What you need to do to get your Florida license back
To reinstate your Florida driver license after suspension, you must first contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee, resolve the underlying issue (such as unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or an unpaid insurance claim), and sometimes complete a driver improvement course. Once you have met all requirements, you submit proof to DHSMV and pay the reinstatement fee, which ranges from $45 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension.
The process takes different forms depending on whether your suspension was for a traffic violation, failure to maintain insurance, unpaid child support, or a medical reason. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period — Florida requires active steps on your part. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and carries criminal penalties, so it is important to resolve the suspension before getting behind the wheel again.
Key Takeaways
- Contact DHSMV by phone, mail, or in person to learn the specific reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it.
- Most reinstatements require payment of a fee ($45 to $150), proof that the underlying issue is resolved, and sometimes completion of a driver improvement course.
- You must submit proof of resolution to DHSMV before your license will be reinstated — straightforward paying the fee is not enough if other requirements exist.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to three weeks after DHSMV receives your completed paperwork and payment.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in arrest, additional fines, and further license suspension.
Find out why your license was suspended
Your first step is to contact DHSMV directly to learn the exact reason for suspension. You can call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 1-850-617-3800, visit a local DHSMV office in person, or check your status online through the DHSMV website. When you call or visit, have your driver license number and date of birth ready.
Common suspension reasons in Florida include failure to maintain auto insurance (the most frequent cause), unpaid traffic citations, unpaid child support, unpaid court costs, medical suspension due to a health condition, or suspension for accumulating too many points on your driving record. Each reason has different reinstatement requirements. For example, if your suspension is for lack of insurance, you will need proof of current coverage; if it is for unpaid child support, you will need documentation that the arrears are paid or a payment plan is in place.
Write down the suspension reason and any specific instructions DHSMV gives you. Ask whether you need to complete any courses, obtain court documents, or gather other proof before submitting your reinstatement request.
Resolve the underlying issue
Before DHSMV will reinstate your license, you must address whatever caused the suspension. If your suspension was for lack of insurance, you must obtain an auto insurance policy and keep it active. If it was for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay them in full or arrange a payment plan with the court. If it was for unpaid child support, you must contact the Florida Department of Revenue or the court handling your case to bring the account current or set up a payment arrangement.
For suspensions related to accumulating points (typically 12 or more points in 12 months, 18 or more in 18 months, or 24 or more in 36 months), you may be required to complete a four-hour Basic Driver Improvement course. This course is offered online and in person by approved providers throughout Florida and costs between $15 and $35. Completing the course reduces points on your record and may lower your insurance rates.
If your suspension was medical in nature — for example, because you did not renew your license after a certain age or because DHSMV received a report of a medical condition affecting your ability to drive — you may need to pass a vision test, medical examination, or both. Contact your local DHSMV office to learn what documentation your doctor must provide.
Gather proof and submit your reinstatement request
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, gather the documents that prove it. If you paid fines, keep the receipt or court confirmation. If you obtained insurance, print your insurance card or policy declaration page showing your current coverage. If you completed a driver improvement course, request the completion certificate from the course provider. If you resolved child support arrears, obtain a letter from the Florida Department of Revenue or the court confirming the account is current.
You can submit your reinstatement request and supporting documents to DHSMV by mail, in person at a local office, or online if the reason for suspension allows it. Mail your documents to the DHSMV address listed on your suspension notice or on the DHSMV website. Include a cover letter stating your name, driver license number, and the reason for suspension, along with all required proof.
When you submit your request, you must also pay the reinstatement fee. The fee is $45 if your suspension was for lack of insurance, $60 if it was for points or traffic violations, and $150 if it was for suspension due to unpaid child support or other court-ordered reasons. You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card, depending on how you submit your request.
Timeline and what happens after you submit
After DHSMV receives your completed reinstatement request, proof of resolution, and fee payment, processing typically takes one to three weeks. During this time, DHSMV will verify that all requirements have been met. If any documents are missing or unclear, DHSMV will contact you by mail or phone to request additional information.
Once your reinstatement is approved, DHSMV will mail you a new driver license to the address on file. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a local DHSMV office. The permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license.
If DHSMV denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation of why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, failure to resolve the underlying issue, or discovery of a new violation. You can resubmit your request once you have addressed the problem, or you can request a hearing to dispute the denial.
Avoid driving on a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Florida. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and mandatory suspension of your license for an additional six months. A second offense within five years carries up to five days in jail and a fine of up to $250. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.
If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving on a suspended license, your vehicle may be impounded, and you may be arrested. The criminal record will affect your ability to find employment, housing, and insurance. Even after your license is reinstated, a conviction for driving with a suspended license will remain on your record and may increase your insurance rates for years.
If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, use public transportation, rideshare services, or ask someone with a valid license to drive you. The temporary permit available at DHSMV offices is another option if you have already submitted your reinstatement request and are waiting for approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Florida license suspension last?
The length of suspension depends on the reason. Suspensions for lack of insurance typically last until you obtain coverage and complete reinstatement. Suspensions for points or traffic violations may last six months to one year. Suspensions for unpaid child support or court costs last until the debt is resolved. Contact DHSMV to learn the specific duration for your suspension.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
No. Florida does not issue work permits that allow you to drive on a suspended license. You must complete the full reinstatement process. A temporary driving permit is available only after you have submitted your reinstatement request and are waiting for DHSMV approval.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Contact DHSMV to ask about fee waiver or payment plan options. Some offices may work with you if you demonstrate financial hardship. You can also ask the court handling your case (if your suspension is court-related) whether they offer fee reductions or installment plans.
Do I need a new driver license photo after reinstatement?
Yes. When your license is reinstated, DHSMV will issue a new license with a new photo. You will need to visit a local DHSMV office to have your photo taken. The new license will be mailed to you within one to three weeks.
Will my insurance rates go up after reinstatement?
That depends on why your license was suspended and your insurance company's policy. A suspension for lack of insurance may result in higher rates because insurers view it as high-risk behavior. A suspension for points or traffic violations may also increase rates. Contact your insurance company to ask how reinstatement will affect your premium.