Where to go and what to bring in Broward County
To reinstate your driver's license in Broward County, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person. The main office serving Broward is located at 6000 Cypress Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314. You cannot reinstate online or by mail — Florida requires you to appear in person, pay the reinstatement fee, and pass any required tests or inspections.
Bring your current ID (passport, military ID, or another government-issued document), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also need to bring the reinstatement fee, which is $45 for most suspensions. If your suspension was due to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you may need to bring proof of payment or a court order showing the debt has been resolved.
Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to check wait times. The DHSMV office phone number for Broward County is (850) 617-2000, or you can check the DHSMV website for current hours and any temporary closures.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV office in person in Broward County — reinstatement cannot be done online or by mail in Florida.
- The reinstatement fee is $45 for most suspensions, but you may need to resolve unpaid fines or child support first.
- Bring government-issued ID, proof of your Social Security number, proof of address, and payment for the fee.
- If your suspension was for a medical reason or DUI-related offense, you may need to pass a vision test or provide a medical certificate before reinstatement is approved.
Why your license was suspended in Broward County
Florida suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reason matters because it determines what you must do before reinstatement. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, and DUI or drug-related convictions. Some suspensions are also issued for medical reasons — for example, if you failed a vision test or reported a seizure disorder.
Before you go to the DHSMV office, find out why your license was suspended. You can check your suspension status on the DHSMV website or call the office. Knowing the reason tells you whether you need to bring court documents, proof of payment, or medical paperwork. If you do not resolve the underlying issue, the DHSMV will not reinstate your license, even if you pay the fee.
Resolving unpaid fines or child support before reinstatement
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the fine or reach a payment plan with the court before the DHSMV will reinstate your license. Contact the Broward County Clerk of Court at (954) 831-6000 to find out the exact amount owed and your payment options. You can pay by phone, online through the Clerk's website, or in person at the courthouse.
If your suspension is due to unpaid child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue, Office of Program Policy and Governance, or the Broward County Child Support Enforcement office. You will need to either pay the full amount owed or sign a payment agreement. Once the court or child support office confirms the debt is resolved or a plan is in place, bring that documentation to the DHSMV office when you reinstate.
Point-related suspensions and how to clear them
Florida uses a point system: traffic violations add points to your record, and if you accumulate too many points in a certain time period, your license is suspended. A suspension for points typically lasts 30 days for a first offense. After the suspension period ends, you can reinstate by paying the $45 fee and visiting the DHSMV office.
However, if you have had multiple suspensions or your points are still high, you may be required to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement. The DHSMV will tell you whether this is required when you call or visit. If it is, you must complete an approved course (available online or in person in Broward County) and bring proof of completion to the DHSMV office.
DUI and drug-related suspensions in Broward County
A suspension related to a DUI or drug conviction has stricter requirements. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and reinstate. You must complete a substance abuse course and a DUI education program approved by the Florida Department of Health. Both programs must be completed before you visit the DHSMV office.
Additionally, if your suspension was for a DUI refusal (refusing a breath or blood test), the suspension period is longer — typically one year for a first refusal. You must wait out the full suspension period and complete the required courses before reinstatement is possible. Bring proof of course completion and any court documents related to your case when you go to the DHSMV office.
Medical suspensions and vision or health requirements
If your license was suspended for a medical reason — such as a failed vision test, a reported seizure disorder, or a physician's report of a medical condition affecting your ability to drive — you must provide medical clearance before reinstatement. This usually means obtaining a form from your doctor stating that your condition has improved or is controlled, and that you are safe to drive.
Some medical suspensions also require you to pass a vision test at the DHSMV office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. If you are unsure what medical documentation is needed, call the DHSMV office in Broward before your visit so you can gather the right paperwork and avoid a wasted trip.
What happens after you reinstate at the DHSMV office
Once you have paid the fee, passed any required tests, and submitted your documentation, the DHSMV will process your reinstatement on the spot or within a few business days. You will receive a new license or a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within two to three weeks.
If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary permit is valid for driving in Florida and most other states. Keep it with you at all times while driving. If your reinstatement is denied, the DHSMV will explain why and tell you what additional steps are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my license online in Broward County?
No. Florida requires all license reinstatements to be done in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot reinstate online, by mail, or by phone. You must visit the office at 6000 Cypress Road in Fort Lauderdale or another DHSMV location in Broward County.
What if I owe fines but cannot pay the full amount right now?
Contact the Broward County Clerk of Court to set up a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once a plan is in place, bring the agreement to the DHSMV office. Some suspensions will be lifted once a payment plan is signed, even if the full amount is not paid yet.
Do I need an appointment to visit the DHSMV office in Broward?
Appointments are not required, but calling ahead to check wait times is a good idea. You can also check the DHSMV website to see if appointments are available for your location. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours during busy times.
How long does reinstatement take once I visit the office?
If all your paperwork is in order and you meet the requirements, reinstatement is usually processed the same day. You will receive a temporary permit when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.
What if my suspension was for a DUI and I have not completed the required courses yet?
You cannot reinstate until you have completed both a substance abuse course and a DUI education program approved by the Florida Department of Health. Enroll in these courses before visiting the DHSMV office, and bring proof of completion with you.