Check your license status through the Texas Department of Public Safety website
The fastest way to learn about your Texas driver's license is suspended is to visit the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website and use their license status lookup tool. You do not need to call, visit an office, or pay a fee — the information is available online within seconds.
Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License Check" or "License Status" section. You will need your driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information, and the system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked. The page also explains the reason for any suspension — whether it is unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, or another cause.
If you cannot find the lookup tool on the main page, search for "Texas driver license status check" on the DPS website or call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556. They can look up your status over the phone and tell you what caused the suspension and what you need to do to restore it.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas DPS website has a free online tool that shows your license status in seconds using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspension notice explains the reason — unpaid fines, failure to appear, child support, or another specific cause — which determines what you must do to restore your license.
- If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Texas or most other states until the suspension is lifted.
- The DPS phone line at 1-888-589-6556 can also look up your status if you prefer to call rather than use the website.
Understand what a suspension means and how long it lasts
A suspended license means you are not allowed to drive legally in Texas. If you are caught driving with a suspended license, you can be arrested, fined, and face additional criminal charges. A suspension is different from a revocation — a suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue, while a revocation is permanent or lasts much longer.
The length of a suspension depends on what caused it. Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines typically last until you pay the fine and any court costs. Suspensions for failure to appear in court last until you appear or resolve the case. Suspensions related to child support arrears last until you bring your payments current. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you are convicted of driving under the influence, your license is suspended for a set period that varies based on whether it is your first, second, or third offense.
Once you resolve the reason for the suspension, you still may need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS before your license becomes valid again. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owe. The DPS website or phone line will tell you the exact amount and where to send payment.
Find out what caused your suspension
The DPS lookup tool tells you the reason for your suspension, but the reason code may be brief. Common causes include "FTA" (failure to appear in court), "FTP" (failure to pay a fine), "CSE" (child support enforcement), "DUI" (driving under the influence), or "Medical" (a medical condition reported to DPS). If the code is unclear, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and ask them to explain what you need to do to resolve it.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to contact the court that issued the ticket or citation. The DPS website can tell you which court, or you can search for the court by the city or county where you received the ticket. Once you pay the fine and court costs, notify the DPS or the court that payment is complete — the suspension should be lifted within a few business days, though some courts handle this automatically.
If your suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must contact the court directly and either appear for your scheduled hearing or work with the court to reschedule. If your suspension is due to child support arrears, contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division or the local child support office listed in your suspension notice.
Pay any reinstatement fees required by the DPS
After you resolve the reason for your suspension — whether that means paying a fine, appearing in court, or bringing child support current — the DPS may require you to pay a reinstatement fee before your license is restored. This fee is not the same as the original fine or court costs; it is a separate charge to reactivate your license in the DPS system.
Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for the suspension. As of the most recent DPS fee schedule, reinstatement fees typically range from $100 to $200, but you should confirm the exact amount by checking the DPS website or calling 1-888-589-6556. You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
Once the DPS receives your reinstatement fee payment and confirms that the underlying issue has been resolved, your license status will change from suspended to valid. This usually takes a few business days. You can check your status again on the DPS website to confirm that your license is no longer suspended.
Restore your license online or in person
If you have resolved the reason for your suspension and paid any reinstatement fees, you may be able to restore your license online through the DPS website without visiting an office. The website will guide you through the process and confirm when your license is active again. This is the fastest option and works for most types of suspensions.
If the online restoration does not work for your situation, or if you prefer to handle it in person, you can visit a DPS Driver License office. Bring your current ID, proof that you have resolved the suspension (such as a receipt showing payment of fines or court costs), and proof of your Texas residency if you have moved since your license was issued. The office staff can process your reinstatement on the spot, though you will still need to pay any reinstatement fee if you have not already done so.
To find the DPS office nearest you, visit dps.texas.gov and search for "Driver License offices" or call 1-888-589-6556 for the address and hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first. Check the office location page before you go.
Know the consequences of driving with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Texas is a criminal offense. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license. The penalties depend on whether it is your first offense and the reason for the suspension, but they typically include fines ranging from $100 to $1,000, jail time of up to 180 days, or both.
A conviction for driving with a suspended license also goes on your criminal record and can affect your ability to find employment, housing, or insurance. Your insurance rates will increase significantly, and some insurers may refuse to cover you. If you are involved in an accident while driving with a suspended license, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for all damages.
If you know your license is suspended, do not drive. Use public transportation, rideshare services, or ask someone else to drive you until your license is restored. The time and cost to resolve a suspension is far less than the consequences of a criminal conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore a suspended license after I pay the reinstatement fee?
It usually takes two to five business days for the DPS to process your reinstatement fee and restore your license. You can check your status on the DPS website to see when it changes from suspended to valid. If it has been more than a week, call 1-888-589-6556 to confirm that your payment was received.
Can I get a temporary driving permit while my license is suspended?
No. Texas does not issue temporary permits for suspended licenses. You must wait until your license is fully restored. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask your employer or doctor to contact the court or DPS to request a hardship license, though these are rarely granted and only in specific circumstances.
What if I do not know why my license is suspended?
Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and provide your license number and date of birth. They will tell you the reason and what you need to do to resolve it. If the reason is unclear, ask them to explain it in detail so you know exactly what steps to take.
Will my suspension show up on my driving record?
Yes. A suspension appears on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates and your ability to get certain jobs. Once your license is restored, the suspension remains on your record but is marked as resolved. You can request a copy of your driving record from the DPS website.
Can I restore my license if I still owe money on the original fine?
No. You must pay the original fine, court costs, and any reinstatement fee before your license can be restored. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the court to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments, which may allow your license to be restored sooner.