The fastest way to check your Texas license status
You can check whether your Texas driver's license is suspended through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without paying a fee. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the "Driver License" section, and look for the "Check License Status" tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system tells you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6556. Have your license number ready. Wait times vary, but this is a free way to get a direct answer.
A third option is to visit a DPS office in person. Find your nearest location on the DPS website. Bring your driver's license or ID. Staff can print your driving record on the spot, which shows your current status and any suspensions or restrictions.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS website at dps.texas.gov has a free "Check License Status" tool that gives you an answer in seconds using your license number and date of birth.
- You can also call 1-888-589-6556 to speak with DPS staff, or visit a local DPS office to request a printed driving record.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions to reinstate your license.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support.
- If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue and then request reinstatement through DPS.
What the difference is between suspension and revocation
Texas uses two different terms, and they mean different things. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can request reinstatement once you have resolved the reason for the suspension. A revocation is more serious and typically lasts longer. You cannot straightforward wait it out; you have to meet specific conditions set by DPS or the court before you can even ask for your license back.
The online status tool will tell you which one applies to you. If it says "suspended," note the reason and the date it is scheduled to end. If it says "revoked," you will need to contact DPS directly to learn what steps you must take to become may be able to access for reinstatement.
Common reasons your license might be suspended in Texas
The most frequent cause is an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered payment. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or did not show up for your court date, the court can request that DPS suspend your license. Another common reason is failure to pay child support or spousal support — the Texas Attorney General's office can request a suspension if you fall behind.
Other reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record (which happens after multiple traffic violations), driving without insurance, or being convicted of certain crimes. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you are convicted of driving under the influence, your license is suspended for a set period by law.
Medical reasons can also trigger a suspension. If DPS receives a report from a doctor or law enforcement that you may be medically unfit to drive, they can suspend your license pending a medical evaluation.
How to resolve a suspension and get your license back
The steps depend on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for an unpaid fine, you must pay the fine and provide proof of payment to the court or the agency that reported you. Once they confirm payment, they send a release to DPS, and your suspension is lifted.
If the suspension was for failure to appear in court, you must contact the court, resolve the case (which may mean paying a fine, completing community service, or going to trial), and ask the court to notify DPS that the case is resolved. If the suspension was for unpaid child support, contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division or your local child support office to set up a payment plan or arrange a modification.
For suspensions related to too many points, you may be able to take a defensive driving course to reduce points on your record. For medical suspensions, you will need to complete any required medical evaluation and provide DPS with documentation that you are safe to drive.
Once the underlying issue is resolved, you do not automatically get your license back. You must request reinstatement through DPS. You can do this online at dps.texas.gov, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. There is a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension — typically between $100 and $300. DPS will tell you the exact amount when you request reinstatement.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000. A second offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor, with up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000. A third or subsequent offense within ten years is a felony.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can extend your suspension, add points to your record, and make your insurance more expensive or cause your insurer to drop you. If you are stopped and your license is suspended, you will likely be arrested and your vehicle may be impounded.
How to request your driving record for other purposes
If you need a copy of your full driving record — not just your current status — you can order it online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person. Your driving record shows your license status, all traffic violations, accidents, and points accumulated over the past three years. Some employers, insurance companies, or courts may ask you to provide this.
You can order a record online at dps.texas.gov for a small fee, usually around $10 to $15. It is delivered by email or mail depending on which option you choose. If you order in person at a DPS office, you can get it when ready.
What to do if you believe your suspension is a mistake
If you checked your status and believe the suspension is incorrect — for example, you paid a fine but it still shows as unpaid, or you were never notified of the reason — contact DPS directly. Call 1-888-589-6556 and explain the situation. Have any documentation ready, such as proof of payment, court records, or correspondence from the agency that reported the suspension.
If DPS cannot resolve it over the phone, ask for the process to dispute the suspension in writing. You may need to submit documents by mail or request a hearing. DPS will provide you with the steps and any forms you need. This process can take several weeks, so start as soon as you discover the error.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last in Texas?
It depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines typically last until you pay; suspensions for failure to appear may last 40 days to several months; suspensions for too many points usually last 90 days to one year. The online status tool will show you the scheduled end date if one applies.
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspension means you cannot legally drive for any reason. Driving to work, to the store, or anywhere else is a criminal offense. Some states offer "occupational licenses" that allow limited driving, but Texas does not have this option for most suspensions.
Will a suspension show up on a background check?
A criminal conviction for driving on a suspended license will show up on a background check. A suspension itself (the administrative action) typically does not appear on employment background checks, but it will appear on your driving record, which employers in certain industries may request.
What if I moved out of Texas — do I still need to resolve my suspension?
Yes. If you move to another state, your Texas suspension follows you. Most states have agreements to recognize suspensions from other states. You will need to resolve the underlying issue and request reinstatement in Texas before you can obtain a license in your new state.
Is there a way to get a temporary license while my suspension is being resolved?
Texas does not issue temporary licenses during a suspension. Your only option is to resolve the reason for the suspension and request full reinstatement. Some people use rideshare services or ask others to drive while they wait for reinstatement.