What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your Texas License
To reinstate a suspended or revoked Texas driver's license, you must first determine why it was suspended, then satisfy the specific requirements tied to that reason. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not reinstate your license until you have completed all required steps — which might include paying fees, completing a defensive driving course, serving a waiting period, or resolving an outstanding child support or traffic fine issue.
The reinstatement process is not automatic. You must take action. The DPS does not contact you when you become may be able to access; you contact them. Most reinstatements happen through the mail or online, but some require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what you must do — child support arrears, unpaid fines, DWI conviction, and accumulating traffic violations each have different requirements.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS (currently $100 for most suspensions) before your license becomes active again.
- Some suspensions require you to file an SR-22 form with your insurance company, which proves you carry the minimum required coverage.
- You can check your suspension reason and reinstatement may be able to access through the DPS website or by calling the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556.
- Reinstatement timelines vary: some take a few days after you pay the fee, while others require a waiting period or completion of court-ordered programs.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you must know the reason for the suspension. Texas suspends licenses for many different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, accumulation of traffic violations (points), DWI or DUI conviction, failure to appear in court, and failure to maintain required insurance.
To find your suspension reason, visit the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and use the Driver License Status Check tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The tool will tell you whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid, and it will list the reason. You can also 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 ready.
Write down the exact reason and any case or citation numbers shown. You will need this information to complete reinstatement.
Pay Outstanding Fines, Child Support, or Court Costs
If your suspension is due to an unpaid traffic fine, unpaid court costs, or child support arrears, you must resolve that debt before the DPS will reinstate your license. The DPS does not collect these payments directly — you pay the court, the city or county that issued the citation, or the child support enforcement agency.
For unpaid traffic fines or court costs, contact the court listed on your citation or ticket. You can often pay online through the court's website, by phone, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, it sends notice to the DPS. Allow 5 to 10 business days for the DPS to receive and process that notice.
For child support arrears, contact the Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Division at 1-800-252-8014 or visit oag.texas.gov. You must bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Once child support is current, the agency notifies the DPS, but this can take 10 to 15 business days.
Pay the Reinstatement Fee to the DPS
Once you have resolved the underlying issue (paid the fine, resolved child support, or completed a required program), you must pay the reinstatement fee directly to the Texas DPS. The standard reinstatement fee is $100. Some suspensions carry additional fees — for example, a suspension related to a DWI conviction may include a $100 fee plus the cost of an SR-22 filing through your insurance company.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. To pay online, go to dps.texas.gov, select "Pay Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number and the reason code for your suspension. Payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic check is accepted. The fee is processed when ready, and your license is usually reinstated within one business day.
If you pay by mail, send a check or money order payable to the "Texas Department of Public Safety" along with a letter stating your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for suspension. Mail it to the DPS address listed on their website. Allow 10 to 15 business days for processing.
File an SR-22 if Required by Your Suspension Type
If your suspension is related to a DWI, DUI, reckless driving conviction, or accumulation of violations, Texas may require you to file an SR-22 form with your insurance company. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the minimum required auto insurance coverage. It is not a separate insurance policy — it is a form your current insurance company files with the DPS on your behalf.
Contact your auto insurance company and ask whether an SR-22 is required for your reinstatement. If it is, your insurance company will file it electronically with the DPS at no cost to you (though some companies charge a small filing fee, typically $15 to $25). Once filed, the DPS receives it within 1 to 3 business days. You do not file the SR-22 yourself; your insurance company does it.
If you do not have auto insurance, you must obtain a policy that includes the SR-22 before you can reinstate your license. Some insurance companies specialize in high-risk drivers and can issue a policy with an SR-22 quickly. The SR-22 requirement typically lasts three years from the date of filing, though this varies by the reason for suspension.
Complete Any Required Defensive Driving or DWI Education Course
Depending on your suspension reason, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course, a DWI education program, or a substance abuse treatment program before reinstatement. The DPS will specify this requirement in your suspension notice or when you check your status online.
For a defensive driving course, you must take an approved course offered by a licensed provider. Texas recognizes online and in-person courses. The course typically takes 4 to 6 hours and costs between $25 and $75. Once you complete it, the provider sends a certificate of completion to the DPS. You do not need to submit it yourself.
For a DWI education program or substance abuse treatment, the court that convicted you will specify which program you must attend and the timeline. These programs are longer and more intensive than defensive driving courses. You must complete the program and obtain a certificate before you can reinstate your license. Contact the court or the probation department for a list of approved providers in your area.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request or Wait Out a Suspension Period
After you have completed all required steps — paid fees, resolved underlying issues, filed an SR-22 if needed, and completed any required courses — you are ready to request reinstatement. For most suspensions, you can request reinstatement online through the DPS website or by mail. Some suspensions have a mandatory waiting period, during which you cannot request reinstatement no matter what you have done.
Mandatory waiting periods explore to certain DWI convictions and serious violations. For example, a first DWI conviction carries a mandatory 90-day suspension; a second DWI within 5 years carries a mandatory one-year suspension. You cannot shorten these periods. Once the waiting period ends, you can then pay the reinstatement fee and request reinstatement.
To request reinstatement online, visit the DPS website, select "Reinstate Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and payment method. Processing usually takes 1 to 3 business days. If you request by mail, include a letter with your name, license number, date of birth, and the reason for suspension, along with payment. Allow 10 to 15 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DPS officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional charges, fines, and license suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DPS before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee all at once?
The DPS does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you may be able to arrange a payment plan with the court or child support agency before paying the DPS reinstatement fee. Contact the relevant agency to discuss options.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?
Online payment processing usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Mail payments take 10 to 15 business days. Once the DPS processes your payment and confirms all requirements are met, your license is reinstated. You will receive written confirmation by mail or email.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written or driving test. You only need to satisfy the specific requirements tied to your suspension reason — paying fees, completing courses, or waiting out a suspension period.
What if my license was revoked instead of suspended?
Revocation is permanent and more serious than suspension. You cannot reinstate a revoked license. Instead, you must reapply for a new license through the standard process process, which includes passing a written test, a driving test, and a vision test. Contact the DPS for details on reapplication after revocation.