The Basic Steps to Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended license in Texas, you must first find out why your license was suspended, then handle that specific reason, then pay a reinstatement fee to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The reason matters because it determines what you do next — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires different steps than one for failing to pay child support or for a DUI conviction.
Start by checking your suspension status and reason on the DPS website or by calling the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556. Have your driver's license number ready. The person on the phone will tell you exactly what caused the suspension and what you must do to clear it. Write down the specific requirement — you will need this information to move forward.
Once you have cleared the underlying reason (paid the fine, completed the required course, resolved the child support issue), you then submit a reinstatement request to DPS along with the reinstatement fee. The fee is $100 for most suspensions, though some suspensions carry additional fees. After DPS processes your request, your license becomes active again.
Key Takeaways
- Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or check online to find out the exact reason your license was suspended, because each reason has different requirements.
- You must resolve the underlying cause — pay a fine, complete a safety course, clear a child support debt — before DPS will reinstate you.
- The reinstatement fee is $100 for most suspensions, and you pay it when you submit your reinstatement request to DPS.
- Processing time is typically two to four weeks after DPS receives your complete reinstatement request.
- Some suspensions require you to carry an SR-22 form (proof of insurance) for a set period after reinstatement.
Common Reasons for Suspension and What to Do About Each
Texas suspends licenses for many reasons, and the path to reinstatement depends on which one applies to you. The most common are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI or drug-related convictions, failure to pay child support, and failure to maintain insurance after an accident.
If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court listed on your ticket or suspension notice and ask what payment methods they accept — most courts take payments by phone, online, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, they send notice to DPS, which can take one to two weeks. You then submit your reinstatement request to DPS with the $100 fee.
If your suspension is for failure to appear in court, you must go back to that court, resolve the underlying case (usually by paying the fine or pleading guilty), and ask the judge to lift the suspension. The court then notifies DPS. This step requires you to physically appear or have an attorney appear on your behalf — you cannot handle it by phone.
If your suspension is for a DUI or drug conviction, you must complete a DUI education program approved by the Texas Alcohol and Drug Driving Safety Program (AADDSP). The program is usually a one-day or two-day class that costs $75 to $200. After you finish, the program sends your completion certificate to DPS. You then submit your reinstatement request with the $100 fee. Many DUI suspensions also require you to carry an SR-22 form for three years after reinstatement.
If your suspension is for failure to pay child support, you must contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division or the local child support office listed in your suspension notice. You will need to either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. Once the child support office confirms you are current or have a plan in place, they notify DPS. You then submit your reinstatement request with the $100 fee.
If your suspension is for failure to maintain insurance after an accident, you must obtain an SR-22 form from your insurance company and submit it to DPS. The SR-22 proves you now carry the minimum required coverage. DPS processes the SR-22 and reinstates your license — there is no additional reinstatement fee for this type of suspension.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request to DPS
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you submit a reinstatement request to the Texas DPS. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
The online method is fastest. Go to the DPS website, navigate to the driver license section, and look for the reinstatement option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a way to pay the $100 fee by credit or debit card. Online requests are usually processed within two weeks.
The by-mail method requires you to fill out a form (available on the DPS website) and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $100. Processing takes three to four weeks because of mail delivery time.
The in-person method means visiting a DPS office in your county. Bring your driver's license, proof that you resolved the suspension reason (court receipt, completion certificate, child support confirmation, or SR-22 form), and $100 in cash or card. DPS will process your request on the spot, and your license is usually reinstated within a few days.
SR-22 Requirements After Reinstatement
An SR-22 is a form that proves you carry the minimum required auto insurance. It is not insurance itself — it is a certificate your insurance company files with DPS on your behalf. You need an SR-22 if your suspension was caused by a DUI, a drug conviction, or an at-fault accident without insurance.
If you need an SR-22, contact your insurance company and ask them to file one. The cost is usually $15 to $25 as a filing fee, added to your regular insurance premium. Your insurance company sends the SR-22 directly to DPS — you do not file it yourself. Once DPS receives it, your license is reinstated (assuming you have also paid any reinstatement fee).
The SR-22 must stay on file for the period ordered by the court or DPS, usually three years for a DUI conviction. If your insurance lapses during this time, DPS is automatically notified and your license is suspended again. You must maintain continuous coverage with no gaps.
Timeline and Processing
The total time to reinstate your license depends on how quickly you resolve the underlying reason and how you submit your reinstatement request. Here is what to expect:
| Step | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Resolve the suspension reason (pay fine, complete course, clear debt) | 1 day to 4 weeks, depending on the reason |
| Court or agency notifies DPS of resolution | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Submit reinstatement request online | 2 weeks to process |
| Submit reinstatement request by mail | 3 to 4 weeks to process |
| Submit reinstatement request in person | A few days to process |
The fastest path is usually to resolve the reason in person (pay a fine at the court, complete a DUI class at a local provider), then visit a DPS office in person with proof of resolution. This can be done in as little as one to two weeks total.
Fees and Costs
The reinstatement fee to DPS is $100 for most suspensions. Some suspensions have additional costs depending on the reason:
- DUI education program: $75 to $200
- SR-22 filing fee: $15 to $25 per year
- Court fines or restitution: varies by case
- Child support arrears: the amount owed
If your suspension was for failure to maintain insurance after an accident, there is no reinstatement fee — only the cost of obtaining an SR-22 from your insurance company.
What Happens If You Drive With a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license in Texas is a crime. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000. A second offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license also means your vehicle can be impounded, your insurance will not cover any accident you cause, and your suspension period may be extended. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, ask DPS about a temporary driving permit, which allows limited driving for work or medical reasons while your reinstatement is pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary driving permit while my license is suspended?
Yes. Texas offers a temporary driving permit for certain suspensions if you can show the permit is necessary for work, school, or medical treatment. Contact DPS or visit a local DPS office to request one. The permit is usually issued within a few days and allows you to drive only for the stated purpose.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fine or reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the court or agency that issued the suspension and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. For the DPS reinstatement fee, some offices may work with you on timing, though this varies. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to discuss your situation.
Do I have to take a defensive driving course to reinstate my license?
Not for most suspensions. A defensive driving course is only required if your suspension was for a DUI or drug conviction, in which case you must complete an approved DUI education program. For other suspensions, a course is not required, though some people take one to lower their insurance rates after reinstatement.
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit the reinstatement request?
If you submit online, expect two weeks. If you submit by mail, expect three to four weeks. If you submit in person at a DPS office, your license is usually reinstated within a few days. The exact time depends on how quickly DPS receives and processes your request.
Will my insurance rates go up after reinstatement?
Possibly, depending on why your license was suspended. A DUI suspension will likely raise your rates significantly, and you will be required to carry an SR-22, which is more expensive than standard insurance. Other suspension reasons may have less impact on your rates. Contact your insurance company to ask what to expect.