What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended Florida driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) suspends licenses for different reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points. Each path to reinstatement is different.
Once you know the reason, you contact the agency or court that caused the suspension, resolve the underlying issue (pay the fine, appear in court, clear the medical hold), and then request reinstatement through DHSMV. The process usually takes a few weeks, but you cannot drive legally until DHSMV officially reinstates your license.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what you must do first — you cannot reinstate until that issue is resolved.
- Traffic fines, court failures, and child support arrears each require contact with a different agency before you contact DHSMV.
- DHSMV charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension reason, typically between $45 and $150.
- You can check your suspension status and reason on the DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
DHSMV sends a notice to your address on file when your license is suspended, but that letter may have arrived weeks ago or gone to an old address. The fastest way to find out the reason is to check online through the DHSMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The website shows your current status and the suspension reason in plain language.
If you cannot access the website or need to speak with someone, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 1-888-769-2338. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason and what agency or court you need to contact to resolve it.
Resolving the Underlying Issue Before Reinstatement
The suspension will not lift until you address the root cause. Here is what to do for the most common reasons:
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Contact the court listed in your suspension notice. Pay the full amount owed, including any late fees. Ask for a receipt or confirmation that the debt is cleared. Some courts allow payment by phone or online; others require you to appear in person or mail a check.
Failure to appear in court: Contact the court that issued the warrant. You may need to appear before a judge to explain the absence. The judge may dismiss the case, reschedule your hearing, or impose additional penalties. Once the court resolves the matter, they will notify DHSMV.
Unpaid child support: Contact the Florida Department of Revenue, Office of Child Support Enforcement. You must bring your account current or set up a payment plan. Once the arrears are paid or a plan is in place, the department will notify DHSMV to lift the suspension.
Medical suspension: If your license was suspended for medical reasons (seizures, loss of consciousness, or other conditions), you must obtain medical clearance from your doctor. Submit the completed medical form to DHSMV. Your doctor's signature confirms you are safe to drive.
Point suspension: If you accumulated too many points on your driving record, you cannot remove the suspension yourself — you must wait out the suspension period set by DHSMV. However, you can take a defensive driving course to reduce points on your record for future violations.
The Reinstatement Fee and Payment
DHSMV charges a reinstatement fee when you request your license back. The fee depends on the suspension reason and ranges from $45 to $150. You pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request, either online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office.
If you are reinstating after resolving unpaid fines or child support, confirm with the court or collection agency that your debt is fully cleared before paying the DHSMV fee. Paying DHSMV does not clear an outstanding debt — you must handle that separately.
How to Request Reinstatement
After you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement through DHSMV. You have three options:
Online: Visit the DHSMV website and use the online reinstatement service. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method (credit or debit card). This is the fastest option and usually takes a few minutes.
By mail: Send a written request to the DHSMV address listed on your suspension notice, along with the reinstatement fee. Include a copy of proof that you resolved the underlying issue (receipt, court document, or medical clearance). Mail takes longer — allow two to three weeks for processing.
In person: Visit a DHSMV office with your driver's license, proof of resolution, and payment. Bring a photo ID and any documents related to your suspension. Staff can process your request on the spot, though you will still wait for DHSMV to update your record in their system.
What Happens After You Request Reinstatement
DHSMV processes reinstatement requests in the order they are received. Online requests are usually processed within one to two business days. Mail requests take longer — typically five to ten business days after DHSMV receives them. Once your reinstatement is approved, DHSMV updates their system and sends you a confirmation letter.
You can drive legally once DHSMV officially reinstates your license. Do not drive before that point, even if you have resolved the underlying issue — your license is still suspended in DHSMV's system until they process your request. If you are stopped by police before reinstatement is complete, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.
Check your status on the DHSMV website a few days after you submit your request. Once it shows "reinstated," you are clear to drive. If your request is denied, DHSMV will explain why in a letter and tell you what additional steps you need to take.
Reinstating After a Suspension for Points
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points on your driving record, the suspension is automatic and has a set duration. You cannot shorten this period by paying a fee or taking a course, but you can prepare for reinstatement while you wait.
Take a Florida-approved defensive driving course during the suspension period. Completing the course reduces points on your record and shows DHSMV that you are committed to safer driving. When the suspension period ends, request reinstatement as described above. The reduced points may also lower your insurance rates once your license is reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially reinstates it. Driving during this period is illegal, even if you have resolved the underlying issue and submitted your reinstatement request. Wait for DHSMV to confirm reinstatement before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact DHSMV customer service to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some offices may work with you if you are experiencing financial hardship. You can also ask the court or collection agency handling your original debt whether they offer payment plans, which may help you resolve the underlying issue faster.
Do I need a new driver's license photo after reinstatement?
No. Reinstatement restores your existing license. You do not need a new photo or to retake the written test. Your license number and expiration date remain the same unless your license was already expired during the suspension.
What if my license expired while it was suspended?
You must renew your license in addition to requesting reinstatement. Contact DHSMV to find out whether you can renew online or whether you must visit an office in person. You will pay both the reinstatement fee and the renewal fee.
How long does reinstatement take if I use the online system?
Online reinstatement requests are usually processed within one to two business days. You can check your status on the DHSMV website. Mail requests take five to ten business days after DHSMV receives them, and in-person requests may take a few days for the system to update.