How to Reinstate Your License in Texas
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. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100), resolve the underlying issue, and submit proof to DPS. Some require a new written test or a waiting period. The fastest way to start is to check your suspension status online through the DPS website or call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556.
Your license suspension or revocation has a reason attached to it — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, a DWI conviction, points accumulation, or failure to maintain insurance. Each reason has different reinstatement steps. You cannot straightforward pay the fee and get your license back; you have to address what caused the suspension first.
Key Takeaways
- Check your suspension reason through the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6556 before you do anything else, because the reinstatement process depends entirely on why your license was suspended.
- Most reinstatements require a $100 fee paid to DPS, but you must resolve the underlying issue (unpaid fines, court case, insurance lapse, or DWI requirements) before the fee will be accepted.
- If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear, you must pay the court or resolve the court case before DPS will reinstate you.
- DWI-related suspensions require an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation and a waiting period that varies by offense, and you must show proof of installation to DPS.
- After you submit proof of resolution and pay the reinstatement fee, DPS typically processes your reinstatement within one to two weeks.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you take any action, you need to know the exact reason for your suspension. The DPS maintains a database of every active suspension in Texas, and you can look yours up without waiting on hold or visiting an office.
Go to the DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and use the Driver License Status Check tool. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number and your date of birth. The system will show you the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and sometimes the agency that reported it. If you cannot access the online tool, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Have your license number or Social Security number ready.
Write down the suspension reason and any case or ticket numbers shown. You will need this information to resolve the underlying issue.
Suspensions Due to Unpaid Fines or Failure to Appear
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or did not show up for a court date, you must resolve the court case before DPS will reinstate you. The court that issued the ticket or case holds the power here, not DPS.
Contact the court listed in your suspension notice. You can find the court's phone number through the Texas Justice Court Training Center website or by searching "[city name] justice court" or "[county name] district court." Tell them you have an active license suspension and ask what you owe. You may be able to pay over the phone, by mail, or in person. Some courts allow payment plans if you cannot pay in full when ready.
Once you have paid or resolved the court case, ask the court clerk for written confirmation. Keep this document — you will need to show it to DPS. After the court reports the resolution to DPS (which can take one to two weeks), you can submit your reinstatement fee and the written proof to DPS.
Suspensions Due to Failure to Maintain Insurance
If your license was suspended because your auto insurance lapsed or you failed to show proof of insurance after a ticket, you must obtain current insurance and provide proof to DPS.
Purchase or reinstate an auto insurance policy that covers the vehicle you drive in Texas. Your insurance company will issue a proof of insurance document (often called an SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility). Some drivers are required to file an SR-22 form with DPS, which your insurance agent can do for you; others straightforward need to show proof of current coverage.
Contact your insurance company and ask whether an SR-22 filing is required for your reinstatement. If it is, the company will file it with DPS at no extra charge (though the policy itself may cost more). If it is not required, print or request a copy of your proof of insurance and keep it with you. Once DPS receives the SR-22 or you have proof of current insurance in hand, you can pay the $100 reinstatement fee and submit it along with your proof of insurance to DPS.
Suspensions Due to DWI Conviction
DWI-related suspensions are the most complex reinstatement process in Texas. You must complete a waiting period, install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle, and provide proof of both to DPS.
The waiting period depends on whether this is your first DWI offense and whether your blood alcohol content (BAC) was above 0.15. For a first DWI with a BAC below 0.15, the mandatory waiting period is 60 days from the date of arrest or the date your license was suspended, whichever is later. For a first DWI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or for any subsequent DWI, the waiting period is 180 days. You cannot drive at all during this period, even with an IID installed.
After the waiting period ends, you must have an IID installed on any vehicle you own or regularly drive. An IID is a breathalyzer device connected to your vehicle's ignition; you blow into it before the engine will start. You can find an IID vendor through the DPS website or by searching "Ignition Interlock Device Texas." The vendor will install the device and provide you with a certificate of installation. This certificate is your proof that the IID is in place.
