What You'll Pay to Reinstate Your Florida License

The cost to reinstate a suspended or revoked Florida driver's license depends on why it was suspended and how long it has been suspended. The base reinstatement fee is $45, but you may also owe the original traffic fine, court costs, or other penalties that caused the suspension in the first place. If your license was suspended for unpaid child support or other financial obligations, you must resolve those debts before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will process your reinstatement.

The total amount you pay is not one flat fee—it is the sum of multiple charges. Understanding what each charge covers helps you budget correctly and avoid delays when you submit your reinstatement request.

Key Takeaways

  • The reinstatement fee itself is $45, but you may owe additional fines, court costs, or child support arrears before DHSMV will process your request.
  • Suspensions for unpaid traffic citations require you to pay the original fine plus court costs, which vary by county and violation type.
  • Suspensions tied to child support, criminal convictions, or medical conditions may have separate fees or requirements beyond the $45 reinstatement charge.
  • You can check your suspension reason and exact amount owed through the DHSMV website or by calling the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000.

The $45 Reinstatement Fee and What It Covers

The $45 reinstatement fee is what DHSMV charges to process your request and restore your driving privileges. This fee applies to most suspension types, including those for unpaid traffic fines, points accumulation, or administrative reasons. You pay this fee only once per reinstatement, regardless of how many violations led to the suspension.

This fee does not cover the original traffic fine, court costs, or any other debt that caused the suspension. It is solely the cost of DHSMV processing your reinstatement paperwork. If you do not pay this $45 fee along with any other amounts owed, DHSMV will not reinstate your license.

Additional Costs for Unpaid Traffic Fines and Court Fees

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic citation, you must pay both the original fine and court costs before reinstatement. The fine amount depends on the violation—a speeding ticket might be $100 to $300, while a reckless driving charge could be $500 or more. Court costs are set by the county where you received the ticket and typically range from $30 to $100.

You can find out the exact amount owed by contacting the county clerk's office where the ticket was issued or by checking the DHSMV suspension record. Some counties allow you to pay online; others require payment by mail or in person. Once the fine and court costs are paid, you still need to submit the $45 reinstatement fee to DHSMV.

Child Support and Other Financial Obligation Suspensions

If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you cannot reinstate it by paying DHSMV. Instead, you must work with the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program or the court that ordered the support. Once you bring your account current or reach a payment agreement, the Department of Revenue will notify DHSMV to lift the suspension.

Other financial obligation suspensions—such as those for unpaid criminal fines, restitution, or court-ordered fees—work the same way. You must resolve the underlying debt with the court or agency that imposed it, not with DHSMV. After the debt is satisfied, DHSMV will be notified and your license will be may be able to access for reinstatement, though you will still owe the $45 reinstatement fee.

Medical Suspension Reinstatement Costs

If your license was suspended for medical reasons—such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a DUI-related medical evaluation—reinstatement may require a doctor's clearance or a medical examination. DHSMV does not charge an additional fee for processing medical reinstatements beyond the standard $45, but you will pay your own doctor or clinic for any required evaluation or testing.

The cost of a medical evaluation varies by provider and the type of condition being assessed. Some evaluations are straightforward office visits; others may include vision testing, cognitive screening, or a driving evaluation. You must obtain the required medical documentation and submit it to DHSMV along with your reinstatement request and the $45 fee.

How to Find Out Your Exact Reinstatement Amount

The fastest way to learn what you owe is to check your suspension record through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Log in to your account, select "Check Driver License Status," and view your suspension details. The record will show the suspension reason and, in most cases, the amount owed.

If the online record does not show a dollar amount or you need clarification, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. Have your driver's license number ready. Customer service representatives can tell you the exact reinstatement fee, any fines or court costs still owed, and which agency to contact if the suspension is tied to child support or criminal fines. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or mid-week.

Payment Methods and Processing Timeline

You can pay the $45 reinstatement fee and any associated fines online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Online payment is the fastest option—your reinstatement is usually processed within one to three business days after payment is received and verified. Mail payments take longer because DHSMV must receive and process the check or money order, which can add five to seven business days.

If you pay in person at a DHSMV office, bring a valid form of identification, your driver's license number, and payment in the form they accept (cash, check, debit card, or credit card—policies vary by location). Some offices can process reinstatement on the spot; others mail your new license within five to seven business days. Call ahead to confirm your local office's procedures and hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license if I still owe the original traffic fine?

No. You must pay the original fine, court costs, and the $45 reinstatement fee before DHSMV will process your request. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the county clerk's office or the court to ask about payment plans or hardship options.

What if my suspension is for child support arrears?

You cannot pay DHSMV to reinstate it. Contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program or the court that ordered support. Once you bring your account current or set up a payment agreement, the Department of Revenue will notify DHSMV and your license becomes may be able to access for reinstatement.

Do I have to pay the $45 fee if my suspension was a mistake?

If DHSMV made an error and your suspension was invalid, you do not owe the reinstatement fee. Contact DHSMV to dispute the suspension. If the error is confirmed, DHSMV will clear your record at no cost. If the suspension was valid, you owe the full $45 fee.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay online?

Online reinstatement typically processes within one to three business days after payment is received and verified. Your new license is mailed within five to seven business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DHSMV office.

What if I cannot afford the full reinstatement cost right now?

Contact the county clerk's office or the court that issued the original fine to ask about payment plans. Some counties allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have a payment agreement in place, contact DHSMV to ask whether you can reinstate your license while paying the plan, though this varies by suspension type.