How to restore your suspended Texas license
To get your suspended license back in Texas, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for different violations, and each one has its own path to restoration. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set time; others require you to take specific steps before you can drive again.
Start by checking your suspension status and the reason through the DPS website or by calling the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6556. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. This call tells you exactly what caused the suspension and what you need to do to clear it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Texas DPS to learn the specific reason for your suspension, because different violations have different restoration steps.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS before your license becomes active again.
- If your suspension is related to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must resolve those debts first.
- Some suspensions lift automatically after a waiting period, but you still need to pay the reinstatement fee and may need to pass a written test.
Common reasons for license suspension in Texas
Texas suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, accumulating too many traffic convictions, driving without insurance, and DWI-related violations. Each reason has different requirements for getting your license back.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full before the DPS will restore your license. If it is related to child support, the Texas Attorney General's office must release the suspension — paying the DPS alone will not work. For insurance-related suspensions, you need proof of current insurance coverage. DWI suspensions have their own timeline and may require an ignition interlock device.
Paying the reinstatement fee
Once you have resolved the underlying reason for your suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or child support you owe. The reinstatement fee is typically $100, though it can vary depending on the type of suspension.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If you pay online or by mail, allow extra time for processing — usually five to ten business days. Paying in person at a DPS office is faster and gives you when ready confirmation.
What to do if fines or court costs are owed
If your suspension is tied to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket. The court can tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment directly. Some courts allow online payment; others require a check or money order by mail, or payment in person.
Once the court confirms payment, it sends a release to the DPS. This can take several days. You then pay the DPS reinstatement fee. Do not assume the court's payment automatically restores your license — you still need to complete the reinstatement step with the DPS.
Suspensions related to child support
If the Texas Attorney General's office suspended your license for unpaid child support, paying the DPS reinstatement fee alone will not restore it. You must work with the Attorney General's office to resolve the child support debt or set up a payment plan.
Contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division at 1-800-252-8014 to discuss your options. Once you have a resolution in place, the Attorney General's office sends a release to the DPS. After that release is processed, you can pay the DPS reinstatement fee and restore your license.
DWI-related suspensions and requirements
A DWI suspension in Texas follows a specific timeline. An administrative license suspension (ALS) typically lasts 90 days for a first offense if you refused a breath or blood test, or 60 days if you took the test and failed. If you are convicted of DWI, the court imposes an additional suspension on top of the ALS.
After the suspension period ends, you must pay the DPS reinstatement fee. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive, depending on the circumstances of your case and whether you are a repeat offender. The court or DPS will tell you if this is required. You cannot restore your license until the device is installed and the DPS has been notified.
Taking a written test after suspension
Some suspensions require you to pass a written knowledge test before your license is restored. This is most common for suspensions related to accumulating too many traffic violations or for certain DWI cases. The DPS will tell you during your initial call whether a test is required.
If a test is required, you schedule it at a DPS office. The test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website. Once you pass, you pay the reinstatement fee and your license is restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay the reinstatement fee?
If you pay in person at a DPS office, your license is usually restored the same day. If you pay by mail or online, allow five to ten business days for processing. Some suspensions require additional steps — like a court release or ignition interlock installation — which add time.
Can I drive while my suspension is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Texas and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait until the DPS confirms your license is restored before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed right away?
Contact the court or the agency that issued the debt to ask about payment plans. Many courts and the Texas Attorney General's office allow installment payments. Once you have an agreement in place, the agency may release the suspension while you pay, though you still need to complete the DPS reinstatement process.
Do I need a new physical license card after suspension?
Not always. If your license card is still valid and not damaged, you can drive with it once the suspension is lifted. If your card is expired or damaged, you can renew or replace it at the same time you restore your license.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6556 with your license number or Social Security number. They will tell you the reason and what steps you need to take. You can also check your status online through the DPS website if you have your license number.