What You Need to Do to Reinstate a Florida License
To reinstate a suspended or revoked Florida driver's license, you must contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), pay any reinstatement fees and outstanding fines, and meet the specific requirements that caused the suspension in the first place. The process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, DUI-related offenses, or other violations. You cannot straightforward renew a suspended license—you must first clear the suspension through the DHSMV.
Florida does not reinstate licenses automatically. You must take action, and the timeline depends on what caused the suspension and whether you have completed all required conditions. Some suspensions lift when ready after payment; others require you to wait a set period or complete a course.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the DHSMV directly by phone, mail, or in person to find out the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it.
- Reinstatement fees in Florida range from $45 to $150 depending on the suspension type, and you must also pay any outstanding fines or court costs.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a course (such as a DUI education program) or wait a mandatory period before reinstatement is possible.
- You can check your license status and suspension reason on the DHSMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
How to Find Out Why Your License Is Suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason for the suspension. Florida suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, failure to pay child support, medical conditions, or accumulation of points. Each reason has different reinstatement steps.
You can check your suspension status online through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth in the "Check License Status" tool. This will show you whether your license is suspended, revoked, or disqualified, and in many cases the reason. If the online tool does not provide enough detail, call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Have your driver's license number and Social Security number ready.
You can also visit a local DHSMV office in person. Bring your current ID and ask a clerk to print your driving record. This document will list all suspensions, the dates they began, and the reasons.
Reinstatement Fees and How to Pay Them
Florida charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension type. The standard reinstatement fee is $45 for most suspensions. However, if your license was suspended for a DUI-related offense, the fee is $150. Some suspensions carry additional fees or require payment of court costs and fines related to the original violation.
You must pay the reinstatement fee plus any outstanding fines, court costs, or child support arrears before your license will be reinstated. If you do not know the total amount owed, the DHSMV can tell you when you call or visit. You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. If paying by mail, send payment to the DHSMV office listed on your suspension notice. If paying in person, visit any DHSMV office with your payment and a form of ID.
Some people pay through the court system if the suspension is tied to a traffic ticket or criminal case. In that case, the court clerk can direct you to the correct payment method and confirm when the DHSMV will be notified that the fine is paid.
Suspension Type and What Each Requires
| Suspension Reason | Reinstatement Fee | Additional Requirements | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic ticket or court costs | $45 | Pay the fine and court costs in full | Reinstated when ready after payment is processed |
| Failure to appear in court | $45 | Resolve the court case (appear or pay fine); pay reinstatement fee | Depends on court; usually 1–2 weeks after court resolves the case |
| DUI conviction | $150 | Complete DUI education program (8 or 12 hours); install ignition interlock device (if required); wait mandatory suspension period | Minimum 6 months to 1 year depending on conviction history |
| Failure to pay child support | $45 | Pay arrears or enter payment agreement with child support enforcement | Reinstated after payment or agreement is confirmed |
| Accumulation of points (12+ in 12 months) | $45 | Wait mandatory suspension period; may need to take a driver improvement course | Minimum 30 days; longer if multiple suspensions |
| Medical suspension | $45 | Obtain medical clearance from a physician; submit to DHSMV | Depends on medical evaluation; usually 1–4 weeks |
DUI-Related Suspensions and Special Requirements
If your license was suspended because of a DUI arrest or conviction, reinstatement involves more steps than a standard suspension. You must complete a DUI education program before you can reinstate. Florida requires either an 8-hour program (for a first offense with a breath or blood alcohol level below 0.15) or a 12-hour program (for a higher level or prior DUI conviction). You must complete this course at a DHSMV-approved provider and bring the completion certificate to the DHSMV.
You must also wait a mandatory suspension period. For a first DUI arrest (before conviction), the suspension is 6 months. If you are convicted, the suspension extends to 1 year or longer depending on your driving history. During this time, you may be able to request a hardship license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments, but you must request it separately and meet strict conditions.
If the court ordered an ignition interlock device (IID), you must have it installed in your vehicle before reinstatement. The device prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You pay for installation and monthly monitoring yourself, and you must keep it installed for the period ordered by the court—usually 6 months to 2 years.
Steps to Complete Reinstatement
- Check your suspension status online at flhsmv.gov or by calling 1-850-617-3800 to confirm the reason and any conditions you must meet.
- Complete any required courses or conditions (such as a DUI education program, driver improvement course, or medical evaluation) and obtain proof of completion.
- Pay all outstanding fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees to the DHSMV or the court, depending on the suspension type.
- If required, install an ignition interlock device and provide proof to the DHSMV.
- Submit your reinstatement request by mail, phone, or in person to the DHSMV with proof of payment and completion of any required conditions.
- Wait for confirmation that your license has been reinstated. The DHSMV will mail you a new license or send confirmation by email if you provided an email address.
- If you need to drive before your license arrives, ask the DHSMV for a temporary driving permit (valid for 30 days) that you can use while your new license is being printed.
Where to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
You can submit your reinstatement request in three ways. By mail: Send a letter with your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and proof of payment to the DHSMV at 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Include copies of any completion certificates or court documents. In person: Visit any DHSMV office with your ID, proof of payment, and any required documents. A clerk will process your request on the spot and may issue a temporary permit. By phone: Call 1-850-617-3800 and ask to speak with a representative about reinstatement. They can confirm what you owe and may be able to process payment over the phone.
Processing time varies. If you pay in person at a DHSMV office, your license may be reinstated the same day. If you mail your request, allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing. If you pay by phone or online, the DHSMV will send confirmation by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
Not with a suspended license. However, if you are reinstating in person at a DHSMV office, you can request a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed. This permit allows you to drive legally during the processing period. If you are reinstating by mail or phone, you cannot drive until the DHSMV confirms your reinstatement in writing.
What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee and fines all at once?
Contact the court or the DHSMV to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. The DHSMV may also work with you if you explain your situation. However, your license will remain suspended until the full amount is paid, so a payment plan does not reinstate you when ready.
How long does a DUI suspension last in Florida?
A DUI suspension lasts a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrest if you have not been convicted. If you are convicted, the suspension is at least 1 year for a first offense, 5 years for a second offense within 5 years, and 10 years for a third offense within 10 years. You cannot shorten this period, but you may be able to request a hardship license after 30 days of suspension.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any test. You only need to clear the suspension by meeting the specific requirements (paying fines, completing courses, waiting the mandatory period). Your original license remains valid once the suspension is lifted.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. You can be arrested, fined up to $500, and face jail time. Your vehicle may be impounded, and additional fines will be added to your reinstatement costs. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, request a temporary permit from the DHSMV.