How to Get Your License Back After Suspension in Miami

What suspends a license in Miami and how long it lasts

In Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) suspends licenses for specific violations. The most common reason is accumulating too many traffic violations or points within a set time frame — typically 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months. A single serious violation like driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license can also trigger an when ready suspension.

The length of your suspension depends on the reason. A points-based suspension usually lasts three to six months for a first offense. A DUI suspension can run six months to one year for a first offense, longer if you refused a breath test or have prior DUI convictions. Driving with a suspended license adds another suspension on top of the original one. You will receive a notice in the mail from DHSMV stating the exact suspension start date and how long it will last.

Key Takeaways

DHSMV suspends Miami licenses most often for accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months, or for a single serious violation like DUI or reckless driving.
Your suspension notice arrives by mail and states the exact start date and length — typically three to six months for points-based suspensions, longer for DUI.
You cannot legally drive during the suspension period, and driving anyway adds a new suspension and criminal charges.
To reinstate your license, you must wait out the suspension period, pay a reinstatement fee to DHSMV, and sometimes complete a driver improvement course or substance abuse program.
The DHSMV website shows your suspension status, and you can contact the Miami-Dade Driver License Office in person or by phone to confirm what you owe before paying.

Understanding the suspension notice you receive

When DHSMV suspends your license, they mail you an official notice. This notice includes the suspension start date, the end date, the reason for the suspension, and the reinstatement fee amount. Read this notice carefully — it tells you exactly when you can drive again and what steps come next. If you do not receive a notice, you can check your suspension status online through the DHSMV website or by calling the Miami-Dade Driver License Office.

The notice also tells you whether you must complete additional requirements before reinstatement. For example, if you were suspended for DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse course. If you were suspended for reckless driving or accumulating points, you may need to take a driver improvement course. These courses take time to complete, so starting them early helps you reinstate faster once the suspension period ends.

Steps to reinstate your license after the suspension ends

Once your suspension period is over, reinstatement is not automatic. You must take action. First, complete any required courses — substance abuse programs for DUI suspensions, driver improvement courses for points-based suspensions. These programs are offered by approved providers throughout Miami-Dade County, and you can find a list on the DHSMV website.

After completing any required course, you must pay the reinstatement fee to DHSMV. This fee varies depending on the reason for suspension — typically between $150 and $300. You can pay online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at the Miami-Dade Driver License Office. Once DHSMV receives your payment and confirms you completed all requirements, your license is reinstated and you can drive legally again.

If you completed a required course, bring proof of completion with you when you pay the reinstatement fee. Some providers send proof directly to DHSMV, but it is safer to have a copy in your hands. Keep your reinstatement receipt — it proves your license is active if you are stopped by police before the updated information appears in the system.

What happens if you drive during the suspension

Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. If you are stopped, you face a fine, possible jail time, and a new suspension added on top of your existing one. A first offense for driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor, with fines up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A second offense within five years increases to up to $1,000 and up to five months in jail.

Beyond the legal consequences, driving suspended puts you and others at risk. Your car insurance will not cover an accident if you are driving illegally, leaving you personally liable for all damages. If you need to drive during your suspension for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a hardship license — a limited permit that allows driving only for specific purposes. Contact the Miami-Dade Driver License Office to ask whether you may have access to.

How to request a hardship license during suspension

A hardship license is a temporary permit that lets you drive for essential purposes — work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — during your suspension. You do not automatically receive one; you must request it and show DHSMV that you have a genuine need. Hardship licenses are not available for all suspension reasons; DUI suspensions, for example, typically do not may have access to unless you are driving to and from a substance abuse program.

To request a hardship license, contact the Miami-Dade Driver License Office or visit the DHSMV website to read the process. You will need to explain your hardship, provide proof of your work or medical appointments, and sometimes provide a letter from your employer. DHSMV reviews your request and decides whether to grant it. The process takes one to two weeks, so explore early if you think you need one.

Checking your suspension status and next steps

You can check whether your suspension is still active or has ended through the DHSMV website. Go to the "Check Driver License Status" tool and enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will show your current status, any active suspensions, and the dates they cover. This is the fastest way to confirm when you can legally drive again.

If you have questions about your specific suspension — what caused it, what you owe, or what courses you need — call the Miami-Dade Driver License Office at the number listed on your suspension notice or on the DHSMV website. You can also visit the office in person. Bring your suspension notice and a photo ID. Staff can tell you exactly what you need to do to reinstate and answer questions about hardship licenses or payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license back before the suspension ends?

No, you cannot drive legally before the suspension period ends. However, you can request a hardship license for essential purposes like work or medical appointments. Hardship licenses are not granted for all suspension reasons — DUI suspensions rarely may have access to unless you are driving to a required program. Contact the Miami-Dade Driver License Office to ask whether your situation qualifies.

What if I did not receive the suspension notice in the mail?

Check your suspension status online through the DHSMV website or call the Miami-Dade Driver License Office. If your license is suspended, DHSMV has a record of it even if the notice did not reach you. The office can tell you the suspension dates, the reason, and what you owe. If your address changed, update it with DHSMV so you receive future notices.

Do I have to take a course to get my license back?

It depends on the reason for suspension. Points-based suspensions usually require a driver improvement course. DUI suspensions require a substance abuse program. Other violations may not require a course. Your suspension notice states whether a course is required. If it is, you must complete it before you can reinstate, even after the suspension period ends.

How much does reinstatement cost?

The reinstatement fee ranges from $150 to $300 depending on the suspension reason. Your suspension notice states the exact amount you owe. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at the Miami-Dade Driver License Office. Some required courses also have their own fees, which vary by provider.

What if I move out of Miami after my suspension?

Your Florida suspension follows you wherever you move in the state. If you move out of Florida, you must still reinstate your Florida license before you can legally drive in Florida again. If you move to another state, that state will recognize your Florida suspension and may not issue you a new license until it is lifted. Reinstate before you move to avoid complications.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.