Reinstating your Florida driver's license after a DUI conviction requires completing several steps through the Florida DHSMV. The process varies slightly depending on your specific conviction and whether this is a first or subsequent offense, but the general path is: complete your DUI program, pay all fines and court costs, serve your suspension period, get FR44 insurance filed, and pay the DHSMV reinstatement fee. Until every one of these steps is completed, the DHSMV will not restore your license.
FR44 insurance is typically one of the final steps before reinstatement. You need to have an active FR44 certificate on file with the DHSMV — meaning your insurance company has electronically transmitted the certificate — before you can walk into a DMV office or go online to complete reinstatement. The DHSMV reinstatement fee is typically $150 to $500 depending on your circumstances and whether a hardship license was involved. Some drivers are also required to install an ignition interlock device, which must be in place before reinstatement is complete.
The fastest way to get through the FR44 step is to call FR44 Experts, get quoted, make payment, and have us file within the same business day. We transmit directly to the DHSMV electronically, so there is no waiting for mail or manual processing. Once the DHSMV shows the FR44 on file, you can complete your reinstatement the same day. Call (855) 678-6977 or get a free quote online — we will walk you through exactly what you need based on your specific situation.