Florida's reinstatement fee is $150, plus any other fines or fees tied to why your license was suspended in the first place
The $150 reinstatement fee is what Florida charges everyone to put a suspended license back into active status. That fee goes to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). But $150 is rarely the whole cost. If your suspension came from unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a DUI conviction, you will owe those amounts too before DHSMV will restore your driving privileges.
The total you pay depends entirely on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid child support, for example, means you must first clear that debt with the Florida Department of Revenue. A suspension for a DUI means you may owe court costs, fines, and fees to the court that handled your case. You cannot restore your license until those underlying debts are resolved.
You do not pay everything at once to one place. Instead, you pay the entity that caused the suspension first, then submit proof of payment to DHSMV along with the $150 reinstatement fee. The order matters: DHSMV will not process your reinstatement until they have evidence that the original reason for suspension has been cleared.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's reinstatement fee is $150, paid directly to DHSMV after all other debts tied to your suspension are resolved.
- Unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, and court-ordered restitution must be paid before you can reinstate, and these amounts vary by case.
- You must obtain proof of payment from the agency or court that handled your original debt, then submit it to DHSMV along with your reinstatement request.
- Some suspensions require additional steps beyond payment, such as completing a DUI course or installing an ignition interlock device.
- You can check what you owe and why your license is suspended by contacting DHSMV or checking your driving record online.
How to find out what you owe before paying
Before you send money anywhere, you need to know exactly why your license was suspended and what amount is owed. DHSMV maintains your suspension record, and you can look it up online through the DHSMV website or by calling their Customer Service Center at 1-888-432-2778. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.
When you contact DHSMV, they will tell you the suspension reason code and the date it took effect. Common codes include "FTF" (failure to pay a fine), "CSO" (child support obligation), "DUI" (driving under the influence), and "HTO" (habitual traffic offender). Once you know the code, you know which agency to contact for payment. If it is a traffic fine, contact the court that issued the ticket. If it is child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue. If it is a DUI-related suspension, contact the court that handled your case.
Getting this information first saves you time and prevents you from sending money to the wrong place. DHSMV will also tell you whether your suspension is still active or whether it has already been lifted—sometimes suspensions expire on their own after a set period.
Paying fines and debts before the $150 reinstatement fee
The order of payment is fixed: you must resolve the underlying debt before you pay DHSMV the reinstatement fee. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines, contact the court listed on your suspension notice and pay the fine in full. Most Florida courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Ask for a receipt or written confirmation of payment—you will need this proof when you contact DHSMV.
If your suspension is for child support arrears, contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office. They will tell you the exact amount owed and payment options. Payment can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Again, request written proof that the debt has been paid in full.
For DUI-related suspensions, the court that handled your case may require you to pay fines, court costs, and restitution before your license can be restored. Some DUI suspensions also require proof that you have completed a substance abuse course or installed an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Contact the court directly to find out what is required in your case.
Submitting your reinstatement request and the $150 fee to DHSMV
Once you have paid all debts and have proof of payment, you are ready to submit your reinstatement request to DHSMV. You can do this online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. The online method is fastest—you can complete it in minutes if you have your driver's license number and proof of payment available.
When you submit your reinstatement request, you will need to provide proof that the underlying debt has been paid. This proof comes from the court or agency that collected the payment. You will also pay the $150 reinstatement fee at this time. If you are submitting by mail, include a copy of your proof of payment along with a check or money order for $150 made out to DHSMV. If you are submitting online, you can pay the fee by credit or debit card.
After DHSMV receives your request and fee, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive confirmation by mail or email once your license has been reinstated. Your driving privileges will be restored on the date DHSMV processes your reinstatement, not the date you submit your request.
Additional costs for DUI suspensions and other special cases
A DUI suspension often comes with costs beyond the reinstatement fee. If your suspension was mandatory (10 days for a first DUI), you may have already served it. But if your suspension was administrative (longer than 10 days), you must complete a DUI course before reinstatement. The course costs between $250 and $500 depending on the provider, and you must pay this before DHSMV will restore your license.
Some DUI cases also require an ignition interlock device (IID) to be installed in your vehicle. The device costs $50 to $100 to install and $60 to $100 per month to maintain. You must have the device installed and provide proof of installation to DHSMV before your license is restored. The IID requirement lasts for a set period—usually 6 months to 2 years depending on your case.
Habitual traffic offender (HTO) suspensions are more complex. These suspensions are permanent until you meet specific requirements, which may include paying all outstanding fines, completing a driver improvement course, and waiting a set period. Contact DHSMV directly to understand what is required for your HTO suspension, as the rules vary by case.
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, which can result in up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and an additional 6-month license suspension. A second offense within 5 years is a first-degree misdemeanor with penalties up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Beyond the legal penalties, driving on a suspended license can delay your reinstatement. If you are caught driving while suspended, you may face additional fines and court costs that must be paid before DHSMV will restore your license. The safest and most cost-effective path is to wait until your license is officially reinstated before driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I pay the reinstatement fee?
No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially processes your reinstatement request and notifies you that your driving privileges have been restored. Paying the fee does not when ready restore your license. Driving before reinstatement is complete is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Do I have to pay the $150 fee if my suspension was lifted automatically?
No. Some suspensions expire on their own after a set period. Check your suspension status with DHSMV before paying anything. If your suspension has already been lifted, your license is active and you do not owe a reinstatement fee.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines and the reinstatement fee at once?
Contact the court or agency that is collecting the debt and ask about payment plans. Many Florida courts and the Department of Revenue offer installment options. Once you have set up a payment plan, ask whether you can reinstate your license while making payments, or whether you must pay in full first. Rules vary by case.
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay everything?
DHSMV typically processes reinstatement requests within 5 to 10 business days after receiving your request and fee. If you submit online, processing is usually faster than by mail. You will receive written confirmation once your license has been reinstated.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Florida does not issue hardship licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid child support or certain other reasons, you may be able to request a limited license for work purposes. Contact DHSMV to ask whether a limited license is available for your specific suspension reason.