What you need to do to get your license back
To restore a suspended Florida driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific requirement that caused the suspension, and finally request reinstatement through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The steps and costs vary dramatically depending on the reason — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires payment plus a reinstatement fee, while a suspension for a DUI requires an SR22 form, completion of a substance abuse course, and payment of multiple fees.
You cannot straightforward renew your license or wait out the suspension. Florida does not automatically restore your driving privileges after a set time. You must take action, and the action depends entirely on what triggered the suspension in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the DHSMV or check your online driver record to learn the exact reason your license was suspended before you take any steps.
- Each suspension reason has a different fix: unpaid tickets require payment, DUI suspensions require an SR22 and substance abuse course, medical suspensions require a doctor's clearance, and points-based suspensions require a defensive driving course.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee (typically $45 to $150 depending on the reason) to the DHSMV after completing the underlying requirement.
- Some suspensions can be lifted when ready once you meet the requirement; others have mandatory waiting periods that begin only after you complete the requirement.
- Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense that can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time.
How to find out why your license was suspended
The DHSMV will not tell you the reason over the phone without your driver's license number and date of birth. You have three ways to find out: check your online driver record through the DHSMV website, call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000, or visit a local DHSMV office in person.
The fastest method is the online driver record. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Check Your Driving Record," and log in or create an account. Your record will show the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and sometimes the date it will be lifted (though this is not always accurate). Print or save this record — you will need it to prove the suspension reason when you contact whoever handles the fix.
If you cannot access the online system, call 850-617-2000 during business hours. Have your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The wait time is often long, but the staff can tell you the suspension reason when ready.
Suspension for unpaid traffic tickets or fines
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. The DHSMV does not collect this money — the court does. You cannot pay the DHSMV and expect your license to be restored.
Contact the court listed on your ticket or on your driver record. Most Florida courts allow payment by phone, online, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, the suspension is lifted when ready in the DHSMV system, usually within one business day. You do not need to pay a separate reinstatement fee for this type of suspension.
If you cannot pay the full amount, some courts offer payment plans. Call the court's traffic division and ask about installment options. Your license will remain suspended until the entire balance is paid, even if you are on a plan.
Suspension for DUI or drug-related offenses
A DUI suspension in Florida has multiple layers. You must obtain an SR22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) from an insurance company, complete a substance abuse course approved by the DHSMV, and pay reinstatement fees. The suspension also has a mandatory waiting period that does not begin until you have completed all requirements.
First, get your SR22. Contact your auto insurance company and ask them to file an SR22 with the DHSMV on your behalf. The SR22 costs between $15 and $25 and proves you carry the minimum required liability insurance. Your insurer will file it electronically; you do not need to do anything except pay the fee.
Second, enroll in a substance abuse course. The DHSMV maintains a list of approved providers on its website. Most courses are eight hours long and cost $150 to $300. Some are offered online, others in person. You must complete the course and receive a certificate of completion before you can request reinstatement.
Third, wait out the mandatory suspension period. For a first DUI, this is typically three to six months from the date you complete the substance abuse course. For a second or subsequent DUI within ten years, the period is longer. Check your driver record to see the exact dates.
Once the waiting period has passed and you have the SR22 and course certificate, submit a reinstatement request to the DHSMV along with a $250 reinstatement fee. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at an DHSMV office.
Suspension for accumulating too many points
Florida suspends licenses when a driver accumulates 12 or more points within 12 months, 18 or more points within 24 months, or 24 or more points within 36 months. Each traffic violation adds a certain number of points — a speeding ticket adds three points, a reckless driving conviction adds four points, and so on.
To restore your license, you must complete a defensive driving course approved by the DHSMV. This course is typically four hours long, costs $50 to $100, and can be taken online or in person. Upon completion, you receive a certificate that you submit to the DHSMV.
After you submit the certificate, the DHSMV will reinstate your license. There is no additional waiting period for a points-based suspension, and no separate reinstatement fee beyond what you paid for the course. However, the points remain on your record and will continue to count toward future suspensions.
Suspension for medical reasons or failure to renew
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, vision problems, or a condition reported to the DHSMV — you must obtain medical clearance from a physician. The DHSMV will specify what type of doctor and what form they require. Once your doctor completes and signs the form, submit it to the DHSMV along with a $45 reinstatement fee.
If your license was suspended straightforward because you failed to renew it by the expiration date, you can renew it when ready online, by mail, or in person at an DHSMV office. There is no additional fee or waiting period — renewal restores your driving privileges right away.
Some suspensions are administrative and occur when you do not respond to a notice or do not complete a required action by a important date. Check your driver record to see if a specific action is listed. If so, complete that action and submit proof to the DHSMV.
Paying the reinstatement fee and submitting your request
Once you have completed the requirement tied to your suspension reason, you must pay the reinstatement fee and formally request reinstatement from the DHSMV. The fee ranges from $45 to $250 depending on the suspension reason. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
Submit your reinstatement request online through the DHSMV website, by mail to the DHSMV office, or in person at a local DHSMV office. If you submit online or by mail, include proof that you have met the requirement — a paid receipt from the court, an SR22 certificate, a substance abuse course certificate, a defensive driving course certificate, or medical clearance, depending on your suspension reason.
Processing typically takes one to two weeks if you submit online or in person, and up to three weeks if you mail your request. Once approved, your license is restored and you can drive legally again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I get a hardship license?
Florida does not issue hardship or work licenses for most suspension reasons. However, if your license was suspended for unpaid child support or unpaid traffic fines, you may be able to request a limited license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to ask whether a limited license is available for your specific situation.
What happens if I get caught driving on a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense within five years is a felony. You will also face additional fines, a longer suspension, and possible vehicle impoundment. Do not drive until your license is restored.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If you submit your reinstatement request in person at an DHSMV office, you may receive when ready reinstatement if all documents are in order. Online and mail submissions typically take one to three weeks. Some suspension reasons have mandatory waiting periods that delay reinstatement even after you have completed the requirement — check your driver record for the specific dates.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license back?
You do not need a lawyer for most suspensions. The process is straightforward: find out the reason, complete the required action, pay the fee, and submit your request. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case or if you believe the suspension was issued in error, consulting a lawyer may help you understand your options.
Will my insurance rates go up after my license is restored?
Your insurance rates may already have increased when your license was suspended, depending on the reason. A DUI suspension will cause a significant rate increase that typically lasts three to five years. Once your license is restored, the rate increase remains in effect until the incident ages off your record. Shop around with different insurers, as rates vary widely.