What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back

To restore a suspended license in Florida, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific requirement tied to that reason. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will not straightforward lift the suspension after time passes — you have to take action. The steps differ sharply depending on whether the suspension is for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another cause.

Start by checking your suspension status and the reason through the DHSMV website or by calling their Customer Service Center at 850-617-3800. Have your driver's license number ready. Once you know the reason, follow the path that matches your situation. Most suspensions require you to pay something, complete a course, or provide proof of insurance before DHSMV will reinstate you.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact DHSMV directly to learn the exact reason for your suspension before you take any action, because the fix depends entirely on the cause.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay fines, court costs, or fees to DHSMV, and payment alone does not reinstate you — you must also request reinstatement.
  • DUI suspensions require an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in your vehicle before reinstatement is possible, and you must use a DHSMV-certified installer.
  • If your suspension is for unpaid child support or other financial obligations, you must resolve that debt with the agency that reported it, not with DHSMV.
  • After you complete all requirements, submit a reinstatement request to DHSMV in writing, by phone, or online, and expect to pay a reinstatement fee.

Suspensions for Unpaid Traffic Fines or Court Costs

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. DHSMV does not collect this money — the court does. Contact the traffic court in the county where you received the ticket and ask for the exact balance, including any collection fees that may have been added.

Once you pay the court, ask for written proof of payment. The court will notify DHSMV electronically, but this can take several days. You can then request reinstatement through DHSMV. There is a reinstatement fee of $45 (as of 2024, though this may change). You can pay this fee and submit your reinstatement request online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office.

Suspensions for DUI or Refusal to Take a Breath Test

A DUI suspension in Florida is more complex than a fine suspension. If you were convicted of DUI or refused a breath test, your license suspension is automatic, and reinstatement requires an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). This is a small device wired to your vehicle's ignition that requires you to blow into it before the car will start. If it detects alcohol, the vehicle will not start and the incident is recorded.

You must have the IID installed by a DHSMV-certified vendor before you can request reinstatement. The vendor will provide a certificate of installation. You will also need to complete a DUI education course (usually 8 hours) and a substance abuse evaluation if the court ordered one. Bring all certificates and documents to DHSMV when you request reinstatement. The reinstatement fee is $45, plus the cost of the IID installation and monthly monitoring fees (typically $60 to $100 per month, depending on the vendor).

The length of time you must keep the IID in your vehicle depends on your conviction. For a first DUI, it is usually six months. For a second or subsequent DUI within ten years, it can be longer. DHSMV will specify the duration when you reinstate.

Suspensions for Failure to Pay Child Support or Other Court-Ordered Obligations

If your license was suspended because you owe child support, alimony, or other court-ordered payments, DHSMV did not suspend you — the Department of Revenue or the court that ordered the payment did. You cannot resolve this suspension through DHSMV alone. You must contact the agency that reported the debt and either pay what you owe or work out a payment plan.

For child support arrears, contact the Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement office. For alimony or other court orders, contact the court that issued the order. Once the debt is resolved or a payment plan is in place and the agency notifies DHSMV, your suspension will be lifted. You may still need to pay DHSMV's $45 reinstatement fee after the underlying debt is cleared.

Suspensions for Failure to Maintain Insurance

If your license was suspended because you did not maintain auto insurance or failed to show proof of insurance after a traffic stop, you must obtain a valid auto insurance policy and provide proof to DHSMV. Your insurer will file an SR-22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) with DHSMV on your behalf, which proves you now carry the required coverage.

Once the SR-22 is filed, DHSMV will reinstate your license automatically — you do not need to request it. However, you must maintain continuous coverage for the period required by the court (usually three years). If your insurance lapses, your license will be suspended again when ready. The reinstatement is free if the SR-22 filing handles it, but if you need to request reinstatement separately, there is a $45 fee.

How to Request Reinstatement After You Meet the Requirements

Once you have completed all the requirements for your specific suspension reason, you must formally request reinstatement. DHSMV does not reinstate automatically just because you paid a fine or installed an IID. You have three ways to request reinstatement: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at any Driver License office.

Online reinstatement is the fastest option and takes about one business day. You will need your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and a payment method for the $45 reinstatement fee. By mail, send a written request with proof of payment or completion of requirements to the DHSMV address listed on their website, along with the reinstatement fee. In person, bring your documents and payment to your nearest Driver License office. Bring originals or certified copies of any certificates, proof of payment, or proof of insurance.

Temporary Driving Permits While Your License Is Suspended

While your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Florida. However, in some cases you may be able to get a Hardship License or Business Purpose License that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. These are not available for all suspension reasons — DUI suspensions, for example, do not may have access to.

To request a hardship license, contact your local Driver License office or the DHSMV. You will need to show that you have a genuine need to drive (such as employment or medical treatment) and that no alternative transportation is available. There is a fee, and the permit is temporary — it expires when your full reinstatement is complete. A hardship license is not the same as reinstatement; it is a limited privilege while you work toward full restoration.

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 and a $500 fine. A second offense within five years is a first-degree misdemeanor, with up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Beyond the criminal penalty, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension period and make reinstatement more difficult.

If you are stopped and your license is suspended, the officer will likely arrest you and impound your vehicle. Your insurance company may also deny claims for any accident that occurs while you are driving illegally. The safest course is to wait until your reinstatement is complete or to obtain a hardship license if you need to drive during the suspension period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my license back after I request reinstatement?

Online reinstatement typically takes one business day. By mail or in person, it can take three to five business days. If DHSMV needs to verify documents or if there are outstanding issues, it may take longer. Check your reinstatement status on the DHSMV website using your driver's license number.

Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?

Not legally, unless you obtain a Hardship License or Business Purpose License. These are available for some suspension reasons (not DUI) and allow limited driving for work, school, or medical purposes. Contact your local Driver License office to see if you may have access to.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I already paid the fine?

Yes. The fine or other requirement (like installing an IID) is separate from the reinstatement fee. The $45 reinstatement fee goes to DHSMV to process your request and restore your driving privileges. Both must be paid.

What if I cannot afford to pay everything at once?

Contact the court or agency that is owed money and ask about a payment plan. For traffic fines, the court may allow installments. For child support, the Department of Revenue can set up a payment arrangement. DHSMV's reinstatement fee is $45 and is not negotiable, but you may be able to delay reinstatement until you can pay it.

Will my insurance rates go up after my license is reinstated?

Yes, likely. A suspension on your driving record is a serious mark, and insurers view it as high-risk behavior. You may see rate increases of 20 to 50 percent or more, depending on the reason for suspension and your insurer's policy. Shop around after reinstatement, as rates vary by company.