What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Broward
To reinstate your driver's license in Broward County, you must first resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation, then visit a Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office in person with proof of resolution and payment. The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason — because each requires different documentation before the DMV will process your reinstatement.
Broward County has multiple FLHSMV service centers, but you cannot reinstate online or by mail. You must appear in person at one of the county's offices, bring the required documents for your particular suspension reason, and pay the reinstatement fee. The process typically takes one visit if you have all documents ready, though some suspensions require court clearance or completion of programs before the DMV will act.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an FLHSMV office in Broward County in person with proof that you have resolved the reason for your suspension.
- Different suspension reasons require different documents — unpaid fines need a receipt, DUI suspensions need court documents or program completion proof, and points suspensions may require a defensive driving course.
- The reinstatement fee in Florida is $45 for most suspensions, though some DUI-related reinstatements cost $150 or more depending on the offense.
- Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid form of ID to the office, along with all documents specific to your suspension reason.
Suspension Reasons and What Documents You Need
Florida suspends licenses for several distinct reasons, and the DMV will not process your reinstatement until you provide proof that the underlying issue is resolved. The most common reason in Broward is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If your license was suspended for this reason, you need a receipt showing payment in full, or a court order stating the fine has been satisfied or waived. You can obtain this receipt from the Broward County Clerk of Court or from the traffic court that issued the citation.
DUI-related suspensions are more complex. If your license was suspended following a DUI arrest or conviction, you must provide a court document showing the disposition of your case, proof of completion of a DUI education program (usually the Level 1 or Level 2 program), and proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance). Some DUI suspensions also require a substance abuse evaluation or treatment completion. The court that handled your case can tell you which documents are required for your specific conviction.
If your suspension resulted from accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may need to complete a defensive driving course (also called a traffic school course). This course must be approved by the Florida DMV. Once you complete it, you receive a certificate of completion that you bring to the FLHSMV office. Points-based suspensions sometimes also require a written exam at the DMV office itself.
Other suspension reasons include failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or medical suspension. For child support suspensions, you need a court document showing the arrearage has been paid or a payment plan is in place. For failure to appear, you must resolve the underlying court case first. Medical suspensions require clearance from your physician or a medical review board.
Broward County FLHSMV Office Locations and Hours
Broward County has four FLHSMV service centers where you can process a reinstatement. The main office is located in Fort Lauderdale at 1350 East Las Olas Boulevard. There are also offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs. Each office handles reinstatements, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV does not take appointments for reinstatements, so you should arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to minimize wait time.
Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Before you visit, check the FLHSMV website or call the specific office to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. The phone number for the Fort Lauderdale office is available through the main FLHSMV customer service line at 1-850-617-3000.
Bring all required documents, your Social Security number, and a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or another government-issued ID). The office staff will verify your documents, process the fee payment, and issue your reinstatement on the spot if everything is in order. If documents are missing or incomplete, the staff will tell you what is needed before you leave.
Reinstatement Fees and Payment Methods
The standard reinstatement fee in Florida is $45 for most suspension types. However, DUI-related reinstatements carry a higher fee: $150 for a first DUI suspension, and $250 for a second or subsequent DUI suspension within ten years. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay both the original fine and the $45 reinstatement fee. If your suspension was for points accumulation, you pay only the $45 fee once you have completed the defensive driving course.
The FLHSMV offices in Broward accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is wise. If you cannot pay the full amount at the time of your visit, you cannot complete the reinstatement that day — the DMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. If cost is a barrier, contact the Broward County Legal Aid Society or a local legal clinic to ask whether fee waivers or reductions are available for your specific situation.
What Happens After You Reinstate
Once the FLHSMV processes your reinstatement and you pay the fee, your license is active when ready. You receive a new physical license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until the card arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit (a paper document) that is valid for 30 days and serves as proof of reinstatement if you are stopped by law enforcement.
Your driving record will show the reinstatement, and any points that caused the suspension remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation. If you accumulate additional points after reinstatement, you risk another suspension. If your reinstatement was DUI-related, you may be required to use an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a set period — the court order will specify the duration and requirements.
Keep your reinstatement receipt and any court documents related to your case in a safe place. If you are stopped by law enforcement before your new license card arrives, the temporary permit and receipt prove your license is valid. If there is any error on your new license, return to the FLHSMV office with proof of the error to request a correction.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most frequent mistake is arriving at the FLHSMV office without all required documents. Many people bring proof of payment for fines but forget to bring the court document showing the fine was satisfied, or they bring a DUI program certificate but not the court disposition. Before you visit, contact the court or the agency that suspended your license to get a complete list of what is needed for your specific case.
Another common error is paying fines to the wrong entity. If you were cited by a city police department, the fine goes to that city's traffic court, not the county. If you pay the county but the fine is owed to the city, the suspension will not be lifted. The citation itself shows which court issued it. When in doubt, call the Broward County Clerk of Court at 954-831-6000 to confirm where your fine is owed and whether it has been paid.
Some people attempt to reinstate before completing required programs. If your suspension requires a DUI education course or defensive driving course, you cannot reinstate until you have the completion certificate in hand. Showing up without it will result in a denied reinstatement and a wasted trip. Check with the court or the DMV suspension notice to confirm all programs are complete before you visit the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the FLHSMV office if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Florida and can result in additional criminal charges. Arrange a ride with someone else, use a taxi or rideshare service, or use public transportation. If you are stopped while driving to the DMV office, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license regardless of your reason.
How long does reinstatement take once I submit my documents?
If all documents are correct and complete, reinstatement is processed the same day you visit the office. Your license becomes active when ready after payment. The physical license card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary permit valid for 30 days if you need to drive before the card arrives.
What if I cannot find the court document I need?
Contact the Broward County Clerk of Court at 954-831-6000 or visit their office in person. Provide your case number or citation number, and they can issue a certified copy of the disposition or proof of payment. There is usually a small fee for certified copies, typically $1 to $5 per page. Allow 1 to 3 business days if you request it by mail.
Do I need an SR-22 form to reinstate after a DUI?
You need proof of SR-22 insurance to reinstate, but you do not obtain it from the DMV. You purchase SR-22 insurance from your insurance company before you visit the FLHSMV office. Bring proof of the SR-22 (usually a letter from your insurer) to the office. The insurance company files the SR-22 directly with the DMV, but bringing proof to the office speeds up processing.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe money on a fine?
No. The fine must be paid in full, or you must have a court order stating it has been waived or satisfied. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the court about a payment plan or fee reduction. Some courts offer hardship waivers. Once the court confirms the fine is satisfied, you can reinstate at the FLHSMV office.