How to Reinstate Your Suspended License in Texas

What You Need to Reinstate a Suspended License in Texas

To reinstate a suspended license in Texas, you must first resolve the reason your license was suspended, then pay a reinstatement fee to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, a DUI conviction, or another violation. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back; DPS will not process your reinstatement until the underlying issue is cleared.

The reinstatement fee itself is $100 for most suspensions, though some violations carry additional requirements like an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) or a defensive driving course. Once you have resolved the cause and paid the fee, you can submit your reinstatement request online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

You must resolve the reason for your suspension before DPS will reinstate your license — paying the fee alone is not enough.
The reinstatement fee is $100 for most suspensions, but some violations require an IID installation or defensive driving course before you can pay it.
You can request reinstatement online through the DPS website, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at a DPS office.
DPS processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks if everything is in order, but you should verify your suspension has been lifted before driving.

Common Reasons for License Suspension in Texas

Texas suspends licenses for many different violations, and each one has its own path to reinstatement. The most common reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a traffic court date, DUI or DWI convictions, accumulating too many points on your driving record, and failure to maintain auto insurance. Some suspensions are also issued for non-driving reasons, such as owing child support or failing to pay court-ordered restitution.

Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly why it was suspended. Texas DPS will have sent you a notice in the mail when the suspension took effect, but if you cannot find it, you can check your suspension status on the DPS website or by calling the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556. Knowing the reason matters because it determines what you must do to clear the suspension.

Resolving the Underlying Cause

If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — the ticket itself will list the court's phone number and address. Some courts allow payment by phone or online; others require you to pay in person or by mail. Once the court confirms payment, they will notify DPS, and your suspension will be lifted.

If you failed to appear in court, you must contact the court to reschedule your appearance or resolve the case. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pay the fine by phone or appear in person. If a DUI or DWI conviction caused the suspension, you may need to complete a DUI education program or install an Ignition Interlock Device before reinstatement is possible. For suspensions related to accumulating too many points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course. If child support or restitution is the issue, contact the agency responsible for collecting that debt.

Do not ignore a suspension notice. The longer you wait, the more complicated the situation can become, and driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas.

The Reinstatement Fee and Additional Requirements

Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you must pay a $100 reinstatement fee to DPS. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other payments you made to clear the suspension itself. Some suspensions carry additional requirements that must be completed before or alongside the reinstatement fee.

If your suspension involved a DUI or DWI, you will likely need to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle before your license can be reinstated. An IID is a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition; you must blow into it before the engine will start. The device costs between $100 and $300 to install, plus a monthly monitoring fee of $50 to $100. You must have the IID installed at an approved vendor and provide proof of installation to DPS before reinstatement.

For some suspensions, DPS may require you to complete a defensive driving course. This is a four- to six-hour course that covers traffic safety and defensive techniques. You can take it online or in person at approved driving schools throughout Texas. Once you complete the course, the school will send your certificate directly to DPS.

How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request

You have three ways to request reinstatement from DPS: online, by mail, or in person. The online method is the fastest and most convenient. Visit the DPS website at dps.texas.gov, navigate to the Driver License section, and look for the reinstatement option. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and payment information. DPS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks online.

If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you can mail your reinstatement request to the DPS office. Include a completed form (DL-44 or the form specified in your suspension notice), your check or money order for $100, proof that you have resolved the suspension cause, and any additional documentation like an IID installation receipt or defensive driving certificate. Mail everything to the address listed on your suspension notice or on the DPS website.

You can also visit a DPS office in person to request reinstatement. Bring your driver's license, proof of resolution, the $100 fee in cash or check, and any additional documents. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website.

Timeline for Reinstatement

If you submit your reinstatement request online and everything is in order, DPS typically processes it within one to two weeks. By mail, reinstatement can take two to four weeks because of processing time. In person, you may receive confirmation the same day, though DPS still needs time to update its system.

Do not assume your license is reinstated just because you submitted your request. After you have given DPS time to process it, check your suspension status again on the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6556 to confirm that your license is active. Driving before your reinstatement is official is illegal and can result in additional charges.

What Happens If Your Reinstatement Request Is Denied

DPS will deny your reinstatement request if the underlying cause has not been fully resolved, if you have not paid the reinstatement fee, or if you have not completed required courses or device installation. If your request is denied, DPS will send you a letter explaining why. Read it carefully and address each issue listed.

If you believe DPS made an error, you can request a hearing before the DPS Administrative Law Judge. You must request the hearing within 30 days of receiving the denial letter. Contact the DPS Driver License Division to find out how to file a hearing request in your area. A hearing gives you the chance to present evidence and argue your case before a judge who can overturn DPS's decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. You must wait until DPS confirms that your license is active. Driving during this time can result in criminal charges, fines, and an even longer suspension.

What if I cannot afford the $100 reinstatement fee right now?

Contact DPS to ask about payment plans. Some offices may allow you to pay the fee in installments, though this is not may provide. You can also contact the court or agency responsible for the original violation to ask about payment arrangements for those costs.

Do I need to take a written test or road test to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement does not require a written or road test. You only need to resolve the cause of the suspension, pay the fee, and submit your request. Your license will be restored to its previous status once DPS processes your reinstatement.

How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?

Once your license is reinstated, the suspension itself is no longer active. However, the reason for the suspension — such as a DUI conviction or traffic violation — remains on your record. Different violations stay on your record for different lengths of time, typically between three and ten years.

What if I moved out of state while my license was suspended?

You can still reinstate your Texas license even if you no longer live in Texas. Submit your reinstatement request by mail or online. However, if you now hold a license from another state, you may need to decide whether to reinstate your Texas license or keep your new state's license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.