What happens when your Florida license is suspended
A suspended Florida driver's license means you cannot legally drive in Florida or any other state until the suspension is lifted. The suspension stays on your record until you take specific steps to remove it — it does not expire on its own. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains the suspension, and only DHSMV or a court can clear it.
Suspensions happen for different reasons: unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or failure to pay vehicle-related debts. Each reason has its own reinstatement process, and you must address the underlying cause before your license can be restored.
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $500 and possible jail time. The penalties increase for repeat offenses. You also cannot legally register a vehicle or renew your registration while suspended.
Key Takeaways
- Your Florida license suspension will not end automatically — you must contact DHSMV or resolve the underlying cause to start the reinstatement process.
- The reason for your suspension determines what you must do: pay a debt, complete a DUI program, attend traffic school, or satisfy a court order.
- You can check your suspension status and the reason for it through the DHSMV website or by calling 850-617-2000.
- Reinstatement fees range from $45 to $150 depending on the suspension type, and you must pay them along with any outstanding fines or debts.
- Once you have resolved the cause and paid fees, you can request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason DHSMV suspended it. The suspension notice should have arrived by mail, but if you did not receive one or cannot find it, you can look up your status directly.
Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the Driver License Status Check tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The tool will show whether your license is suspended and the reason. You can also call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 850-617-2000 during business hours. Have your license number ready when you call.
Common suspension reasons include: failure to pay a traffic ticket or court fine, failure to pay child support, failure to pay vehicle insurance after an accident, DUI conviction, accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, or failure to appear in court. Each reason requires a different action before reinstatement is possible.
Resolve the underlying cause of your suspension
You cannot reinstate your license until you have addressed whatever caused the suspension in the first place. The steps vary depending on the reason.
For unpaid traffic tickets or court fines: Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine. You can pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse. Once the court confirms payment, they notify DHSMV automatically. Ask the court clerk for the case number and the exact amount owed, including any late fees.
For unpaid child support: Contact the Florida Department of Revenue, Office of Program Policy and Governance. You must bring your account current or set up a payment plan. The state will not notify DHSMV until your account is in good standing.
For failure to maintain vehicle insurance: Provide proof of current insurance to DHSMV. You can submit it online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.
For a DUI conviction: You must complete a DUI education program approved by DHSMV. The program length depends on whether it is your first offense. You also must pay a reinstatement fee. After you finish the program, the provider sends proof to DHSMV.
For too many points on your record: You cannot remove points yourself, but you may be able to reduce them by completing a defensive driving course approved by DHSMV. Some courses reduce up to 4 points. You must complete the course before requesting reinstatement.
Pay the reinstatement fee
Florida charges a reinstatement fee to restore your license. The fee depends on the type of suspension and ranges from $45 to $150. You must pay this fee even after you have resolved the underlying cause.
The fee for a suspension due to unpaid fines or tickets is $45. A suspension due to failure to maintain insurance costs $150 to reinstate. A DUI-related suspension costs $150. A suspension due to accumulating too many points costs $45. Child support-related suspensions also cost $45.
You can pay the reinstatement fee when you request reinstatement. Payment methods include online through the DHSMV website, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at a driver's license office. Keep your receipt or confirmation number.
Request reinstatement through DHSMV
Once you have resolved the cause of your suspension and are ready to pay the reinstatement fee, you can request reinstatement through one of three methods.
Online: Visit flhsmv.gov and select the reinstatement option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method. This is the fastest option and usually takes a few business days to process.
By mail: Send a check or money order for the reinstatement fee to the DHSMV address listed on their website. Include a letter with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended. Mail processing takes longer than online requests, typically one to two weeks.
In person: Visit a DHSMV driver's license office near you. Bring your driver's license or ID, proof that you have resolved the suspension cause (such as a court receipt or DUI program completion certificate), and payment for the reinstatement fee. An office staff member can process your request when ready.
What to expect after you request reinstatement
After you submit your reinstatement request, DHSMV will review it to confirm that you have resolved the underlying cause and paid the fee. This review typically takes three to five business days for online requests and one to two weeks for mail requests.
If your request is approved, DHSMV will send you a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your license will be valid when ready upon approval, even if you have not yet received the physical card in the mail. You can check your status online or call DHSMV to confirm approval.
If your request is denied, DHSMV will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete payment, failure to provide proof of resolving the cause, or an error in your process. If this happens, contact DHSMV to find out what additional steps you need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until DHSMV approves your reinstatement request and your suspension is lifted. Driving during this time is a criminal offense. Once DHSMV approves your request, you are legally allowed to drive even before your new physical license arrives in the mail.
What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact DHSMV directly at 850-617-2000 to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some offices may work with you on timing, but this is not may provide. You must also resolve the underlying cause of your suspension before reinstatement is possible, regardless of the fee.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new driving test or written exam. You only need to resolve the cause of your suspension, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit your request. However, if your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to renew it, which could require a new photo and vision test.
How long does reinstatement take if I use the online option?
Online reinstatement requests typically take three to five business days to process. Your license becomes valid for driving as soon as DHSMV approves your request. Your new physical license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
What if my suspension was due to a mistake or I disagree with it?
Contact DHSMV when ready at 850-617-2000 to explain your situation. If you believe the suspension was issued in error, ask for a review. You may also have the right to request a hearing before a judge. DHSMV can tell you what documentation you need to support your case and how to request a hearing.