The cost to restore your Florida license after suspension is a reinstatement fee, which varies by reason for suspension but typically ranges from $45 to $150, plus any fines or fees tied to the original violation.
The reinstatement fee itself is set by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and depends on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets costs less to clear than a suspension for unpaid child support or a DUI-related offense. Beyond the reinstatement fee, you may owe court fines, restitution, or other penalties before DHSMV will restore your driving privileges.
The total amount you pay is not the same as the total cost of getting your license back. You may also need to pay for a new license if yours was physically suspended, take a written test or road test depending on the suspension reason, or complete a required course. This section covers the fees DHSMV charges; later sections explain what else you might need to pay or do.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's reinstatement fee ranges from $45 to $150 depending on the suspension reason, and you must pay it to DHSMV before your license is restored.
- You may also owe court fines, restitution, child support arrears, or other penalties tied to the original violation before DHSMV will process your reinstatement.
- A new physical license card costs $20 if yours was suspended and you need a replacement.
- Some suspensions require you to pass a written test, road test, or complete a course before reinstatement is possible, regardless of fees paid.
- You can check what you owe and what you must do by contacting DHSMV or checking your suspension record online through the DHSMV website.
Reinstatement Fees by Suspension Reason
DHSMV charges different reinstatement fees based on why your license was suspended. The most common reasons and their fees are:
| Suspension Reason | Reinstatement Fee |
|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic tickets or court costs | $45 |
| Accumulation of points (12 or more in 12 months) | $45 |
| DUI or refusal to take a breath test | $150 |
| Unpaid child support or alimony | $45 |
| Failure to maintain auto insurance | $45 |
| Habitual traffic offender status | $150 |
| Failure to pay a traffic citation | $45 |
The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines or restitution ordered by a court. If you were suspended for unpaid tickets, you must pay the ticket fine itself before DHSMV will accept your reinstatement fee. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may owe court costs, fines, and restitution in addition to the $150 reinstatement fee.
Other Costs You May Owe Before Reinstatement
The reinstatement fee is only part of what you may need to pay. Courts and other agencies can place holds on your license that prevent DHSMV from restoring it, even after you pay the reinstatement fee. These holds must be cleared first.
If your suspension was caused by unpaid court fines or traffic tickets, you must pay those fines to the court before DHSMV will process your reinstatement. The amount depends on the violation and the court's judgment. If you were suspended for unpaid child support, you must bring your arrears current with the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office. If you were suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you may need to show proof of current coverage before reinstatement.
Some suspensions have multiple holds. For example, a DUI suspension might include a court fine, a reinstatement fee, and a requirement to install an ignition interlock device. You cannot restore your license until all holds are cleared and all fees are paid.
How to Find Out What You Owe
The fastest way to learn what you owe is to check your suspension record directly through DHSMV. Visit the DHSMV website and use the License Status Check tool, which shows your current suspension status, the reason for suspension, and any holds or requirements that must be met before reinstatement.
You can also call DHSMV at 1-888-769-2338 to speak with a representative who can tell you the exact amount owed and what documents or payments are needed. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. If your suspension involves unpaid court fines, the court clerk's office can also tell you the balance owed.
Do not wait to check. Some suspensions have time limits or additional penalties if they remain unresolved. Knowing what you owe allows you to plan payments and understand the full cost before you begin the reinstatement process.
Paying Your Reinstatement Fee and Other Costs
Once you have cleared all holds and paid all court fines or other debts, you can pay your reinstatement fee to DHSMV. You can pay online through the DHSMV website using a credit or debit card, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Payment by mail takes longer, so online or in-person payment is faster if you want your license restored quickly.
When you pay online, DHSMV processes the payment when ready and your license status updates within one business day in most cases. If you pay by mail, include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, your driver's license number, and a note explaining the reason for payment. Mail it to the address listed on the DHSMV website for reinstatement payments.
Keep proof of payment. If you pay by check or money order, request a receipt. If you pay online, print or save your confirmation email. You may need this proof if there is a delay in processing or if you are stopped by law enforcement before your license status updates in the system.
Requirements Beyond Paying Fees
Paying your reinstatement fee does not always mean your license is when ready restored. Some suspensions require you to pass a test, complete a course, or meet other conditions before DHSMV will reinstate your driving privileges.
If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you may be required to take a Basic Driver Improvement course before reinstatement. This course costs money (typically $20 to $50) and takes several hours to complete, either in person or online. If your suspension was for a DUI, you must complete a DUI education program and may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which has its own installation and monthly monitoring costs.
If your license was suspended for a serious violation like habitual traffic offender status, you may need to pass a written test or road test to prove you are safe to drive. Check your suspension notice or call DHSMV to learn what is required in your specific case.
Getting a New License Card After Reinstatement
If your physical license card was suspended (meaning it was taken or invalidated), you will need a new one after your driving privileges are restored. A replacement license card costs $20 in Florida. You can order it online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office.
If you order online or by mail, your new card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you go in person to a DHSMV office, you can get a temporary license on the spot and receive your permanent card by mail. You do not need a new card to drive legally once your suspension is lifted, but you do need one to show law enforcement if you are stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially restores it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from DHSMV that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount at once?
Contact the court or agency that holds the debt (the court for fines, the Department of Revenue for child support) and ask about payment plans. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments. DHSMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees, but you can pay that fee once other debts are resolved.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if the suspension was a mistake?
If DHSMV made an error and your suspension was improper, you may be able to have it removed without paying the reinstatement fee. Contact DHSMV and request a review of your case. You will need documentation showing the error. This process can take several weeks.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay?
If you pay online or in person and all holds are cleared, your license is usually reinstated within one business day. If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. Some suspensions with additional requirements (like DUI education courses) may take longer.
Will my insurance rates go up after reinstatement?
Your insurance rates may already be higher due to the violation that caused the suspension. Reinstatement itself does not change your rates, but the underlying violation remains on your driving record and affects your insurance for several years.