How to Reinstate Your Florida Driver's License

What you need to do to get your Florida license back

To reinstate your Florida driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires for that reason. Most suspensions fall into a few categories: unpaid traffic tickets or fines, failure to pay child support, DUI-related suspensions, and points-based suspensions from too many violations. Each has a different reinstatement path.

The fastest way to start is to check your suspension status directly through the DHSMV website or by calling their Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. They will tell you the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it. Do not assume you know why your license was suspended — the reason determines everything that comes next.

Key Takeaways

You must contact the DHSMV or check their website to learn the specific reason your license was suspended before taking any other step.
Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — pay a fine, clear child support arrears, or complete a DUI program — before the DHSMV will reinstate you.
After you resolve the issue, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $150 but varies by suspension type.
Some suspensions require you to file an SR22 form with the DHSMV before you can drive legally again.
You can reinstate your license by mail, online, or in person at a DHSMV office, depending on the suspension type.

How to find out why your license was suspended

The DHSMV sends suspension notices by mail, but they sometimes get lost or arrive after you have already been pulled over. The safest approach is to check yourself rather than wait for a notice or assume you know the reason.

Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the "Check Your Driving Record" tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. This shows your current status and the suspension reason in plain language. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak to someone, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your license number ready when you call.

Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or tickets

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or ticket, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. You can pay online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a county tax collector's office. Once the payment is processed and recorded in the system, you can move forward with reinstatement.

After you pay, contact the DHSMV to confirm the payment was received and recorded. Then submit your reinstatement request along with the $150 reinstatement fee. You can do this online, by mail, or at a DHSMV office. Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days once the DHSMV receives your request.

Suspensions related to DUI or serious violations

If your suspension is tied to a DUI conviction, a refusal to take a breath test, or a serious violation like reckless driving, the reinstatement process is longer and has more steps. You will typically need to complete a DUI education program (also called a substance abuse course) and file an SR22 form with the DHSMV.

The SR22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the minimum required auto insurance. Your insurance company files this form directly with the DHSMV — you do not file it yourself. You will need to contact an insurance agent and ask them to file an SR22 for you. This usually costs between $15 and $25 as a filing fee, on top of your regular insurance premium. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer better rates than others.

Once you have completed the DUI program and your insurance company has filed the SR22, you can request reinstatement. You will still owe the reinstatement fee, which may be higher for DUI-related suspensions — check with the DHSMV for the exact amount in your case.

Suspensions for points accumulation

Florida suspends licenses when a driver accumulates too many points from traffic violations within a set time period. If you have 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months, your license will be suspended. To reinstate after a points suspension, you must wait out a mandatory suspension period — usually 30 days for a first suspension — and then pay the reinstatement fee.

During the suspension period, you cannot drive legally, even with a hardship permit. Once the suspension period ends, submit your reinstatement request to the DHSMV along with the $150 fee. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Some drivers also choose to take a defensive driving course before reinstatement, which can help lower insurance rates and prevent future suspensions.

Child support-related suspensions

If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must work with the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office to clear the arrears. Contact them at 1-800-622-5437 or visit their website to set up a payment plan or make a lump-sum payment.

Once the Department of Revenue confirms that your child support account is current or that you have a court-approved payment plan in place, they will notify the DHSMV. The DHSMV will then lift the suspension automatically — you do not need to submit a separate reinstatement request. This process can take 5 to 10 business days after the Department of Revenue sends the notification.

How to submit your reinstatement request

Once you have resolved the underlying issue — paid the fine, completed the DUI program, filed the SR22, or cleared the child support — you can request reinstatement. The DHSMV offers three ways to do this:

Online: Visit flhsmv.gov and use the reinstatement request tool. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card to pay the reinstatement fee. This is the fastest method and usually takes 5 to 10 business days.

By mail: Send a letter to the DHSMV with your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for reinstatement. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made payable to the DHSMV. Mail it to: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Driver License Section, Neil Kirkman Building, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing.

In person: Visit a DHSMV office with your driver's license, proof of resolution (such as a paid receipt or DUI completion certificate), and payment for the reinstatement fee. You can find your nearest office on the DHSMV website. Processing is usually when ready or within a few days.

What happens after you request reinstatement

Once the DHSMV approves your reinstatement, your license status will change from suspended to valid. If you requested reinstatement online or by mail, you will receive a letter confirming the reinstatement. Your physical license does not change — you can use it to drive when ready once the DHSMV confirms reinstatement.

If your license was suspended for more than a year, you may need to renew it before it expires. Check the expiration date on your license and plan accordingly. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a hardship permit while my license is suspended?

Florida does not issue hardship permits for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or points accumulation, you may be able to request a limited driving permit that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Contact the DHSMV to see if you may have access to. DUI-related suspensions do not allow hardship permits.

How much does reinstatement cost?

The standard reinstatement fee is $150, but it may be higher for DUI-related suspensions or multiple suspensions. Check with the DHSMV for the exact fee in your case. This fee is separate from any fines, child support payments, or insurance costs you may owe.

What if I move out of Florida after my suspension?

You can still reinstate your Florida license from out of state by mail or online. However, if you want to get a license in your new state, you will need to clear the Florida suspension first. Most states will not issue a license to someone with an active suspension in another state.

How long does reinstatement take?

Online reinstatement usually takes 5 to 10 business days. Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person requests at a DHSMV office are processed when ready or within a few days. The timeline depends on how quickly the DHSMV receives and processes your request.

Do I need to take a new driving test to get my license back?

No. Reinstatement restores your existing license — you do not need to pass a written or driving test. However, if your license has expired during the suspension, you will need to renew it, which may require a new photo and vision test but not a driving test.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.