What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate your Texas driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains your suspension record, and you can check the status online through their website or by calling their Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556. Once you know the reason, you'll need to resolve the underlying issue (pay a fine, complete a course, satisfy a court order) and then submit a reinstatement request with the required fee.
The process takes different paths depending on whether your license was suspended for traffic violations, failure to pay fines, failure to appear in court, DWI-related reasons, or other causes. Some suspensions lift automatically once you meet the conditions; others require you to formally request reinstatement through DPS.
Key Takeaways
- Check your suspension reason first by visiting the DPS website or calling 1-888-589-6556, because the reason determines what you must do to reinstate.
- Most reinstatements require you to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, satisfy a court order) before DPS will process your request.
- The reinstatement fee is typically $100, but some suspensions have additional fees depending on the cause.
- You can submit a reinstatement request online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days after DPS receives your complete request and fee.
How to find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason for the suspension. Texas suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DWI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to maintain insurance, or court-ordered suspensions related to child support or other legal obligations.
Visit the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and use their Driver License Status Check tool. You'll enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is suspended, the reason, and what you need to do to resolve it. If you prefer not to use the online tool, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your license number and date of birth ready.
Resolving the reason for suspension
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must address that specific issue before requesting reinstatement. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you'll need to pay the full amount owed to the court or municipality that issued the ticket. Contact the court or the traffic ticket issuer directly to confirm the exact amount and payment methods accepted.
If your suspension is related to a failure to appear in court, you must contact the court that issued the warrant and resolve the case — this may mean appearing in court, paying a fine, or both. For DWI-related suspensions, you may be required to complete an Alcohol Education Program (AEP) or a DWI Education Program, depending on whether it's your first offense. If your suspension stems from accumulating too many traffic violation points, you may need to complete a Defensive Driving Course, which can also reduce points from your record.
For suspensions tied to failure to maintain insurance or child support obligations, contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or the insurance company involved. Each situation is different, so confirm the exact requirement with the agency that imposed the suspension.
Submitting your reinstatement request
After you've resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement through the DPS. You have three options: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
Online: Visit dps.texas.gov and look for the Driver License Reinstatement section. You'll need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and proof that you've resolved the suspension reason. You can upload documents (such as proof of payment or course completion) directly. Pay the reinstatement fee online using a credit or debit card.
By mail: Send a letter to the DPS address listed on their website, including your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and copies of documents proving you've resolved the suspension issue. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mail it to the address provided on the DPS website.
In person: Visit a DPS office in your county with your identification, proof of resolution, and payment for the reinstatement fee. You can find your nearest office on the DPS website.
Reinstatement fees and processing time
The standard reinstatement fee in Texas is $100. Some suspensions carry additional fees — for example, a DWI-related suspension may include a surcharge. When you check your suspension status online or by phone, ask about any additional fees specific to your case so you're not surprised when you submit your request.
After DPS receives your complete reinstatement request, proof of resolution, and fee, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You'll receive written confirmation by mail once your license has been reinstated. If you submitted your request online, you may receive an email confirmation as well. Once reinstated, you can drive legally again, though you may need to renew your physical license card if it has expired.
What happens if you need a new license card
Reinstatement restores your driving privilege, but if your physical license card has expired or been lost, you'll need to renew or replace it. You can do this at the same time as your reinstatement request or afterward. A renewal or replacement costs around $25 to $30 and requires a visit to a DPS office or an online renewal (if your card is straightforward expired and not suspended).
Bring your identification, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If your license was suspended due to a medical condition or other reason that requires a new photo, you'll need to visit an office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, arrest, or further suspension. Wait for written confirmation from DPS before driving.
What if I can't pay the full fine right away?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine and ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you've set up a payment plan and made the first payment, ask for written confirmation that you're in compliance with the plan, then submit that with your reinstatement request.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written or driving test. You only need to resolve the suspension reason and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your license has expired, you may need to renew it, which could include a vision test.
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
Once your license is reinstated, the suspension is removed from your active status. However, the suspension history remains part of your driving record. This history may affect insurance rates or be considered if you're suspended again in the future.
What if I lost my driver's license number?
Call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 with your name and date of birth, and they can provide your license number. You can also visit a DPS office in person with your identification.