What you need to do to get your Florida license back
To reinstate a suspended license in Florida, you must first clear the reason for the suspension — usually by paying fines, completing a required course, or serving a waiting period — then submit a reinstatement request to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) along with the required fee. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires payment; a suspension for a DUI requires completion of a substance abuse course and proof of insurance; a suspension for points requires waiting out the suspension period. You cannot legally drive until DHSMV confirms your reinstatement is complete.
The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks after DHSMV receives your request and all required documents. During that time, your license remains suspended, and driving is illegal. Some suspensions have mandatory waiting periods that begin only after you have met all other requirements.
Key Takeaways
- The first step is identifying why your license was suspended, because each reason has different requirements before you can reinstate.
- You must clear the suspension cause — pay fines, complete a course, or wait out a mandatory period — before DHSMV will process your reinstatement.
- Reinstatement requests are submitted to DHSMV by mail, online through their website, or in person at a local DHSMV office.
- Florida charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension reason, typically between $45 and $150.
- Your license remains suspended until DHSMV sends written confirmation that reinstatement is complete.
Finding out why your license is suspended
Your suspension notice from DHSMV will state the reason and the date the suspension began. If you no longer have the notice, you can check your suspension status on the DHSMV website by entering your driver license number, or call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. Having the specific reason is essential because it determines what you must do before reinstatement.
Common suspension reasons in Florida include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulation of points (12 or more within 12 months), DUI or refusal to take a breath test, failure to maintain required insurance, and failure to pay child support. Each has its own reinstatement path.
Clearing suspension reasons before you explore
You cannot reinstate your license until the underlying cause is resolved. For a suspension due to unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Contact the court directly or use the DHSMV website to find the court and amount. Payment can usually be made online, by phone, or in person.
For a DUI-related suspension, you must complete a substance abuse course approved by DHSMV, obtain proof of completion, and show proof of financial responsibility (car insurance). The course length varies — a first offense typically requires a minimum of four hours of instruction. You must also serve any mandatory waiting period before reinstatement can be processed.
For a suspension due to points, you must wait out the suspension period, which is typically six months to one year depending on how many points triggered it. No action shortens this waiting period. For a suspension due to failure to maintain insurance, you must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to DHSMV.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have cleared the suspension cause, you can request reinstatement through three methods: online at the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DHSMV office. The online method is fastest — you will need your driver license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method for the reinstatement fee. Online reinstatement typically processes within one to two weeks.
If you submit by mail, send a completed reinstatement form (available on the DHSMV website) along with proof that you have met all requirements and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Include a copy of your driver license. Mail processing takes longer — usually three to four weeks.
In-person reinstatement at a local DHSMV office allows you to submit documents and pay the fee when ready. Bring your driver license, proof of meeting all suspension requirements, and payment. You will receive a receipt, but your license is not reinstated on the spot; DHSMV still processes it and mails confirmation.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Florida charges a reinstatement fee based on the suspension reason. The fee is typically $45 for a suspension due to points, $150 for a DUI-related suspension, and $45 to $75 for other reasons such as unpaid fines or insurance violations. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or course fees you may have already paid to clear the suspension cause.
The reinstatement fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time you submit your reinstatement request. If you are reinstating online, you can pay by debit or credit card. By mail or in person, you can pay by check, money order, or card (in person only).
What happens after you submit your request
After DHSMV receives your reinstatement request and all required documents, they review your file to confirm that the suspension cause has been cleared. This review typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive.
Once DHSMV approves your reinstatement, they mail a new driver license to the address on file. The new license arrives within one to two weeks of approval. Your driving privileges are restored on the date DHSMV processes the reinstatement, not when you receive the physical card, so you can legally drive as soon as you receive written confirmation from DHSMV.
If DHSMV denies your reinstatement request, they will send a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, failure to meet all suspension requirements, or discovery of additional violations. You can resubmit once you have addressed the issue.
Avoiding another suspension after reinstatement
Once your license is reinstated, you are back to a clean slate for points purposes, but any unpaid fines or court costs remain on your record. Pay any outstanding balances promptly to avoid another suspension. If your suspension was due to points, drive carefully — accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months will trigger another suspension.
If your suspension was DUI-related, maintain your insurance continuously. If it was due to failure to maintain insurance, keep proof of active coverage in your vehicle. Missing even one day of coverage can trigger another suspension. If your suspension was due to unpaid child support, keep payments current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV sends written confirmation that reinstatement is complete. Driving during this period is illegal, even if you have submitted your reinstatement request and met all requirements. Wait for the confirmation letter before driving.
What if I owe fines but cannot pay the full amount right now?
Contact the court that issued the citation and ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some courts allow installment payments or may reduce fines in certain circumstances. You cannot reinstate your license until the court agrees to a payment arrangement and you begin making payments as agreed.
Do I need a new driver license photo after reinstatement?
DHSMV will mail you a new physical license card after reinstatement, which includes a new photo. You do not need to visit an office for a new photo unless your current license is expired or damaged. The new card arrives within one to two weeks of approval.
What if my suspension was for multiple reasons?
You must clear all suspension causes before reinstatement. For example, if your license was suspended for both unpaid fines and failure to maintain insurance, you must pay the fines and obtain new insurance before submitting your reinstatement request. DHSMV will not process reinstatement until every cause is resolved.
How long does reinstatement take if I do it online?
Online reinstatement typically processes within one to two weeks from the date you submit, provided all required documents are complete and the suspension cause has been cleared. You will receive an email confirmation when your request is received and another when it is approved. Your physical license card arrives within one to two weeks of approval.