What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Texas driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for different violations: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DWI convictions, accumulating too many points, or not paying child support. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.
You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back. You must resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, complete a DWI education program, or arrange a child support payment plan — before DPS will lift the suspension. Only after that is resolved can you pay the reinstatement fee and request restoration of your driving privileges.
The fastest way to find out why your license is suspended is to check your status online through the DPS website or call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the specific reason and what you must do to clear it.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what you must fix before reinstatement — unpaid fines, court appearances, DWI programs, or child support arrangements each have different requirements.
- You can check your suspension status and reason by visiting the DPS website or calling 1-888-589-6900 with your license number or Social Security number.
- Resolving the underlying issue comes before paying any reinstatement fee; DPS will not restore your license until the reason for suspension is cleared.
- The reinstatement fee in Texas is typically $100, but you may owe additional costs depending on your suspension reason.
How to find out why your license is suspended
The Texas DPS maintains a public online system where you can check your driver's license status. Go to the DPS website and use the Driver License Status Check tool. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show whether your license is suspended and the reason.
If you prefer not to use the online tool, you can call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900. A representative can look up your status over the phone and explain what you need to do. This call is free and usually takes less than five minutes. Have your information ready so the process moves quickly.
If you lost your license or do not remember your number, provide your Social Security number instead. The DPS representative can pull up your record either way. Write down the suspension reason and any case numbers or court information they give you — you will need these details to resolve the issue.
Resolving suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court failure
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or did not appear in court, you must contact the court that issued the ticket. The court name and case number should be on your ticket or in the DPS suspension notice. Call the court's traffic division and ask what you owe and whether you can pay by phone or online.
Many Texas courts allow you to pay fines online through their websites. Some courts require you to appear in person or send a payment by mail. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask the court about a payment plan. Courts often work with people who are making a good-faith effort to pay. Once the fine is paid or a plan is in place, the court sends notice to DPS that the issue is resolved.
If you failed to appear in court, you may need to appear before the suspension lifts. Contact the court to reschedule. Explain that you did not receive the notice or had an emergency. Many courts will reschedule without additional penalties if you show up promptly. Once you appear or the fine is paid, DPS receives notification and can process your reinstatement.
Resolving suspension for DWI or substance-related violations
A DWI conviction or refusal to take a breath test triggers an automatic license suspension in Texas. Before you can reinstate, you must complete a DWI Education Program (also called a DWI school or intervention program). This is a state-mandated course, usually 12 hours long, that covers alcohol and drug awareness.
You must take the course at a program approved by the Texas Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF). The DPS website lists all approved providers in your area. You pay the program directly — costs vary but typically range from $150 to $300. After you finish, the program sends your completion certificate to DPS automatically.
If your suspension was for refusing a breath test (Administrative License Revocation), you may also need to request a hearing with DPS within 15 days of the arrest. If you did not request a hearing or missed the important date, you still must complete the DWI Education Program before reinstatement. Check with DPS about whether a hearing is still possible in your case.
Resolving suspension for too many points or license suspension points
Texas uses a point system for traffic violations. If you accumulate too many points within a certain time period, your license is suspended. The threshold depends on your age: drivers under 18 lose their license at 6 points in 12 months; drivers 18 and older at 8 points in 12 months.
To reinstate after a points suspension, you must wait out a mandatory waiting period. For a first suspension, you typically wait 60 days. For a second suspension within five years, you wait 120 days. For a third or more, you wait six months. You cannot shorten this waiting period by taking a defensive driving course, though you can take one to reduce points on your record for future violations.
After the waiting period ends, you can pay the $100 reinstatement fee and request restoration. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Once you pay and submit the request, your license is usually restored within a few business days.
Resolving suspension for child support or family support obligations
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support or family support, you must contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division or the local child support office that handles your case. They will tell you the amount owed and your options for payment.
You may be able to set up a payment plan rather than paying the full amount at once. The child support office works with people who demonstrate they are making payments. Once a plan is in place or the debt is paid, the office notifies DPS. DPS then lifts the suspension, and you can proceed with reinstatement.
If you cannot locate your child support case number, call the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division at 1-800-252-8014. They can look up your case and explain what you owe. This is a free call and available during business hours.
Paying the reinstatement fee and completing the process
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you must pay the reinstatement fee to DPS. In Texas, this fee is $100. You can pay online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
To pay online, go to the DPS website and use the Driver License Reinstatement Payment system. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. You can pay by credit card or debit card. After payment is processed, your license is usually restored within one to three business days.
To pay by mail, send a check or money order for $100 to the DPS Driver License Division. Include a letter with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended. Mail it to the address listed on the DPS website. Processing by mail takes longer — typically one to two weeks.
To pay in person, visit a DPS office near you. Bring your identification and be ready to pay the $100 fee. You can find office locations and hours on the DPS website. In-person payment is usually the fastest option; your license may be restored the same day or within one business day.
What to do if your license is suspended again
If you receive a new suspension after reinstatement, the process is the same: find out the reason, resolve it, and pay the reinstatement fee. However, repeat suspensions may result in higher fees or longer waiting periods. For example, a second points suspension requires a 120-day waiting period instead of 60 days.
If you are suspended repeatedly, consider taking a defensive driving course. Completing an approved course removes up to three points from your record and may lower your insurance rates. This does not reinstate a current suspension, but it can help prevent future ones. The DPS website lists approved defensive driving courses in your area.
If you are struggling with repeated violations, you might also look into whether a restricted license is available in your situation. A restricted license allows you to drive to work, school, or court while your full license is suspended. Ask DPS whether this option applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?
Online and in-person payments usually result in reinstatement within one to three business days. Mail payments take one to two weeks because DPS must receive and process the check. If you need your license quickly, paying online or in person is faster.
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially restores it. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Texas and can result in fines, jail time, and further suspension. Wait for written confirmation that your license is reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full reinstatement fee right now?
Contact DPS directly at 1-888-589-6900 to ask about payment options. Some situations may allow for a payment plan, though this is not may provide. If your suspension is due to child support, the child support office may work with you on a payment arrangement for that debt, which could then allow reinstatement.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or driving test. You only need to resolve the reason for suspension and pay the fee. Your original license is restored with the same expiration date it had before suspension.
What if I moved out of state after my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Texas license from out of state. Pay the reinstatement fee online through the DPS website, or mail a check to the DPS Driver License Division. Once your Texas license is reinstated, you can then explore for a license in your new state if you have moved permanently.