Florida HSMV Form 72862 Worthless Check Clearance Guide

Florida HSMV Form 72862 Worthless Check Clearance Guide – If your Florida driver license has been suspended due to a warrant or capias related to a worthless check case, the official document you need is Florida HSMV Form 72862, also known as the Worthless Check Clearance form. Issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), this form is essential for clearing the suspension and restoring your driving privilege.

This comprehensive guide explains what Form 72862 is, when you need it, how to complete it, the reinstatement process, associated fees, and where to download the official English version. All information is based on official FLHSMV resources and Florida statutes.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 72862?

Form HSMV-72862 (revised 02/09) is the official Worthless Check Clearance document used in Florida. It certifies that a warrant or capias issued in connection with a worthless check prosecution has been resolved. The form is completed and signed by an authorized official—typically the Clerk of Court or State Attorney—in the county where the case originated.

Once properly completed, the defendant (the person whose license was suspended) must present the form at a Florida driver license issuance office to reinstate their driving privilege. The form is available in English and Spanish (72862SP).

You can download the official English version directly from the FLHSMV website: Florida HSMV Form 72862 PDF.

When Do You Need Form 72862?

Under Florida law, a court may order the suspension of a driver license when a person is prosecuted for passing a worthless check (Florida Statutes § 832.05) and fails to appear, resulting in a warrant or capias. This authority is outlined in Florida Statutes § 832.09.

Form 72862 is required when the underlying warrant or capias has been:

  • Cancelled, withdrawn, or served by the issuing agency, and the defendant has made full payment of restitution, court costs, and/or fees; or
  • Cancelled, withdrawn, or served, and the case has been nol-prossed (not prosecuted) or dismissed; or
  • Cancelled or withdrawn because it was issued in error.

Without this clearance form (or equivalent electronic notification from the court), the FLHSMV will not reinstate the driving privilege related to the worthless check suspension.

How to Obtain and Complete Florida HSMV Form 72862

The form is not typically filled out by the individual. Instead:

  1. Resolve the underlying case with the court or State Attorney’s office in the issuing county. This usually involves paying restitution, court costs, and any applicable fees, or having the case dismissed/nol-prossed.
  2. Request that the Clerk of Court or State Attorney complete and sign Form 72862.
  3. Ensure the form includes:
    • Defendant’s full name
    • Driver license number
    • Social Security number (optional on form but often requested)
    • Issuing county
    • Warrant/Case number
    • Appropriate checkbox indicating resolution (full payment, dismissal/nol-pros, or issued in error)
    • Date of full payment or cancellation/withdrawal/dismissal
    • Signature, printed name, and date of the authorizing official
    • Indication whether completed by Clerk of Court and/or State Attorney

The completed form must be presented in person at a driver license issuance office. Do not mail it unless specifically instructed by FLHSMV.

Steps to Reinstate Your Florida Driver License Using Form 72862

Follow these steps after obtaining the completed form:

  1. Verify your current driver license status using the official FLHSMV Online Driver License Check.
  2. Take the original completed Form 72862 to any Florida driver license service center or authorized tax collector office that issues driver licenses.
  3. Pay any required reinstatement fee(s) and applicable license fees.
  4. Provide required identification documents as needed for the transaction.
  5. Confirm that the suspension has been cleared on your driving record.

Note: Multiple suspensions require clearance for each one. A reinstatement fee is typically charged per suspension.

Reinstatement Fees for Worthless Check Suspensions

According to current FLHSMV fee information and county tax collector schedules, the base reinstatement fee for a worthless check suspension is generally $55. Local service fees may apply, bringing the total closer to $61.25 in some counties (for example, Hillsborough County). Additional license renewal or replacement fees may also be required depending on the status of your license.

Always verify the exact amount with the local driver license office or through the FLHSMV MyDMV Portal, as fees can vary slightly by location and may change. Fees are nonrefundable.

For the most accurate fee schedule, visit the official FLHSMV Fees page or contact your local office.

Related Florida Laws and Forms

Key statutes governing worthless checks and related license suspensions include:

FLHSMV also maintains a related form: HSMV 78015 – Worthless Check Hardship Hearing Form, which may be used in limited circumstances when seeking a hardship (business purposes only) license while a suspension remains in effect.

Official forms are listed on the FLHSMV Forms page.

Download Florida HSMV Form 72862 (English)

Download the official English version of the Worthless Check Clearance form directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:

Download HSMV Form 72862 – Worthless Check Clearance (PDF)

A Spanish version is also available: HSMV Form 72862SP – Compensación o Pago de Cheques Sin Fondos.

Always download forms from the official flhsmv.gov domain to ensure you have the current version.

Tips for a Smooth Reinstatement Process

  • Contact the Clerk of Court or State Attorney’s office in the county that issued the warrant/capias as soon as possible to resolve the case and request Form 72862.
  • Keep copies of all payment receipts and court documents.
  • Check your driving record online before visiting a service center to confirm what clearances are still needed.
  • Arrive at the driver license office with valid photo identification and payment method accepted by that office (cash, check, credit/debit card—convenience fees may apply).
  • If you live out of state, contact FLHSMV Customer Service at (850) 617-2000 for guidance on mailing options or special procedures.

Official Resources and Contact Information

For the most current information, rely on these official sources:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements and fees may change. Always verify details with the FLHSMV or the appropriate court in your county.

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