When Florida DMV asks for a drug and alcohol test
Florida does not require a drug or alcohol test as part of a standard driver's license or permit process. However, the DMV will order a test if you are explore to reinstate a license that was suspended or revoked because of a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction, or if a judge ordered you to take one as a condition of getting your license back.
The test itself is not given at the DMV office. Instead, the DMV sends you to an approved testing facility — usually a substance abuse treatment provider or medical clinic — where you pay for the test out of pocket and take it there. The results go back to the DMV, and your reinstatement depends partly on passing.
If you are unsure whether your suspension or revocation requires a test, call the DMV at 1-844-435-7352 or check your suspension notice. The notice will say whether a test is mandatory for your case.
Key Takeaways
- Drug and alcohol tests are only required if your license was suspended or revoked for DUI and you are trying to get it back.
- You must go to an approved testing facility chosen by you or referred by the DMV, not to the DMV office itself.
- You pay the testing facility directly; costs vary but typically range from $50 to $200 depending on the type of test.
- A positive result or refusal to test will delay or block reinstatement, and you may be required to complete a substance abuse course before the DMV will consider your case.
- The DMV will tell you in writing whether a test is required — check your suspension notice or call the DMV to confirm.
Who has to take the test
You must take a drug and alcohol test if your Florida driver's license was suspended or revoked because of a DUI conviction and you are now seeking reinstatement. This applies whether it was your first DUI or a repeat offense.
A judge may also order a test as a separate condition of probation or as part of your sentence. In that case, the court order takes priority, and you must follow it regardless of what the DMV requires. If you are unsure whether the court ordered a test, check your sentencing paperwork or ask your attorney.
If your suspension was for a different reason — such as accumulating too many points, driving with a suspended license, or a medical issue — a test is not required unless a judge specifically ordered one.
How to find an approved testing facility
Florida maintains a list of approved substance abuse testing providers. You can search for one near you on the Florida Department of Children and Families website, or the DMV can refer you to facilities in your area when you contact them about reinstatement.
You have the right to choose which approved facility you use — the DMV cannot force you to go to a specific one. However, the facility must be on the state's approved list, or the test results will not be accepted by the DMV. Before you go, confirm with the facility that they are approved for DMV testing and ask what types of tests they offer (urine, breath, or hair tests are common).
Call ahead to schedule an appointment. Many facilities can test you within a few days, but some may have a wait. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to pay at the time of the test.
What the test costs and what to expect
Testing costs vary by facility and by the type of test ordered. A single urine or breath test typically costs $50 to $100. If the DMV orders a more comprehensive panel — such as a hair test that looks back over several months — the cost can reach $150 to $200 or more. You pay the testing facility directly; the DMV does not cover the cost.
The test itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will be asked to provide a sample (urine, breath, or hair depending on what was ordered), and the facility will document the chain of custody to may support the result is valid. The facility will give you a receipt and send the results to the DMV within a few days to a week.
If you test positive for drugs or alcohol, the facility will report that to the DMV. A positive result does not automatically block reinstatement, but it may require you to complete a substance abuse course or treatment program before the DMV will consider your case further.
What happens if you refuse or fail the test
Refusing to take the test is treated the same as a positive result by the DMV. Your reinstatement will be denied or delayed, and you may be required to complete a DUI course or substance abuse treatment program before reapplying.
If you fail the test, the DMV will notify you in writing. You will have the option to take another test after a waiting period (usually 30 days), or you can pursue reinstatement through a hearing before a DMV hearing officer. At the hearing, you can present evidence or argue your case, but the burden is on you to show that you are safe to drive.
Some people are ordered to complete a substance abuse course or treatment program as a condition of reinstatement. If that is your situation, you must finish the program and provide proof to the DMV before your license will be reinstated. The course typically takes 4 to 12 weeks depending on the program.
Scam alert: Fake testing facilities and false promises
Do not use a testing facility that is not on the state's approved list. Some people offer to conduct "private" tests or claim they can help you pass a test or avoid one altogether. These are scams. The DMV will reject results from unapproved facilities, and you will have wasted money and time.
No one can may provide that you will pass a test or that your license will be reinstated. If someone promises that in exchange for money, they are lying. The only way to pass a drug and alcohol test is to not have drugs or alcohol in your system at the time of the test.
Use only facilities on the Florida Department of Children and Families approved list, and verify the facility's status by calling the DMV or checking the state website before you go.
The reinstatement process after testing
Once you have taken the test, the facility sends the results to the DMV. If you pass, the DMV will move forward with processing your reinstatement process. If you fail or refuse, the DMV will send you a letter explaining what happens next — usually that you must wait a set period before retesting, or that you must complete a course or treatment program.
Reinstatement is not automatic even if you pass the test. You must also pay a reinstatement fee (typically $150 to $250 depending on the reason for suspension), provide proof of insurance, and meet any other conditions the DMV or the court imposed. The entire reinstatement process can take 4 to 8 weeks from the time you submit all required documents.
You can check the status of your reinstatement process online through the Florida DMV website or by calling 1-844-435-7352.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the test at a specific facility, or can I choose?
You can choose any facility on the state's approved list. The DMV cannot require you to use a particular facility, but the facility must be approved or the DMV will not accept the results. Call the DMV or check the Florida Department of Children and Families website to find approved providers in your area.
What if I cannot afford the testing fee?
The DMV does not waive testing fees, and there is no state program that pays for them. Some treatment providers or nonprofits in your area may offer reduced-cost testing, so call ahead and ask. You can also ask the DMV for a list of lower-cost providers, though availability varies by county.
Can I take the test more than once if I fail the first time?
Yes, but there is usually a waiting period — typically 30 days — before you can retest. You will have to pay the testing fee again. If you fail a second time, the DMV may require you to complete a substance abuse course before allowing a third test.
What if the test result is wrong or I want to dispute it?
You can request a hearing before a DMV hearing officer to challenge the result. You have 30 days from the date of the DMV's decision to request a hearing. At the hearing, you can present evidence or testimony, but you will need to show that the test was flawed or that the facility made an error. Consult an attorney if you believe the result is inaccurate.
Does passing the drug and alcohol test mean my license will definitely be reinstated?
Passing the test is one step, but reinstatement also requires paying the reinstatement fee, providing proof of insurance, and meeting any other conditions set by the court or DMV. If you pass the test but do not complete the other steps, your license will not be reinstated.