The Fees You Pay to Get Your License Back

Restoring a suspended Florida driver's license costs between $75 and $150 in reinstatement fees alone, depending on why your license was suspended. That is the fee you pay to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to process your reinstatement. However, the total cost to get back on the road is almost always higher, because you will also owe the original fine, court costs, or other debt that caused the suspension in the first place.

The reinstatement fee itself does not change based on how long your license has been suspended or how many times you have been suspended. What changes is what you owe before the DHSMV will even accept your reinstatement request. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines. If you were suspended for unpaid child support, you must clear that debt with the Florida Department of Revenue. If you were suspended for a DUI-related reason, you may owe court costs, fines, and fees to the DHSMV that can total $500 or more.

Key Takeaways

  • The DHSMV reinstatement fee is $75 to $150, but you must also pay whatever debt caused the suspension before reinstatement is possible.
  • Traffic fine suspensions require you to pay the original fine plus court costs; child support suspensions require payment to the Florida Department of Revenue.
  • DUI-related suspensions carry additional fees beyond the reinstatement fee, including substance abuse course fees and possible ignition interlock device costs.
  • You cannot renew your registration or get a new license until your suspension is lifted, so the delay costs money in other ways.
  • Some suspensions are lifted automatically once you pay what you owe; others require you to file a formal reinstatement request with the DHSMV.

Reinstatement Fees by Suspension Type

Florida groups suspensions into categories, and the reinstatement fee depends on which category applies to you. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines carries a $75 reinstatement fee. A suspension for unpaid child support also costs $75 to reinstate. A suspension related to a DUI conviction, refusal to take a breath test, or accumulation of points carries a $150 reinstatement fee.

The $150 fee applies even if your DUI suspension has already expired on its own — you still must pay to formally reinstate. Suspensions tied to medical conditions, such as a physician reporting you as medically unfit to drive, also carry the $150 fee. If you have been suspended more than once, you pay the reinstatement fee for each suspension that is still active, not a single combined fee.

The reinstatement fee is non-refundable. You pay it when you submit your reinstatement request to the DHSMV, either online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The fee does not cover the cost of any underlying debt — it is only the administrative cost of processing your request.

What You Must Pay Before Reinstatement

The reinstatement fee is only the beginning. Before the DHSMV will lift your suspension, you must resolve the debt or violation that caused it. For traffic fine suspensions, you must pay the original fine plus any court costs assessed by the court that issued the citation. Court costs vary by county and by the type of violation, but typically range from $20 to $100 per citation.

For child support suspensions, you must pay the arrears (back payments) owed to the Florida Department of Revenue, or enter into a payment plan that the department accepts. The amount owed depends entirely on your case. For DUI-related suspensions, you must pay court fines, which can range from $500 to $1,000 for a first offense, plus the cost of a required substance abuse course (typically $250 to $400) and any ignition interlock device fees if one was ordered.

Some suspensions are lifted automatically once you pay the underlying debt — the creditor or court notifies the DHSMV electronically. Others require you to file a formal reinstatement request after you have paid. Check your suspension notice or contact the DHSMV to confirm whether your suspension lifts automatically or requires a separate request.

Ignition Interlock Device Costs

If your suspension is DUI-related and a court ordered an ignition interlock device (IID), you will pay installation, monthly monitoring, and removal fees on top of the reinstatement fee. Installation typically costs $50 to $150. Monthly monitoring fees range from $60 to $100 per month, depending on the service provider. Removal costs $50 to $150.

The device must remain installed for the duration of the court order, which is usually six months to one year for a first DUI offense. If you are required to have an IID but do not install one, your suspension will not be lifted, and you may face additional criminal charges. The DHSMV maintains a list of approved IID providers on its website.

How to Pay and Reinstate Your License

Once you have paid all underlying debt, you can request reinstatement. The DHSMV accepts reinstatement requests online through its official website, by mail, or in person at any driver license office. Online reinstatement is the fastest option and typically processes within one to two business days if all requirements are met.

To reinstate online, you will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). You will also need proof that you have paid the underlying debt — for traffic fines, this is usually a receipt from the court or the citation payment processor; for child support, it is a letter from the Florida Department of Revenue confirming payment or a payment plan agreement.

If you reinstate by mail, send a completed reinstatement request form (available on the DHSMV website) along with a copy of your proof of payment and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. In-person reinstatement at a driver license office is also available and typically processes the same day.

What Happens If You Drive With a Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense within five years is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. These penalties are in addition to any reinstatement fees or underlying debt you still owe.

If you are stopped while suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, which adds towing and storage fees to your costs. Your insurance rates will also increase significantly if you are convicted of driving with a suspended license. For these reasons, it is important to reinstate as soon as you are able to pay the required fees and resolve the underlying debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Florida does not issue hardship licenses for most suspension types. However, if your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you may be able to request a limited license for essential purposes such as work or medical appointments. You must petition the court that issued the suspension. The court may grant a limited license if you can show financial hardship and a legitimate need to drive.

What if I cannot afford to pay everything at once?

For traffic fines, you can request a payment plan from the court. For child support, the Florida Department of Revenue can set up a payment arrangement. For DUI fines, contact the court that sentenced you. However, your suspension will not be lifted until the underlying debt is paid in full or a formal payment plan is in place and you are current on payments. The reinstatement fee itself cannot be waived or reduced.

How long does reinstatement take?

Online reinstatement typically takes one to two business days once the DHSMV receives your request and payment. Mail reinstatement takes two to three weeks. In-person reinstatement at a driver license office usually processes the same day. The timeline assumes all underlying debt has been paid and all required documents are included with your request.

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

No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or road test. You only need to pay the reinstatement fee and resolve the underlying debt. However, if your license has expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it, which may require a new photo and a written test depending on how long it has been expired.

What if my suspension was for a medical reason?

Medical suspensions require you to provide documentation from a physician stating that you are now medically fit to drive. You must submit this documentation to the DHSMV along with your reinstatement request and the $150 reinstatement fee. The DHSMV may require an examination by a DHSMV medical officer before lifting the suspension.