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 — the reason determines what you have to do next. Texas suspends licenses for different violations: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DWI convictions, accumulating too many points, or not paying child support. Each path to reinstatement is different.
Start by checking your suspension status with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can look this up online through the DPS website, by phone at 1-888-589-6900, or in person at a DPS office. When you call or visit, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DPS will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you must complete before you can reinstate.
Once you know the reason, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, complete a DWI education program, or show proof that child support is current. After you have done that, you can request reinstatement through the DPS. Most people do this by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- Check your suspension reason first by calling the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or visiting their website — you cannot reinstate without knowing why your license was suspended.
- Resolve the underlying issue that caused the suspension: pay outstanding fines, appear in court, complete required programs, or show proof of child support payments.
- Submit your reinstatement request to the DPS by mail, online, or in person once you have completed all requirements.
- A reinstatement fee of $100 is required in most cases, though some suspensions may have additional fees depending on the reason.
- Processing time is typically two to four weeks after the DPS receives your request and confirms you have met all conditions.
Suspension Reasons and What Each One Requires
A traffic fine suspension happens when you do not pay a ticket within the important date set by the court. To reinstate, you must pay the fine in full, plus any collection costs. Contact the court listed on your ticket to confirm the exact amount owed and make payment. Once the court notifies the DPS that you have paid, you can request reinstatement.
A failure to appear suspension occurs when you miss a court date. You must go back to the same court, explain your absence, and resolve the original charge — usually by paying a fine or pleading guilty. The court will then notify the DPS. Do not skip this step; the court must clear the suspension before the DPS can reinstate your license.
A DWI-related suspension requires more steps. You must complete a DWI education program (also called a DWI intervention program) approved by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Commission. You will also need an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle for a set period, depending on whether it was your first offense. After completing the program and installing the device, you can request reinstatement.
A point-based suspension happens when you accumulate too many traffic violations in a short time. Texas uses a point system: minor violations add points to your record, and reaching a threshold triggers suspension. For this type, you straightforward wait out a waiting period (usually 40 days for the first suspension) and then request reinstatement. No additional action is required beyond paying the reinstatement fee.
A child support suspension means you are behind on court-ordered payments. Contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division or your local child support office to bring your account current. Once you have made the required payments or set up an approved payment plan, the office will notify the DPS, and you can request reinstatement.
How to Request Reinstatement
You have three ways to request reinstatement: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request and pay the reinstatement fee when ready. Go to the DPS website, select the reinstatement option, and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number and proof that you have completed all requirements.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to the DPS address listed on their website. Include your name, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (a receipt showing payment, a court document, a program completion certificate, or a child support clearance letter). Attach a check or money order for the $100 reinstatement fee. Mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mail time.
You can also visit a DPS office in person. Bring your driver's license, proof of resolution, and payment for the reinstatement fee. An officer will review your documents on the spot. If everything is in order, your reinstatement is processed when ready, though your new license may take a few days to arrive by mail.
The Reinstatement Fee and Other Costs
The standard reinstatement fee in Texas is $100. This fee is required for almost all suspension types. Some suspensions carry additional fees: a DWI-related reinstatement may include a $100 surcharge on top of the base fee, and an ignition interlock device costs money to install and maintain (typically $60 to $150 per month, depending on the provider).
If your suspension was caused by unpaid fines, you must pay those fines first. If it was caused by failure to appear, the court may add court costs or collection fees on top of the original fine. Ask the court or the DPS exactly what you owe before you submit payment — paying the wrong amount will delay your reinstatement.
What Happens After You Request Reinstatement
After you submit your reinstatement request, the DPS will review it to confirm you have met all requirements. This review typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended. Do not drive — you can be arrested for driving with a suspended license, which creates a new criminal charge separate from the original suspension.
Once the DPS approves your reinstatement, they will mail you a new driver's license. If you requested reinstatement in person at a DPS office, you may receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. If you requested reinstatement by mail or online, your new license will arrive by mail within a week or two.
If your request is denied, the DPS will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines that the DPS was not notified about, or failure to complete a required program. Read the letter carefully and contact the DPS to find out what additional steps you need to take.
Special Situations: Hardship Licenses and Occupational Licenses
If you need to drive before your full reinstatement is complete, you may be able to get a hardship license (also called an occupational license). This is a limited license that allows you to drive for specific purposes: work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You cannot use it for personal errands or pleasure driving.
To get a hardship license, you must show the DPS that you have a genuine need to drive and that you have completed or are actively working on the requirements for full reinstatement. You will need to fill out an process, provide documentation of your need (a letter from your employer, school, or doctor), and pay a fee (typically $50 to $100). A hardship license is not automatic — the DPS reviews each request individually.
Hardship licenses are most commonly granted for point-based suspensions and some DWI suspensions. They are less likely to be granted for suspensions related to unpaid child support or failure to appear in court. Ask the DPS whether you are may be able to access when you check your suspension status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DPS approves your reinstatement and issues a new license. Driving during this time is illegal and can result in arrest. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you can request a hardship license, which may be granted while your full reinstatement is pending.
What if I cannot pay the fine or fee right now?
Contact the court or the agency that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. For the reinstatement fee, the DPS does not offer payment plans, but some DPS offices may accept partial payments — call ahead to ask. Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement even if you are still paying the fee in installments.
How long does reinstatement take?
If you request reinstatement in person at a DPS office and all your documents are in order, you may receive a temporary license the same day. Otherwise, expect two to four weeks for the DPS to process your request and mail your new license. Online requests are usually faster than mail requests.
Do I have to take a driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written test or road test. You only need to resolve the issue that caused the suspension and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your license has been suspended for more than two years, you may need to pass a written test and vision test when you reinstate.
What if my suspension was for a DWI and I need to drive for work?
You can request a hardship license while you are completing the DWI education program and arranging for an ignition interlock device. A hardship license for a DWI suspension usually allows you to drive to and from work, to the DWI program, and to medical appointments. You cannot use it for any other purpose.