What You Must Do to Restore a Suspended Florida License
A suspended license in Florida means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The state will not automatically restore your license when the suspension period ends — you must take specific steps with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to get it back. The exact process depends on why your license was suspended, but all routes require you to resolve the underlying issue first, then submit proof to DHSMV that the problem is resolved.
You cannot restore your license online or by phone. You must either visit a DHSMV office in person or mail documents to the address DHSMV provides for your specific suspension reason. The fee to restore a suspended license is $75, paid at the time you submit your restoration request. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your complete paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- You must resolve the reason for suspension (pay a fine, complete a course, pay child support, or satisfy an insurance requirement) before DHSMV will restore your license.
- DHSMV does not automatically lift the suspension when the time period ends — you must request restoration and provide proof the issue is resolved.
- The $75 restoration fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other payments tied to the suspension reason.
- Visit a DHSMV office or mail your restoration request; online and phone requests are not available for suspensions.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida and carries fines, jail time, and additional license penalties.
Suspension Reasons and What You Must Resolve First
Florida suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one requires a different resolution before restoration is possible. The most common reasons are failure to pay traffic fines or court costs, failure to maintain car insurance, failure to pay child support, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, and failure to complete a required driving course after a violation.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. The court will send a release to DHSMV once payment is received. If your suspension is for lack of insurance, you must obtain a Florida auto insurance policy and have your insurer file an SR-50 form (proof of insurance) with DHSMV. If your suspension is for unpaid child support, the Florida Department of Revenue must notify DHSMV that the arrearage has been paid or a payment plan is in place. If your suspension is for too many points, you may need to complete a driver improvement course or wait out the suspension period, depending on the number of points and your age.
Before you visit DHSMV or mail in your restoration request, contact the agency that caused the suspension to confirm what proof of resolution they need and whether they will send it to DHSMV automatically or whether you must obtain it yourself and bring it with you.
How to Restore Your License in Person at a DHSMV Office
Visiting a DHSMV office is the fastest way to restore your license if you have all required documents. Bring your current Florida ID or passport, proof that you have resolved the suspension reason (such as a receipt showing fines paid, an SR-50 insurance form, or a letter from the child support enforcement office), and $75 in cash or card. Some offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.
Go to the DHSMV office during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer limited Saturday hours. Take a number at the counter and wait for a license specialist. Tell them you are requesting license restoration and hand over your documents. The specialist will verify that the suspension reason has been resolved, process your $75 fee, and issue you a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not have all required documents at the time of your visit, the specialist will tell you what is missing and will not process your request. You will need to return once you have obtained the missing proof.
Mailing Your Restoration Request to DHSMV
If you cannot visit a DHSMV office, you can mail your restoration request. Include a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended. Attach copies (not originals) of your proof of resolution — for example, a court receipt for paid fines, an SR-50 form for insurance, or a letter from child support enforcement. Include a check or money order for $75 made payable to DHSMV. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mail your packet to the DHSMV office that handles your county. You can find the correct mailing address on the DHSMV website under "License Suspension" or by calling 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7686). Include your phone number in the letter so DHSMV can contact you if documents are missing or unclear.
Processing by mail takes 10 to 15 business days from the date DHSMV receives your packet. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, you can request a temporary permit in person at a DHSMV office.
Special Cases: Points, Suspensions, and Mandatory Courses
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points on your driving record, the restoration process depends on your age and the number of points. Drivers under 18 who accumulate 12 points in 12 months face a mandatory suspension. Drivers 18 and older who accumulate 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months face suspension. In these cases, you may be required to complete a four-hour Basic Driver Improvement Course before DHSMV will restore your license.
The course can be taken online or in person at approved driving schools throughout Florida. The cost ranges from $15 to $35 depending on the provider. Once you complete the course, the provider sends a completion certificate to DHSMV automatically. You then submit your $75 restoration fee and the course certificate to DHSMV in person or by mail, following the same process as other suspension reasons.
If your suspension is for a serious violation such as driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or habitual traffic offender status, restoration may require completion of a longer course, payment of higher fees, or a waiting period. Contact DHSMV directly to learn what is required for your specific violation.
What Happens If You Drive on 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, a $500 fine, or both. A second offense within five years is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. A third or subsequent offense within ten years is a felony.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension, add points to your driving record, and may result in vehicle impoundment. If you are stopped by law enforcement, your vehicle can be towed at your expense. For these reasons, do not drive until your license is restored, even if the suspension period has technically ended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay the restoration fee?
DHSMV processes restoration requests within 5 to 10 business days if you submit in person or 10 to 15 business days if you mail your request. You receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days at the time of submission, and your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after processing is complete.
Can I restore my license if the suspension reason is still not resolved?
No. DHSMV will not process a restoration request unless you provide proof that the underlying issue has been resolved. If you cannot resolve it, your license will remain suspended. Contact the agency responsible for the suspension to learn your options.
What if I lost the notice that told me why my license was suspended?
Call DHSMV at 1-844-5-DHSMV or visit a DHSMV office and provide your driver's license number. A license specialist can tell you the suspension reason and what you need to do to resolve it. You can also check your suspension status online at the DHSMV website.
Do I have to pay the $75 restoration fee even if I was not at fault for the suspension?
Yes. The $75 restoration fee is charged regardless of the reason for suspension. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other payments related to the violation that caused the suspension.
Can someone else restore my license for me?
No. You must submit the restoration request yourself, either in person or by mail with your signature. A family member or attorney cannot submit the request on your behalf, though they can help you gather documents.