The cost to reinstate a suspended license in Florida is $75, plus any fines or fees tied to why your license was suspended in the first place.

The $75 reinstatement fee goes to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). But that is only the base cost. If your suspension came from unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, or failure to pay child support, you will owe those amounts before DHSMV will process your reinstatement. If your suspension came from accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may also need to pay a driver improvement course fee.

The total you pay depends entirely on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid fines might cost you $75 plus hundreds in fines. A suspension for points might cost $75 plus the course fee. Understanding what caused your suspension is the first step to knowing what you actually owe.

Key Takeaways

  • The reinstatement fee itself is $75, paid to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
  • You must also pay any outstanding fines, child support arrears, or other debts that caused the suspension before DHSMV will reinstate your license.
  • If your suspension was for too many points, you may need to complete a driver improvement course, which costs money and takes time.
  • You can check the exact reason for your suspension and what you owe by contacting DHSMV or checking your driving record online.

Why Your License Was Suspended Determines What You Owe

Florida suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one carries different costs. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, a DUI or drug conviction, accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months, failure to pay child support, and failure to maintain car insurance after an accident.

If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full before reinstatement. If it is for a DUI, you may owe fines (which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on whether it was a first or repeat offense), plus the cost of an ignition interlock device if required. If it is for points, you need the $75 reinstatement fee plus the cost of a driver improvement course. If it is for child support arrears, you must bring your account current or set up a payment plan with the Florida Department of Revenue.

The suspension notice you received should list the reason and what you need to do. If you no longer have that notice, you can contact DHSMV or pull your driving record to find out.

How to Find Out Exactly What You Owe

The fastest way to learn what you owe is to check your Florida driving record online through the DHSMV website. You can order a record when ready and see any suspensions, the reason for each one, and what action is needed to clear it.

You can also call DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 to speak with someone who can tell you the exact amount owed and what type of payment they accept. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. If your suspension involves unpaid fines, the court that issued them can also tell you the balance.

If your suspension is for child support arrears, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's child support enforcement office. They can tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can set up a payment plan instead of paying in full.

The Driver Improvement Course and Its Cost

If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, Florida requires you to complete a four-hour driver improvement course before reinstatement. This course costs between $15 and $30 depending on the provider, though some online courses cost slightly more.

You must take the course after your suspension begins but before you explore for reinstatement. Once you complete it, you will receive a certificate of completion. You then submit that certificate along with your $75 reinstatement fee to DHSMV.

The course is available online or in person at approved providers throughout Florida. Taking it online is usually faster and more convenient, and you can complete it in one sitting.

Payment Methods and Where to Send Your Reinstatement Fee

You can pay the $75 reinstatement fee by mail, in person at a DHSMV office, or online through the DHSMV website. Online payment is the fastest option and takes only a few minutes.

If you pay by mail, send a check or money order payable to "DHSMV" along with a completed reinstatement process to the address listed on your suspension notice. Include your driver's license number and the reason for suspension so they can match your payment to your record.

If you pay in person, bring your suspension notice and a valid ID to any DHSMV office. They will process your payment on the spot. If you have other debts tied to your suspension (unpaid fines, child support, etc.), you may need to pay those through different channels — the court for fines, the Department of Revenue for child support — before DHSMV will accept your reinstatement fee.

How Long Reinstatement Takes After You Pay

Once DHSMV receives your $75 reinstatement fee and confirms that all other debts are paid, your license is usually reinstated within one to three business days. If you pay online or in person, the process is faster than if you mail a check.

You will receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks after reinstatement is approved. Until it arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit from any DHSMV office if you need to drive when ready.

If your reinstatement is delayed, it is usually because DHSMV has not yet received confirmation that you paid fines, child support, or other debts. Contact the agency that collected that payment to confirm it was processed, then call DHSMV to verify they received the information.

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 second-degree misdemeanor, which can result in up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. A second offense within five years is a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can extend your suspension, add points to your record, and increase your insurance costs when your license is eventually reinstated. It is worth waiting until your reinstatement is complete before driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license reinstated if I still owe fines?

No. You must pay all outstanding fines, court costs, and other debts before DHSMV will process your reinstatement. If the amount is too large to pay at once, contact the court that issued the fine to ask about a payment plan. Once you have an agreement in place, DHSMV may reinstate your license.

Do I have to take the driver improvement course in person?

No. Florida allows you to take the four-hour course online through approved providers. Online courses are often faster and more convenient than in-person classes, and the cost is similar.

What if I lost my suspension notice and don't know what I owe?

Check your driving record online through the DHSMV website or call DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800. Both will show the reason for your suspension and what you need to do to clear it. You can order your record when ready online.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my reinstatement?

Yes. Once your reinstatement is approved, you can request a temporary driving permit from any DHSMV office. This allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive in the mail, which usually takes one to two weeks.

What if my suspension was for unpaid child support?

Contact the Florida Department of Revenue's child support enforcement office to find out the exact amount owed. You can often set up a payment plan instead of paying the full amount at once. Once your account is current or a payment plan is in place, you can pay the $75 reinstatement fee to DHSMV.