Florida reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

The cost to reinstate your Florida driver's license ranges from $45 to $150, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets or child support typically costs $45. A suspension for a DUI conviction costs $150. If your license was suspended for multiple reasons — say, unpaid tickets and a medical condition — you pay the fee for each separate reason.

Before you pay any reinstatement fee, you must first clear the underlying reason for suspension. If your license was suspended for unpaid tickets, you cannot reinstate it by paying the reinstatement fee alone; you must pay the tickets themselves. The reinstatement fee comes after that step is complete.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) does not accept reinstatement fees online or by mail. You must pay in person at a Florida driver's license office, or through an authorized third-party vendor. Some counties allow payment by phone to a collection agency before you visit the office, which can speed up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees in Florida are $45 for most suspensions and $150 for DUI-related suspensions.
  • You must resolve the reason for suspension — such as paying tickets or fines — before you can pay the reinstatement fee.
  • Payment must be made in person at a Florida driver's license office or through an authorized vendor; online and mail payment are not available.
  • If your license was suspended for multiple reasons, you pay a separate fee for each reason.
  • Some counties allow you to pay collection agencies by phone before visiting the office, which can reduce wait times.

Common suspension reasons and their reinstatement costs

The most frequent reason for suspension in Florida is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. This suspension carries a $45 reinstatement fee. Before you pay it, you must settle the underlying tickets and any associated court costs with the court that issued them.

A suspension for failure to pay child support also costs $45 to reinstate. You will need to contact the Florida Department of Revenue or the court handling your case to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once you have made arrangements or paid in full, you can then pay the $45 reinstatement fee.

A DUI-related suspension — whether for a conviction, refusal to take a breath test, or a second offense — costs $150 to reinstate. This is the highest reinstatement fee in Florida. You may also be required to complete a DUI education course or substance abuse evaluation before reinstatement is allowed, depending on the specifics of your case.

Other suspension reasons include failure to maintain car insurance, medical conditions that affect driving, or accumulation of points on your driving record. Each carries the $45 reinstatement fee. The DHSMV website lists your specific suspension reason, which determines which fee applies to you.

How to find out your suspension reason and what you owe

You can check your suspension status and the reason for it through the DHSMV website or by calling the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The representative will tell you the suspension reason, what you must do to clear it, and the reinstatement fee amount.

If your suspension is for unpaid fines or tickets, you can also contact the court that issued the ticket directly. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can set up a payment plan. Some courts allow payment online; others require in-person or phone payment.

If your suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office. They can tell you the amount owed and payment options. If you are unable to pay in full, you may be able to arrange a payment plan.

Steps to reinstate your license after paying fees

Once you have resolved the reason for suspension and are ready to pay the reinstatement fee, visit any Florida driver's license office with a valid form of identification. Bring your driver's license if you still have it, or a state ID card. You will need to complete an process for reinstatement, which the office provides.

At the office, you will pay the reinstatement fee in cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices accept checks, but this varies by location. Ask ahead if you plan to pay by check. The office will process your payment and issue you a new license on the spot, or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's current workload.

If you cannot visit an office in person, some counties allow you to pay the reinstatement fee through an authorized third-party vendor or collection agency by phone. Call the DHSMV to confirm whether your county offers this option. After payment, your license will be reinstated, though you may still need to visit an office to receive a physical license card.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense within five years is a felony, with penalties up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. These penalties are separate from the cost of reinstatement.

If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face additional towing and storage fees. Your insurance company may also cancel your policy if they learn you were driving illegally.

Payment plans and hardship options

If you cannot pay the full amount owed — whether it is unpaid tickets, child support, or the reinstatement fee itself — you may be able to set up a payment plan. Courts that issued traffic tickets often allow installment payments. Contact the court clerk to ask about this option.

For child support arrears, the Florida Department of Revenue can work with you to establish a payment schedule. For the reinstatement fee itself, DHSMV does not offer payment plans; the fee must be paid in full before reinstatement. However, if the underlying debt (tickets or child support) is on a payment plan, you can pay the reinstatement fee once you have made sufficient progress on that plan.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, some courts may reduce or waive fines if you file a motion and demonstrate your circumstances. This is not automatic, and you must request it in writing or in person at the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license online in Florida?

No. You must reinstate your license in person at a Florida driver's license office or through an authorized third-party vendor. Some counties allow you to pay collection agencies by phone, but you will still need to visit an office to receive your physical license card.

What if I have multiple suspension reasons?

You pay a separate reinstatement fee for each reason. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid tickets and unpaid child support, you pay $45 for each, totaling $90. You must resolve both underlying issues before you can reinstate.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?

If you pay in person at a driver's license office, your license is usually reinstated when ready, and you receive a physical card on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you pay through a collection agency or third-party vendor, reinstatement may take a few business days to process.

Do I have to take a new written or road test to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement does not require a new test. However, if your suspension was for a medical condition, DHSMV may require a medical evaluation or clearance from a doctor before reinstatement is allowed.

What if I cannot afford to pay right now?

Contact the court that issued your tickets or the Florida Department of Revenue if your suspension is for child support. Both may allow you to set up a payment plan. Once you have made progress on that plan, you can pay the reinstatement fee and restore your license.