Bring the certificate of installation and proof that your waiting period has ended to a DPS office, along with the $100 reinstatement fee. You can also mail these documents to DPS. Once approved, your license will be reinstated with an IID restriction, meaning you must maintain the device on your vehicle for the period ordered by the court (typically six months to two years for a first offense).
Suspensions Due to Point Accumulation
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points on your driving record, the reinstatement process is simpler than a DWI suspension but still requires a waiting period.
Texas suspends licenses when a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a 12-month period, 18 or more points within a 24-month period, or 24 or more points within a 36-month period. The mandatory waiting period is typically 60 days from the suspension date. You cannot drive during this period.
After the waiting period ends, you must pay the $100 reinstatement fee to DPS. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Once DPS processes your payment, your license will be reinstated. However, your driving record still shows the points, so drive carefully — accumulating more points could result in another suspension.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Fee and Documentation
Once you have resolved the underlying issue (paid fines, obtained insurance, completed a DWI waiting period, or waited out a point suspension), you are ready to submit your reinstatement request to DPS.
You have three options: online, by mail, or in person. The online method is fastest. Go to dps.texas.gov, navigate to the Driver License section, and look for the Reinstatement option. You will need to enter your license number, date of birth, and the reason for suspension, then pay the $100 fee by credit or debit card. If you have documentation to upload (proof of insurance, court resolution, IID certificate), you can attach it during the online process.
If you prefer to mail your documents, send them to the DPS address listed on your suspension notice, along with a check or money order for $100 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Include a cover letter with your name, license number, date of birth, and a brief description of what you are submitting (for example, "Reinstatement fee and proof of insurance for suspension due to lapsed coverage").
You can also visit a DPS office in person. Bring your original or valid ID, the $100 fee in cash or check, and any required documentation. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. Find your nearest office on the DPS website.
After DPS receives your fee and documentation, processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive a new license in the mail or be notified that your reinstatement is complete.
What Happens If Your Reinstatement Is Denied
If DPS denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written notice explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to resolve the underlying issue, or a calculation error in your waiting period.
Read the denial letter carefully and contact DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6556 to ask what is missing or what you need to correct. If the issue is documentation, gather what DPS is asking for and resubmit. If the issue is a waiting period calculation, ask DPS to clarify the dates and confirm when you become may be able to access to reapply.
If you believe DPS made an error, you have the right to request a hearing. The denial letter will include instructions for requesting a hearing before the DPS Administrative Law Judge. This process takes several weeks but allows you to present your case if you believe the suspension or denial was incorrect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have an Ignition Interlock Device installed?
No. For DWI suspensions, you cannot drive at all during the mandatory waiting period, even with an IID installed. After the waiting period ends and your license is reinstated with an IID restriction, you can drive only vehicles with an active IID. For other suspension types, you cannot drive at all until your license is reinstated.
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit the reinstatement fee?
DPS typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks of receiving your fee and documentation. If you submit online, processing may be faster. You will receive your new license by mail or be notified that your reinstatement is complete. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask DPS for a temporary driving permit.
What if I cannot afford the $100 reinstatement fee right now?
Contact DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about payment plan options. Some offices may allow you to pay in installments, though this is not may provide. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, contact the court about a payment plan for those fines first, as the court may be able to work with you on timing.
Do I have to take a new written test to reinstate my license?
For most suspensions, no. However, if your license was suspended due to a DWI conviction and you are required to complete a DWI education program, you may need to pass a written test as part of that program. Check your suspension notice or ask DPS whether a test is required for your specific situation.
What if my suspension reason is not listed here?
Texas suspends licenses for many reasons, including child support arrears, medical conditions, or failure to pay court-ordered fines. Check your suspension status through the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6556 to find out your specific reason. The DPS representative can then tell you exactly what steps you need to take to reinstate your license.