How to reinstate your Texas driver's license
To reinstate your Texas driver's license after suspension, you must contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), pay any required reinstatement fees, and meet the specific conditions that caused your suspension in the first place. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, a medical condition, or another reason. DPS will not automatically restore your license once the suspension period ends; you have to take action.
The reinstatement process typically takes one to two weeks after you submit all required documents and fees, though it can take longer if DPS needs to verify information with courts or other agencies. You cannot legally drive until your license is reinstated, even if the suspension period has technically passed.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact DPS directly to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to reinstate it.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a fee to DPS, plus any outstanding fines or court costs that caused the suspension.
- You can start the reinstatement process online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- DPS will send you a new license by mail once your reinstatement is complete, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the reason for the suspension. Log into your DPS driver record at dps.texas.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth, or call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-DPS-5555. The website will show you the suspension reason and any actions you need to take.
Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, failure to pay court costs, medical suspension (if DPS received a report about a medical condition), or suspension due to a conviction. Each reason has different requirements for reinstatement. For example, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines before DPS will reinstate you. If it is due to failure to appear in court, you may need to resolve the court case first.
Paying reinstatement fees and outstanding fines
DPS charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on the reason for suspension. The fee is typically between $100 and $200, but you should confirm the exact amount when you contact DPS. In addition to the DPS reinstatement fee, you must pay any outstanding traffic fines, court costs, or other debts that caused the suspension.
You can pay these fees and fines through several methods. Online payment through the DPS website is the fastest option — you can pay when ready and receive confirmation. You can also pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the DPS address provided when you contact them. Some DPS field offices accept in-person payments by cash, check, or card. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact DPS to ask whether a payment plan is available; some suspension reasons allow this, while others do not.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have paid all required fees and fines, you can submit your reinstatement request. The easiest method is through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov — look for the "Driver License" section and select the reinstatement option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and proof of payment (such as a confirmation number from an online payment).
If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a written request to the DPS Driver License Division along with proof of payment and any other documents DPS told you to include. Include your name, driver's license number, date of birth, current address, and a description of what you are requesting. Mail it to the address DPS provides when you call or check their website. You can also visit a DPS field office in person to submit your request, though this is slower than online submission.
What happens after you submit your request
After DPS receives your reinstatement request and confirms that all fees and fines are paid, they will process your request. This usually takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if DPS needs to verify information with courts, the Texas Workforce Commission, or other agencies. You do not need to do anything during this time — DPS will contact you if they need additional information.
Once your reinstatement is approved, DPS will mail you a new driver's license to the address on file. The license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You should receive a confirmation email or letter when your license is mailed. Do not drive until you receive your new license in the mail, even if DPS has told you your reinstatement is approved.
Special situations that affect reinstatement
If your suspension was due to a medical condition, DPS may require a medical evaluation or a letter from your doctor before reinstatement. Contact DPS to find out what medical documentation you need to provide. If your suspension was due to failure to appear in court, you may need to resolve the court case first — this sometimes means paying the fine, but it can also mean appearing in court or working with an attorney.
If your suspension was due to unpaid child support, you will need to contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division or the local child support office to arrange payment or a payment plan. DPS cannot reinstate your license until the child support agency confirms that the debt is resolved or that you have a current payment agreement in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until your new license arrives in the mail. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas and can result in additional fines and jail time. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact DPS to ask whether a temporary driving permit is available for your situation.
What if I cannot pay the full reinstatement fee right now?
Contact DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 to ask whether a payment plan is available for your suspension reason. Not all suspension types allow payment plans, but some do. If a plan is available, you can arrange to pay the fee in installments over a set period.
How do I know if my reinstatement was approved?
DPS will send you a confirmation email or letter when your reinstatement is approved and your new license is mailed. You can also check your DPS driver record online at dps.texas.gov to see your current status. If you do not receive confirmation within three weeks, call DPS to confirm that your request was received and processed.
What if the reason for my suspension was a mistake?
Contact DPS when ready with documentation showing the error. For example, if you have proof that you paid a fine, bring that proof. If the suspension was due to a court error, ask DPS to contact the court on your behalf. DPS can sometimes reverse a suspension if they determine it was issued in error, but this requires documentation and may take additional time.
Do I need to take a new driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or driving test. You only need to pay the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines, and meet any special requirements related to your suspension reason (such as medical documentation). Your new license will have the same restrictions and endorsements as your previous license.