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, then complete the specific steps the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires for that reason. The process is different depending on whether you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a failed drug or alcohol test, accumulating too many points, or another violation. You cannot straightforward renew your license — you must go through reinstatement, which involves paying fees, sometimes taking a test, and proving you have resolved the underlying problem.
The fastest way to start is to check your suspension status online through the Texas DPS website or call their driver license customer service line. They will tell you exactly why your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it. Do not skip this step — different suspension reasons have different requirements, and doing the wrong thing wastes time and money.
Key Takeaways
- You must find out the specific reason your license was suspended before you can reinstate it, because each reason has different requirements.
- The Texas DPS website lets you check your suspension status online, or you can call their customer service line to get the details by phone.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee to DPS, plus any outstanding fines or court costs related to the suspension.
- Depending on the reason for suspension, you may need to complete a defensive driving course, pass a written test, or provide proof from a court or agency that you have resolved the issue.
- After you complete all requirements and DPS approves your reinstatement, you will need to renew your license through the normal process.
Check your suspension status online or by phone
Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and use the Driver License Status Check tool. You will need your driver's license number or your Social Security number. The system will show you whether your license is suspended, revoked, or denied, and it will list the reason. If you cannot access the online tool or prefer to speak with someone, call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6884. They can tell you the suspension reason and what you need to do next.
Write down the exact reason for your suspension — this determines everything that follows. Common reasons include failure to pay traffic fines, accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance.
Pay outstanding fines and court costs
If your suspension is related to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay them before DPS will reinstate your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine — the court name should be on your citation. You can usually pay by phone, online through the court's website, or in person at the courthouse. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount owed and confirm that payment will clear the suspension.
After you pay, ask the court for written confirmation that the fine is satisfied. Keep this document — you may need to show it to DPS. Some courts send confirmation directly to DPS, but do not assume this happened. Once the court confirms payment, you can move to the next step.
Complete a defensive driving course if required
If your suspension is due to accumulating too many points, you may be able to reduce the points by completing an approved defensive driving course. Texas allows you to take one course every 12 months to reduce points by three. The course is usually four to six hours long and can be taken online or in person. Search for "defensive driving course Texas" to find approved providers in your area.
Taking the course does not automatically reinstate your license — it reduces points, which may bring you below the suspension threshold. After you complete the course, you will still need to pay the reinstatement fee to DPS. The course provider will send your completion certificate to DPS, or you may need to bring it yourself when you explore for reinstatement.
Handle DUI or DWI suspensions
If your license was suspended for DUI or DWI, the reinstatement process is more involved. You must wait out a mandatory suspension period, which ranges from 40 days to two years depending on whether it was your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. During this time, you cannot drive at all, even with a restricted license.
After the mandatory suspension period ends, you must pay the reinstatement fee to DPS and pass a written test on traffic laws and safe driving. You may also be required to complete an alcohol awareness course or substance abuse treatment program, depending on the circumstances. Contact DPS or the court that handled your case to confirm all requirements before you pay any fees.
Pay the reinstatement fee to DPS
Once you have resolved the underlying issue — paid fines, completed a course, or waited out a suspension period — you must pay the reinstatement fee to the Texas DPS. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension and ranges from about $100 to $250. You can pay online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
When you pay, keep your receipt. DPS processes reinstatement requests, and you should receive confirmation within one to two weeks. You can check the status of your reinstatement request online using the same tool you used to check your suspension status.
Renew your license after reinstatement is approved
After DPS approves your reinstatement, your license is restored, but you still need to renew it if it has expired or is about to expire. You can renew online at dps.texas.gov, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to take a new photo or written test — you just pay the renewal fee and submit the form.
If your license has already expired, you will need to renew it in person at a DPS office and bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes. After you renew, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
After you complete all requirements and pay the reinstatement fee, DPS usually processes the request within one to two weeks. However, if you still owe fines or have not completed required courses, the process can take longer. Check your status online to see where your request stands.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have applied for reinstatement?
No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially approves your reinstatement. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and will result in additional fines and possible jail time. Wait for written confirmation from DPS before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments over several months. Once you set up a payment plan, the court may notify DPS, which can allow you to reinstate your license while you pay the remaining balance.
Do I need to take a new written test to reinstate my license?
It depends on the reason for suspension. If you were suspended for DUI or DWI, you must pass a written test. For other suspension reasons, you usually do not need to retake the test unless your license has expired and you are renewing it at the same time.
What if my license was revoked instead of suspended?
Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually results from multiple DUI convictions or other serious violations. Revocation requires you to wait a longer period and may require you to reapply for a license rather than straightforward reinstate it. Contact DPS directly to understand the specific requirements for your revocation.