a temporary driving permit the same day if everything is in order.
DHSMV typically processes reinstatement requests within 5 to 10 business days if submitted by mail. If documents are missing or incomplete, DHSMV will send a notice requesting additional information. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
Reinstatement Fees and Payment
Florida charges a reinstatement fee that varies by the reason for suspension. The fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owe. You must pay the reinstatement fee to DHSMV before your license is restored.
Typical reinstatement fees range from $75 to $150, depending on whether the suspension was administrative or criminal and how many times your license has been suspended. Contact DHSMV or check your suspension notice for the exact fee amount. You can pay by check, money order, credit card (in person), or online through the DHSMV website if you are explore online.
Some counties offer payment plans for reinstatement fees if you cannot pay in full. Ask the DHSMV office or the court clerk whether a plan is available in your county.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
By mail, expect 5 to 10 business days if all documents are complete and correct. In person at a DHSMV office, you may receive a temporary permit the same day. If DHSMV requests additional documents, the clock restarts when you submit them. Court processing can add 1 to 2 weeks if the court has not yet issued the lifting order.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving while your license is suspended — even if you have submitted a reinstatement request — is still driving under suspension and can result in arrest and additional charges. Wait until DHSMV confirms your license is restored before driving.
What if I cannot find the court order lifting my suspension?
Contact the criminal court clerk and request a certified copy of the sentencing order or a letter confirming that your sentence is complete and the suspension has been lifted. The court can mail or email this to you. Some courts charge a small fee for certified copies (typically $1 to $5 per page).
Do I have to retake the driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement restores your existing license without a new 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 reinstate, which may require a vision test and updated fees.
What happens if I drive under suspension again after reinstatement?
A second driving-under-suspension conviction carries harsher penalties: longer suspension (up to three years), higher fines (up to $1,000), and possible jail time (up to 90 days). Your insurance rates will also increase significantly. Avoid driving until reinstatement is complete.