Having your Florida driver’s license suspended is a serious problem, but it is almost always fixable. The key is knowing that the steps to reinstate your license depend entirely on WHY it was suspended.
The process for an unpaid ticket is completely different from a DUI or an insurance lapse.
This guide will walk you through the exact steps for each situation.
Your First Step: Check Your License Status
Before you can fix the problem, you must know the exact reason for your suspension and any other outstanding requirements. The FLHSMV makes this easy.
- Go to the official FLHSMV Online Driver License Check tool.
- Enter your Florida driver’s license number.
- This will show you a list of every issue you need to clear (e.g., “Pay Unpaid Citation,” “Submit SR-22,” “Complete DUI School”).
Once you know your reason, find the matching section below.
How to Reinstate Your License (Based on Your Suspension)
Find your situation below and follow the exact steps.
Case 1: Suspension for an Unpaid Traffic Ticket / Failure to Appear
This is the most common type. Your license is suspended indefinitely until you pay.
- Contact the Clerk of Court: You must contact the Clerk of Court in the county where you received the ticket (not the DMV).
- Pay Your Fines: Pay the full, original fine plus any late fees and court costs.
- Get Your “D-6” Clearance: Once paid, the court will give you a D-6 Clearance Form (or submit it electronically to the FLHSMV). This proves you have satisfied the court.
- Pay the Reinstatement Fee: Go to the MyDMVPortal or a driver’s license office and pay the $60 “Failure to Comply” reinstatement fee.
Case 2: Suspension for No Insurance (No-Fault Law)
Your license and license plate will be suspended if you let your insurance lapse.
- Buy New Insurance: You must purchase a valid Florida auto insurance policy.
- Get an SR-22 Certificate: Contact your new insurance provider and tell them you need an SR-22 (Certificate of Financial Responsibility). They will file this with the state for you.
- Pay the Reinstatement Fee: Wait 24-48 hours for the SR-22 to process. Then, go to the MyDMVPortal and pay the reinstatement fee. The fee is:
- $150 for the first offense.
- $250 for a second offense (within 3 years).
- $500 for all subsequent offenses.
Case 3: Revocation for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
This is the most complex reinstatement. A DUI results in a revocation (cancellation), not a simple suspension.
- Serve Your “Hard” Revocation Period: This is a mandatory waiting period where you cannot drive at all (e.g., 6 months for a first DUI).
- Complete DUI School: You must enroll in and complete a state-approved DUI School (ADIE – Advanced Driver Improvement and Education course). You cannot get your license back without this completion certificate.
- Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID): You will be required to install an IID (a breathalyzer) in your car for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years).
- Get an FR-44 Certificate: You must get an FR-44 Certificate from an insurance company. This is different from an SR-22 and requires you to carry much higher insurance limits (e.g., 100/300/50).
- Pay Reinstatement Fees: Go to a driver’s license service center, show your DUI school certificate, and pay all required fees (this can be $130+).
Case 4: Suspension for Too Many Points
If you get too many points on your record in a set time, your license will be suspended.
- 12 points in 12 months: 30-day suspension
- 18 points in 18 months: 3-month suspension
- 24 points in 36 months: 1-year suspension
- How to Reinstate:
- You must serve the full suspension period.
- After the suspension period ends, you must pay a $45 reinstatement fee online or in person.
Case 5: Suspension for Medical Reasons
If the FLHSMV Medical Advisory Board finds you unfit to drive, your license will be suspended.
- Do NOT Submit a Car Title. This is 100% incorrect.
- Get a Medical Report: You must visit your doctor and have them complete an official “Physician’s Report” or “Vision Report” stating that your medical condition is under control and you are safe to drive.
- Submit to the Medical Board: Submit this report to the FLHSMV Medical Advisory Board in Tallahassee for review.
- Wait for Approval: The board will review your case and make a decision.
- Pay Reinstatement Fee: If approved, you will be notified that you are clear to pay your reinstatement fee (typically $45) and get your license back.
Florida Hardship License (Driving During Your Suspension)
A hardship license is not a reinstatement. It is a separate, restricted license you can apply for that allows you to drive during your suspension for essential purposes only (work, school, church, medical).
- How to Apply: You must apply at your local Administrative Reviews Office.
- Requirements: You will have to show proof of your “hardship” (like a letter from your boss) and, for a DUI, you must show proof of DUI school enrollment and FR-44 insurance.
Florida Reinstatement: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The fee depends on the reason:
$45 for points-related or medical suspensions.
$60 for unpaid traffic tickets (D-6).
$150 – $500 for insurance-related (no-fault) suspensions.
$130+ for DUI-related revocations (not including the cost of DUI school, IID, and FR-44 insurance).
A suspension for points or insurance will typically remain on your record for 3 to 5 years. A DUI conviction remains on your Florida driving record for 75 years.
Yes. You can legally register and get a tag for a car in Florida even if your driver’s license is suspended. However, you must have valid Florida auto insurance to do so. You just cannot legally drive the car.
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