What You Need to Do to Reinstate a Suspended License in Texas
To reinstate a suspended license in Texas, you must first find out why it was suspended, pay any fines or fees owed to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and then submit a reinstatement request. The specific steps depend on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, drug conviction, or another violation. Texas does not automatically restore your license once the suspension period ends; you must take action to get it back.
The reinstatement fee is $100, plus any additional fees tied to the original violation. If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines first. If it was for failure to pay child support, you must contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division to resolve the debt. Once all requirements are met, you can request reinstatement through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- You must determine the reason for your suspension before you can reinstate your license, because different violations have different requirements.
- The reinstatement fee is $100, and you must also pay any fines, court costs, or child support arrears tied to the original suspension.
- You can request reinstatement online through the DPS website, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at a DPS office.
- Texas does not automatically restore your license after the suspension period ends — you must submit a reinstatement request yourself.
- If your suspension was for a drug conviction, you may need to complete a drug education program or provide proof of completion before reinstatement.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
The Texas DPS sends a notice to your address on file when your license is suspended, but that notice may not have reached you or may have been lost. To find the reason, log into your DPS account at dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the menu. You can also call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 to speak with a representative who can tell you the suspension reason and what you owe.
Common suspension reasons in Texas include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, drug conviction, driving without insurance, and accumulation of too many points on your record. Each reason has its own resolution path. For example, if your suspension is for unpaid fines, you pay the court. If it is for child support, you contact the Attorney General's office. Knowing the exact reason is the first step toward meeting all requirements.
Paying Fines and Court Costs
If your suspension was triggered by unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the court that issued the ticket, not the DPS. Find the court's contact information on your ticket or search for the court by county at courts.texas.gov. You can usually pay by phone, online, or in person. Ask the court clerk for a receipt or confirmation number, because you will need proof of payment when you request reinstatement.
Some courts allow payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Contact the court directly to ask about this option. Once you have paid in full, the court will notify the DPS automatically, but this can take several days. Do not assume the DPS has received the payment; verify by checking your DPS account or calling customer service before submitting your reinstatement request.
Resolving Child Support Arrears
If your license was suspended for failure to pay child support, you must contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division at 1-800-252-8014 or visit texasattorneygeneral.gov. The division will tell you the exact amount owed and your payment options. You can make a lump-sum payment or set up a payment plan, but your license will not be reinstated until the division confirms that you are current or have a court-approved payment arrangement in place.
Once you have resolved the child support issue, the Attorney General's office will send a release to the DPS. This process can take one to two weeks. You can then proceed with your reinstatement request. Keep documentation of your payment or payment plan agreement, because the DPS may ask for it.
Completing Drug Education Requirements
If your suspension resulted from a drug-related conviction, Texas may require you to complete a drug education program before reinstatement. The DPS will specify this requirement in your suspension notice or when you check your account online. You must take an approved course — the DPS maintains a list of certified providers on its website under "Drug Offender Education Program."
After you complete the program, the provider will send proof of completion directly to the DPS. You do not need to submit it yourself, but you should verify that the DPS has received it before paying your reinstatement fee. Call customer service or check your online account to confirm the program status shows as completed.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request
Once all requirements are met — fines paid, child support resolved, drug education completed, or whatever applies to your case — you can request reinstatement. You have three options: online, by mail, or in person.
Online: Log into your DPS account at dps.texas.gov, go to "Driver License," and select "Request Reinstatement." Pay the $100 fee with a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Processing typically takes three to five business days.
By mail: Send a check or money order for $100 to the Texas DPS at the address listed on the DPS website under "Mailing Addresses." Include a letter stating your name, driver license number, and the reason for reinstatement. Keep a copy for your records. Mail processing takes one to two weeks.
In person: Visit a DPS office with your driver license or ID and pay the $100 fee in cash, check, or card. You will receive a receipt and your license will be reinstated on the spot if all requirements are met. Find your nearest office at dps.texas.gov under "Office Locations."
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
After you submit your reinstatement request, the DPS will review it to confirm that all requirements have been satisfied. If everything is in order, your license status will change from suspended to valid within three to five business days for online requests, or one to two weeks for mail requests. You can check your status by logging into your DPS account or calling customer service.
If your request is denied, the DPS will send you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete payment, unresolved child support, or missing drug education documentation. Address the issue and resubmit. If you have questions about the denial, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to speak with a representative who can walk you through the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a license suspension last in Texas?
The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear typically last until you resolve the issue. Suspensions for drug convictions last at least 180 days. Suspensions for accumulating too many points last 90 days to one year. Regardless of the length, you must request reinstatement — the suspension does not automatically lift.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have paid everything I owe?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DPS processes your reinstatement request and updates your status. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, arrest, or vehicle impoundment. Wait for confirmation that your license has been reinstated before driving.
What if I cannot afford the $100 reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about payment plan options. Some offices may work with you, but this is not may provide. You can also ask about fee waivers if you are experiencing financial hardship, though may be able to access varies.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new test unless your license has expired or your suspension was for a medical reason. If your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it, which may include a new written test and vision screening.
What if my suspension was for driving without insurance?
You must obtain auto insurance and provide proof to the DPS. Contact your insurance company to get a proof-of-insurance document, then submit it along with your reinstatement request. The DPS will verify the policy is active before reinstating your license.