What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Florida driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then handle that specific reason before the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will restore it. The suspension won't lift automatically after time passes—you have to take action. The steps and costs depend entirely on what caused the suspension: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or a medical issue all require different paths to reinstatement.
Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, complete a course, serve a suspension period), then submit a reinstatement request to DHSMV along with a reinstatement fee. You cannot drive legally until DHSMV confirms your license is active again.
Key Takeaways
- Contact DHSMV or check your suspension notice to learn the exact reason your license was suspended, because each reason has different reinstatement steps.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the cause first—paying fines, completing a DUI course, or serving a waiting period—before you can request reinstatement.
- You must submit a reinstatement request to DHSMV by mail, in person, or online through the DHSMV website, along with the reinstatement fee (typically $75 to $150 depending on the reason).
- Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your request, and you cannot legally drive until your license status changes to active.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Your suspension notice should state the reason, but if you no longer have it or need to confirm the current status, contact DHSMV directly. You can call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) or visit an DHSMV office in person with a photo ID. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.
You can also check your license status online through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov by selecting "Check Driver License Status." This tool shows whether your license is suspended, the reason, and sometimes the steps needed to reinstate it. If the reason is unclear from the online tool, call DHSMV—a representative can explain exactly what you owe or what you must complete.
Resolving the cause before reinstatement
The action you take depends on the suspension reason. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court or county clerk's office listed on your citation to confirm the exact balance, then pay by phone, mail, or in person. Some courts accept online payment through their websites.
If you failed to appear in court, you must resolve that case first. Contact the court that issued the failure-to-appear charge, explain your situation, and ask what is required—usually paying any fines and court costs, or appearing before a judge. The court will notify DHSMV once the case is resolved.
For DUI-related suspensions, you must complete a DUI course (usually a 12-hour program) through an approved provider before reinstatement is possible. DHSMV maintains a list of approved providers on its website. After you finish the course, the provider sends proof of completion to DHSMV automatically.
If your suspension is due to accumulating too many points, you must wait out the suspension period (typically 6 months to 1 year depending on your record) before you can request reinstatement. During this time, you cannot legally drive.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement. DHSMV offers three ways to submit your request: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at an DHSMV office.
The online method is fastest. Go to flhsmv.gov, select "Reinstate Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method (credit or debit card). The reinstatement fee ranges from $75 to $150 depending on the suspension reason. After you submit the request and pay the fee, DHSMV processes it within 5 to 10 business days.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to DHSMV stating your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for reinstatement. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made payable to "DHSMV." Mail it to the address listed on the DHSMV website under "Mailing Addresses." Processing by mail takes longer—typically 10 to 15 business days from the date DHSMV receives it.
You can also visit an DHSMV office in person with your photo ID, driver's license, and payment. An employee will process your reinstatement request on the spot, and you will receive confirmation when ready, though your license status in the system may take a few hours to update.
What happens after you submit your request
DHSMV will review your request to confirm that the suspension cause has been resolved. If everything is in order, your license status will change from "suspended" to "active" in the DHSMV system. You will receive written confirmation by mail (if you applied by mail or in person) or email (if you applied online).
Do not drive until you receive confirmation that your license is active. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in arrest, additional fines, and further license suspension. If you applied online, you can check your license status on the DHSMV website to see if it has been updated.
Once your license is reinstated, it is valid for the remainder of your current license term. You do not need to renew it when ready unless your renewal date has already passed.
Costs and fees for reinstatement
The reinstatement fee varies by suspension reason. For most suspensions (unpaid fines, failure to appear, points accumulation), the fee is $75. For DUI-related suspensions, the fee is $150. Some suspensions may have additional costs—for example, if you owe court fines or restitution, those must be paid separately before reinstatement is processed.
DHSMV accepts payment by credit card, debit card, check, or money order. If you explore online, you can pay when ready with a card. If you explore by mail, include a check or money order. If you explore in person, you can pay by cash, check, card, or money order depending on the office location.
If your reinstatement request is denied
DHSMV may deny your reinstatement request if the underlying issue has not been fully resolved. For example, if you claim to have paid a fine but the court's records do not show payment, or if you have not completed a required DUI course, your request will be denied. DHSMV will send you a letter explaining why.
If your request is denied, contact DHSMV or the relevant court or agency to confirm what still needs to be done. Once you complete the missing step, you can submit another reinstatement request. There is no limit to how many times you can request reinstatement, but each request requires the full reinstatement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive at all while your license is suspended, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense. Wait until you receive confirmation that your license is active before you drive.
How long does reinstatement take?
Online and in-person requests typically take 5 to 10 business days. Mail requests take 10 to 15 business days from the date DHSMV receives your letter. You can check your license status on the DHSMV website to see if it has been updated.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
DHSMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid court fines, the court may offer a payment plan. Contact the court directly to ask about options. You cannot reinstate your license until the fee is paid.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require any tests. You only need to resolve the suspension cause and pay the reinstatement fee. Your driving record and knowledge remain the same.
What if I moved out of Florida after my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Florida license by mail or online from anywhere. You do not need to be in Florida to submit your reinstatement request. However, if you now live in another state, you may want to transfer your license to that state instead—contact your new state's DMV for details.