What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
Reinstating a suspended Texas driver's license requires you to address the reason for the suspension first, then file a reinstatement request with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, a DUI conviction, or another violation. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period; you must take action to clear the underlying issue before DPS will restore your driving privileges.
The reinstatement process typically involves three parts: identifying why your license was suspended, resolving that issue (paying fines, completing a course, or satisfying a court order), and then submitting a reinstatement request to DPS along with the required fee. The timeline varies depending on the reason for suspension and how quickly you resolve the underlying problem.
Key Takeaways
- You must first find out why your license was suspended by checking your DPS record or contacting the agency that reported the suspension to DPS.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — such as paying traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or satisfying a court order — before you can request reinstatement.
- You submit a reinstatement request to DPS by mail, in person at a DPS office, or online through the DPS website, along with a reinstatement fee that typically ranges from $100 to $200.
- Processing time for reinstatement requests usually takes two to four weeks after DPS receives your complete process.
- If your suspension is related to child support or unpaid court costs, you may need to contact the court or child support office directly before DPS will process your request.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason DPS suspended it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI or drug-related convictions, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, failure to maintain auto insurance, and child support arrears. You can check your suspension status and reason through the DPS website or by calling the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556.
When you contact DPS or check online, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DPS system will show you the suspension date, the reason, and any actions you need to take before reinstatement is possible. If the suspension is tied to a traffic ticket or court case, DPS will direct you to contact the court or the agency that reported the violation. If it is tied to insurance, you will need to contact your insurance company or the Texas Department of Insurance.
Resolving the Underlying Issue
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must resolve that issue before requesting reinstatement. If the suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, you will need to pay the fine in full or arrange a payment plan with the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court listed on your ticket or the municipal court in the city where you received the violation. Many courts allow you to pay online, by phone, or in person.
If your suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you will need to contact the court, resolve the underlying case (which may mean appearing in court or paying a fine), and obtain a letter or document from the court confirming that the matter has been resolved. If the suspension is related to a DUI conviction, you may be required to complete a DUI education program or substance abuse counseling before reinstatement is possible. The court or DPS will specify which program you need to complete and where to find an approved provider.
For suspensions related to child support arrears or unpaid court costs, contact the court or the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division directly. These agencies must confirm that the debt has been paid or a payment arrangement has been made before DPS will process your reinstatement request. Some courts will not notify DPS of resolution automatically, so you may need to request written confirmation and submit it with your reinstatement process.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request to DPS
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement from DPS. You have three options: submit your request online through the DPS website, mail a paper process to DPS, or visit a DPS office in person. The online method is usually the fastest and most straightforward if you have all required documents ready.
To request reinstatement online, go to the DPS website, navigate to the driver's license section, and look for the reinstatement option. You will need to provide your driver's license number, personal information, and proof that you have resolved the suspension issue. Some issues (such as unpaid fines) can be verified directly by DPS through court records, while others (such as completion of a DUI course) require you to upload a certificate or letter of completion.
If you prefer to explore by mail, read the reinstatement process form from the DPS website or request one by phone. Complete the form, include copies of any required documents (such as proof of fine payment or course completion), and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form along with your reinstatement fee. If you explore in person, bring your completed process, proof of resolution, and payment to your nearest DPS office.
Reinstatement Fees and Processing Time
DPS charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $100 to $200. Some suspensions carry higher fees — for example, a DUI-related suspension may cost more than a suspension for unpaid fines. You can pay the fee by check, money order, credit card, or debit card, depending on which method you use to submit your process.
After DPS receives your complete reinstatement request, processing usually takes two to four weeks. During this time, DPS verifies that you have resolved the underlying issue and that all required documents are in order. If DPS finds that your process is incomplete or that the issue has not been fully resolved, they will contact you with instructions on what additional information or action is needed.
Once your reinstatement is approved, DPS will mail you a new driver's license or a reinstatement notice. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DPS office. Keep in mind that your driving privileges are not restored until DPS officially approves your reinstatement — driving before that approval is illegal and can result in additional penalties.
Special Situations and Additional Requirements
Some suspensions come with extra requirements beyond straightforward paying a fine or resolving a court case. If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can drive. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The court will specify whether this is required and for how long.
If your suspension is due to accumulation of too many points on your driving record, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course before reinstatement. This course is typically four to six hours long and can be taken online or in person. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate that you must submit to DPS as part of your reinstatement request.
If you have multiple suspensions on your record (for example, one for unpaid fines and another for a DUI), you must resolve all of them before DPS will reinstate your license. Contact DPS to confirm whether you have more than one suspension and what is required to clear each one.
What Happens After Your License Is Reinstated
Once your license is reinstated, your driving privileges are restored and you can legally drive in Texas. However, if your suspension was due to a DUI conviction or accumulation of points, your driving record will still reflect that history. This can affect your insurance rates and your ability to obtain certain types of commercial driving privileges in the future.
If you were required to install an ignition interlock device, you must keep it installed for the period specified by the court, even after your license is reinstated. Removing it early or tampering with it is illegal and can result in additional criminal charges. When the required period ends, you can have the device removed by a certified technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially approves your reinstatement. Driving during this time is illegal, even if you have submitted your process and paid the fee. If you need to drive before your reinstatement is approved, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DPS office, but this requires approval from DPS and is not automatic.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full fine right away?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about payment plan options. Many courts will allow you to pay in installments over several months. Once you have set up a payment plan, you may be able to request a temporary reinstatement or a restricted license that allows you to drive to work or school while you pay off the fine. The court can explain what options are available in your situation.
How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?
The length of time a suspension appears on your record depends on the reason for the suspension. Some suspensions are removed after a certain period (typically three to five years), while others remain permanently. Once your license is reinstated, you can ask DPS for a copy of your driving record to see what violations are listed and when they will be removed.
What if DPS denies my reinstatement request?
If DPS denies your request, they will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, failure to fully resolve the underlying issue, or discovery of an additional suspension you were not aware of. You can resubmit your process once you have addressed the reason for denial, or you can request a hearing to appeal the decision.
Do I need a new photo for my reinstated license?
If you are reinstating your license and your current license photo is still valid (less than five years old for most drivers), you may not need a new photo. However, if your license has expired or your photo is outdated, you will need to renew your license at the same time you reinstate it. This requires a new photo and may involve additional fees. Contact DPS to confirm what is required in your situation.