What You Need to Do to Restore Your Texas License
Getting your driver's license back in Texas depends on why it was suspended or revoked. The state's Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, or driving under the influence. The path to restoration is different for each reason, and some require you to complete specific steps before DPS will even consider reinstating you.
The first step is always the same: find out exactly why your license was suspended. You can check your status through the DPS website or by calling the DPS Driver License Division. Once you know the reason, you'll follow a specific process to clear that issue, then request reinstatement from DPS.
Key Takeaways
- You must find out the specific reason for your suspension before you can fix it — DPS lists this on their website or by phone at (888) 589-6556.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, complete a DUI course, or satisfy a court order) before DPS will consider reinstatement.
- After you've resolved the issue, you'll file a Reinstatement process with DPS and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by reason for suspension.
- Some suspensions have a mandatory waiting period before you can even request reinstatement, so timing matters.
- If your license was suspended for a DUI, you may need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before you can drive legally again.
Check Your Suspension Status and Reason
Before you do anything else, you need to know exactly why your license was suspended. DPS won't reinstate you until you've addressed that specific reason. You can check your status in three ways: online through the DPS website (look for "Check Driver License Status"), by phone at (888) 589-6556, or in person at any DPS office.
When you check, write down the reason code and the date the suspension took effect. Common reasons include "FTA" (failure to appear in court), "FTP" (failure to pay), "DUI," "Point Suspension" (too many traffic violations), or "Court Ordered." Each one requires different steps to resolve.
Resolve the Underlying Issue That Caused the Suspension
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must fix that problem before DPS will reinstate you. Here's what each common reason requires:
Failure to Appear (FTA) or Failure to Pay (FTP): Contact the court or traffic ticket office that issued the citation. You'll need to either appear in court, pay the fine, or work out a payment plan. Get written confirmation from the court that the matter is resolved. Some courts allow you to handle this by phone or mail, but confirm with the specific court before assuming you can.
Point Suspension: If you accumulated too many points from traffic violations, you straightforward have to wait. Texas suspends licenses for 30 days for the first point suspension, 60 days for the second, and 180 days for the third within a five-year period. You cannot shorten this waiting period. Once the mandatory period ends, you can request reinstatement.
DUI Suspension: This is the most complex. You must complete a DUI education program (usually a one-day or multi-day course), and you may need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. The device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Get proof of course completion from the provider — you'll need this when you request reinstatement.
Court-Ordered Suspension: Contact the court that issued the order to find out what conditions must be met. This might mean paying restitution, completing probation, or satisfying another court requirement. Get written confirmation once the condition is satisfied.
Gather Required Documents and Information
Before you submit your reinstatement request, collect the documents that prove you've resolved the issue. What you need depends on your suspension reason, but generally include:
- Written proof from the court or traffic office that fines are paid or the case is resolved (for FTA or FTP suspensions)
- Certificate of completion from your DUI education program (for DUI suspensions)
- Proof of ignition interlock installation, if required (for DUI suspensions)
- Written confirmation from the court that a court-ordered suspension condition is satisfied
- Your Texas driver's license number or ID number
- Your Social Security number
Keep copies of everything you submit. DPS processes thousands of reinstatement requests, and having duplicates means you can resubmit if something gets lost.
Submit Your Reinstatement process to DPS
Once you've resolved the underlying issue and gathered your documents, you can request reinstatement. You have three options: mail, online, or in person at a DPS office.
By Mail: Complete Form DL-44 (process for Reinstatement of Driver License) and mail it with your supporting documents and the reinstatement fee to the DPS Driver License Division. The address is on the form. Processing by mail typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Online: Visit the DPS website and look for the online reinstatement option. Not all suspension types can be handled online — DUI suspensions, for example, usually require in-person or mail submission. The online system will tell you if your case qualifies.
In Person: Visit any DPS office with your documents and fee. Bring your ID and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). In-person processing is usually faster — you may get a temporary license the same day if everything is in order.
Pay the Reinstatement Fee
DPS charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on why your license was suspended. As of the most recent fee schedule, reinstatement fees range from $100 to $200, but confirm the exact amount when you submit your process because fees can change. Some courts or traffic offices may also charge additional fees if you had to pay fines or restitution.
DPS accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card (if explore online or in person). If you're mailing your process, include a check or money order with your documents. Do not send cash through the mail.
Wait for DPS to Process Your Request
After you submit your reinstatement process, DPS will review it to confirm that you've resolved the underlying issue. Processing times vary: online requests may be processed within days, mail requests typically take 4 to 6 weeks, and in-person requests are often completed the same day or within a few days.
DPS will contact you if they need additional information or documents. If you don't hear back within the expected timeframe, call (888) 589-6556 to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready.
Once DPS approves your reinstatement, you'll receive your license by mail or can pick it up at the DPS office where you applied. If you applied in person and everything was complete, you may receive a temporary license when ready that's valid while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
Special Situations: DUI Suspensions and Ignition Interlock
If your suspension was for DUI, you may face additional requirements. Texas law requires an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a set period — usually 6 months to 2 years depending on whether it was your first offense and other factors. The device costs money to install and maintain (typically $60 to $100 per month), and you must have it installed before you can legally drive.
To install an ignition interlock device, you'll need to visit an approved vendor. DPS maintains a list of certified vendors on their website. The vendor will install the device, and you'll receive a certificate of installation. Bring this certificate when you request reinstatement. You must keep the device installed for the entire required period — removing it early will result in another suspension.
Some first-time DUI offenders may be able to request an occupational license while their suspension is still in effect. This limited license allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments, but only with an ignition interlock device installed. You'll need to request this separately from reinstatement and show proof of financial responsibility (usually SR-22 insurance).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit my reinstatement process?
It depends on how you submit. In-person applications are often processed the same day or within a few days. Online applications may take a few days to a week. Mail applications typically take 4 to 6 weeks. Call (888) 589-6556 if you haven't heard back within the expected timeframe.
Can I drive while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No, not unless you have an occupational license (available only in certain DUI cases). Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait until DPS notifies you that your license has been reinstated.
What if I can't pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact DPS to ask about payment plans. Some offices may work with you, but this is not may provide. You cannot request reinstatement without paying the fee, so this is something to prioritize if you want your license back.
Do I have to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement restores your existing license — you don't retake tests. However, if your license has expired during the suspension period, you'll need to renew it at the same time you request reinstatement, which may involve a vision test.
What if my suspension was for a court order and I don't know what the court wants me to do?
Contact the court that issued the suspension order directly. The court clerk can tell you exactly what condition must be satisfied. Get written confirmation from the court once you've satisfied it, then submit that confirmation with your reinstatement process.