The basic steps to get your license back
To restore a suspended Florida driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete whatever requirement caused the suspension, and finally request reinstatement from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The exact steps depend on the reason — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines works differently than one for a failed drug test or unpaid child support.
Start by checking your suspension status and the reason online through the DHSMV website, or call 850-617-3800. Have your driver's license number ready. Once you know the reason, you'll know what to fix before you can ask for reinstatement.
Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $150 in Florida, though this can change) on top of whatever else caused the suspension. You cannot skip this step — the fee is separate from fines, court costs, or other money owed.
Key Takeaways
- Check your suspension reason through the DHSMV website or by phone at 850-617-3800 before taking any other step.
- You must complete the requirement that caused the suspension (pay fines, complete a course, resolve child support, etc.) before reinstatement is possible.
- Florida charges a $150 reinstatement fee that must be paid regardless of the suspension reason.
- Reinstatement requests are handled by DHSMV, and you can submit them online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket, court fine, or court cost, you must pay the full amount owed before DHSMV will reinstate you. Contact the court that issued the ticket — the court name and case number should be on any paperwork you received.
Once you have paid, ask the court for a receipt or proof of payment. Some courts send this proof directly to DHSMV, but do not assume yours will. Keep your receipt and bring it with you when you request reinstatement, or include a copy if you are submitting by mail.
After payment, you can request reinstatement by visiting any Florida driver's license office in person, submitting the form online through the DHSMV website, or mailing a completed reinstatement request with your proof of payment to DHSMV. Processing usually takes one to two weeks.
Suspensions for driving with a suspended license
If you were caught driving while your license was already suspended, the suspension is extended and a new suspension period begins. You must wait out the new suspension period before you can request reinstatement — you cannot shorten it by paying a fee.
The length of the new suspension depends on how many times you have been caught driving with a suspended license. A first offense typically adds six months; a second offense within five years adds one year; a third or more adds two years. Check the DHSMV website or call to confirm your specific suspension end date.
Once the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement by paying the $150 reinstatement fee and submitting your request to DHSMV in person, online, or by mail.
Suspensions for failure to pay child support or alimony
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support or alimony, you must contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program or the court that ordered the support. You cannot pay DHSMV directly to fix this suspension.
Work with the child support office or court to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once you have made an arrangement or paid what is owed, the child support office will notify DHSMV that the suspension can be lifted. This process can take several weeks, so do not expect when ready reinstatement.
After the child support office confirms the suspension should be lifted, you still need to pay the $150 reinstatement fee to DHSMV and submit a reinstatement request. The fee is separate from any child support payments.
Suspensions for drug-related convictions or failed tests
A suspension for a drug-related conviction or failed drug test requires you to complete a substance abuse course before reinstatement. DHSMV will not lift the suspension until you provide proof of course completion.
You must take the course through a provider approved by DHSMV — not every substance abuse program qualifies. Search the DHSMV website for a list of approved providers in your area. The course typically takes several hours and costs between $150 and $300, though prices vary by provider.
After you complete the course, the provider will send proof directly to DHSMV. Once DHSMV receives it, you can request reinstatement by paying the $150 reinstatement fee and submitting your request online, by mail, or in person.
How to submit your reinstatement request
You have three ways to request reinstatement from DHSMV: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at any Florida driver's license office.
The online method is fastest — you can complete the form and pay the $150 reinstatement fee when ready. You will need your driver's license number and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). Reinstatement usually takes one to two business days after you submit online.
If you are mailing your request, send a completed reinstatement form (available on the DHSMV website) along with the $150 fee and any required proof (court receipt, course completion certificate, child support arrangement letter, etc.) to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Mail processing takes two to four weeks.
In-person reinstatement at a driver's license office is also available. Bring your driver's license, proof of payment or course completion if required, and the $150 reinstatement fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your license is usually reinstated the same day.
What happens if you drive before reinstatement is complete
Driving while your license is suspended — even if you have submitted a reinstatement request and are waiting for approval — is illegal in Florida. A second or third suspension for driving with a suspended license carries longer suspension periods and criminal penalties.
If your reinstatement is urgent (for work or medical reasons), submit your request online or in person rather than by mail. Online requests are processed within one to two business days. If you cannot wait, contact DHSMV at 850-617-3800 to ask about expedited processing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the driver's license office to request reinstatement in person?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even if you are driving to request reinstatement. Use another form of transportation, or submit your reinstatement request online or by mail instead.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call DHSMV at 850-617-3800 or check the DHSMV website with your driver's license number. You must know the reason before you can fix it. If you cannot reach DHSMV by phone, visit a driver's license office in person and ask staff to look up your suspension reason.
Do I have to pay the $150 reinstatement fee even if my suspension was a mistake?
If DHSMV made an error and your suspension should never have happened, you may not owe the reinstatement fee. Contact DHSMV to dispute the suspension before paying. If the suspension is overturned, you will not be charged.
How long does reinstatement take?
Online reinstatement takes one to two business days. In-person reinstatement at a driver's license office is usually same-day. Mail reinstatement takes two to four weeks. The timeline depends on whether DHSMV has already received proof that you completed the requirement (like a course completion certificate or court payment receipt).
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
DHSMV does not offer payment plans for the reinstatement fee. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid child support, you may be able to work with the child support office on a payment arrangement. Contact the Florida Department of Revenue at 1-800-622-4357 to discuss options.