Driver's License Assistance Court (DLAC)

Purpose: The Driver’s License Assistance Court (“DLAC”) is as a compliance court within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. DLAC is designed to be a diversionary program to assist self-represented residents who would otherwise be eligible to obtain a driver’s license within the state but for their inability to pay. DLAC will address citations issued for Driving with License Suspended (DWLS) Unknowingly, along with any other accompanying or open infractions.

History: The Driver’s License Assistance Court was established in August 2024, following the recommendation of the Miami-Dade County Driver’s License Suspension Task Force, which was created in 2020 following the approval of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. The task force was created to identify policies and procedures for reducing driver license suspensions in the County due to unpaid fines, fees, or failure to appear in court. The Task Force consisted of a broad range of current and former public officials, including, but not limited to, current and former representatives or members of or from the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida (the “Court”), the Florida State Senate, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police, the Clerk of Courts for Miami-Dade County, Florida (the “County Clerk”), the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (“SAO”). On May 16, 2022, the Task Force, going to great lengths to ensure that the recommendations enhance public safety, voted to unanimously approve a Driver License Suspension Task Force Final Report (“Final Report”) which included seven recommendations resulting from the Task Force’s work. One of the seven recommendations from the Task Force’s Final Report was the creation of a Driver License Compliance Court to assist persons with satisfying obligations or making modifications thereto, where legally permitted, to make such persons eligible for reinstatement of their driver’s licenses.

Contact Us

Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM at

Mondays from 9 AM – 4 PM

Thursdays from 9 AM – 4 PM

Fridays from 9 AM – 4 PM

STEP 1: Request a court hearing within 30 days

If you received a Uniform Traffic Citation for Driving with License Suspended – Unknowingly (violation of Fla. Stat. 322.34(1)) and want to participate in DLAC you must REQUEST A COURT HEARING.

To Request a Court Hearing:

  • Online: www2.miamidadeclerk.gov/trafficapp/
  • Search for your citation by your case number, by your name, or by your driver’s license number.
  • By phone: Call the Clerk's Office at (305) 275-1111
  • In person: Go to any Office of the Clerk of the Courts

STEP 2: Wait for your court notice in the mail

You will receive a notice in the mail (typically within 4 weeks) at the address on your citation. This notice will include:

  • Your DLAC hearing date and time, and
  • A Zoom link if you prefer to appear virtually

If you do not receive a court notice within four weeks from the date you requested court, please call (305) 275-1111.

You can also sign up for text alerts at enotify.flcourts.org.

STEP 3: Attend Court

You may attend in person OR remotely on Zoom.

The court will review all cases affecting your driver's license status. Including removing any cases from collections if needed, setting aside any other driver’s license suspensions, enrolling you in a payment plan, assisting you with DMV services.

If you complete the reinstatement requirements, and obtain a valid driver's license, your citation will be dismissed.

If you attend court in person, you may be able to get your driver’s license the same day.

The Driver's License Assistance Court operates in partnership with the Clerk of Courts and the Office of the Tax Collector so you can reinstate your license after you clear your suspension. If you attend court in person, please bring all required documents.

The DMV reinstatement fees start at $60.

What to Bring with You:

  • Your photo ID
  • Birth certificate, passport, or Green Card
  • Social Security card OR pay stub
  • Two pieces of mail showing your address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
  • Money for DMV fees ($60 but possibly more depending on why your license was suspended)

If you miss your court date, call the Drive Legal Program immediately at (305) 548-5363. They may be able to help you reschedule.

What is DLAC?

The Driver’s License Assistance Court (“DLAC”) is as a compliance court within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. DLAC is designed to be a diversionary program to assist residents who would otherwise be eligible to obtain a driver’s license within the state but for their inability to pay. DLAC will address citations issued for Driving with License Suspended (DWLS) Unknowingly, along with any other accompanying or open infractions.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for DLAC if:

  • You received a civil DWLS citation from a police officer OR you were referred to the court by a State Attorney

You are NOT eligible if your license is suspended for:

  • DUI/BUI or refusal to submit to testing
  • Traffic offense causing death or serious injury
  • Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO)
  • Points
  • Reckless driving or other criminal offenses
  • Fleeing or eluding
  • Unpaid child support

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits in participating in DLAC:

  • All Defendants will have their cases removed from collections.
  • Any suspensions pertaining to any of the cases set in DLAC will be set aside to allow the defendant an opportunity to comply with the court ordered requirements to ultimately achieve driver’s license reinstatement.
  • All defendants will be offered a seamless enrollment into a payment plan with the Clerk of Court if the defendant is unable to pay their outstanding balance in full.
  • Assistance and guidance are provided to all defendants who are eligible for a driver’s license reinstatement to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (“FLHSMV”).

How is it different than regular court?

The Driver’s License Assistance Court (“DLAC”) is as a compliance court within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. DLAC is designed to be a diversionary program to assist residents who would otherwise be eligible to obtain a driver’s license within the state but for their inability to pay

Is there a charge?

There is no charge to participate in DLAC.

How long does it take?

It depends. Participation in DLAC ranges from 90 to 180 days. However, it could take as little as one-day to reinstate your license.

Can I drive?

No. Do not drive without a valid license. You may be arrested. Wait until you complete DLAC and reinstate your license.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fees?

The Clerk of Court and Comptroller can help you set up payment plans for court fines and fees. However, DMV reinstatement fees must be paid to get your license back. The court will work with you to find solutions.

What if I missed my court date?

Call the Drive Legal Program immediately at (305) 548-5363. They may be able to help you reschedule.

What if I do not complete the program?

If you don't complete the program requirements or obtain your license, the hearing officer may impose a sentence. If you fail to appear in court, your license may be suspended again.

Do I need a lawyer?

No, but you have a right to retain one should you choose. DLAC is diversionary program to assist residents who would otherwise be eligible to obtain a driver’s license within the state but for their inability to pay

  • The court will guide you through the process.

Where is DLAC located?

The Driver’s License Assistance Courtroom is located in the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, located at 1351 NW 12th Street, Courtroom 3-3, Miami, Fl, 33125.

Drive Legal locations:

Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM at

Thursdays from 9 AM – 4 PM

Fridays from 9 AM – 4 PM

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. You can bring a family member or friend for support.

Can I participate in DLAC more than once?

An individual may participate in DLAC one (1) time in a three-year period and two (2) times in a five-year period.

What if I did not pay my ticket and failed to request court?

If you choose not to elect court, you will have thirty days (30) days from the date of the ticket issuance to pay the infraction amount. Failure to pay the ticket within the 30 days of the ticket issuance will result in a license suspension for failure to pay.

Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM at

Mondays from 9 AM – 4 PM

Thursdays from 9 AM – 4 PM

Fridays from 9 AM – 4 PM