The steps to reinstate a suspended Texas license depend on why it was suspended
You cannot straightforward wait out a suspension or pay a fine to the DMV and get your license back. Texas requires you to address the specific reason for the suspension first — whether that's paying child support arrears, settling a traffic debt, completing a DWI education program, or something else. Only after you resolve the underlying issue can you request reinstatement through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The process takes different forms depending on what caused the suspension. A suspension for unpaid child support requires action from the Texas Attorney General's office. A suspension for an unpaid traffic fine requires payment to the court that issued the ticket. A suspension for a DWI requires completion of an approved education program. This guide walks you through the most common suspension reasons and what you need to do to fix each one.
Key Takeaways
- You must resolve the reason for suspension before the DPS will reinstate your license — waiting does not make it go away.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions: child support arrears go through the Attorney General, traffic fines go to the court, and DWI suspensions require program completion.
- You can check your suspension reason and status on the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
- After you resolve the underlying issue, you must request reinstatement through the DPS, which typically takes one to two weeks.
- A reinstatement fee of $100 is required in most cases, paid directly to the DPS.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can fix the suspension, you need to know the exact reason. The DPS sent you a notice in the mail when the suspension took effect, but if you no longer have that letter, you can look it up online.
Go to the DPS website and use the Driver License Status Check tool. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show your current suspension status and the reason. Write down the reason and any case or reference numbers listed — you will need these when you contact the agency responsible for lifting the suspension.
If you cannot access the online tool or need to speak with someone, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556. Have your license number and date of birth ready. They can tell you the suspension reason and direct you to the right agency to contact next.
Resolve child support suspension through the Attorney General
If your license was suspended for failure to pay child support, the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division holds the suspension. You cannot contact the DPS to lift it — you must work with the Attorney General first.
Contact the Child Support Division at 1-800-252-8014 or visit their website. You will need to either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. Once you have made a payment or agreed to a plan, ask the Attorney General's office for a letter stating that you are in compliance or that a payment arrangement is in place. Keep this letter — you will submit it to the DPS when you request reinstatement.
If you cannot pay the full amount, a payment plan is usually available. The office will work with you on a schedule based on what you can afford. Once you are current or have an active plan, the Attorney General can request that the DPS lift the suspension, though you may still need to submit a formal reinstatement request yourself.
Pay traffic fines and court costs to the issuing court
A suspension for an unpaid traffic fine or failure to appear in court goes to the court that issued the ticket, not to the DPS. You must contact that court directly to pay what you owe.
Find the court's contact information on your ticket or on the Texas court system website. Call and ask for the traffic or criminal division. Provide your case number and driver's license number. The court will tell you the total amount owed, including any late fees or court costs. You can usually pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse.
Once you have paid in full, ask the court for written confirmation. Some courts will request that the DPS lift the suspension automatically, but others will not. Either way, keep the payment confirmation — you will need it if the DPS does not receive notice from the court within a few days.
Complete a DWI education program for alcohol-related suspension
If your license was suspended following a DWI arrest or conviction, you must complete an approved Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) education program before reinstatement is possible. This is a state requirement, not optional.
The DPS maintains a list of approved DWI education providers on its website. Search by county to find programs near you. Most programs are 12 hours long and cost between $100 and $300, though prices vary. You can attend in person or online, depending on the provider.
After you complete the program, the provider will send a certificate of completion directly to the DPS. Keep a copy for your records. You do not need to submit it yourself — the DPS will receive it electronically. However, do not request reinstatement until you have finished the program, because the DPS will check for the certificate before processing your request.
Request reinstatement from the DPS after resolving the suspension cause
Once you have resolved the underlying reason — paid the fine, completed the program, or arranged child support payment — you can request that the DPS reinstate your license. You have three options: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
Online reinstatement is the fastest method. Go to the DPS website and use the License Reinstatement Request tool. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method for the $100 reinstatement fee. The system will confirm that the suspension cause has been resolved and process your request when ready. Your license status should update within one to two business days.
By mail, send a letter to the DPS address listed on your suspension notice. Include your driver's license number, date of birth, the reason the license was suspended, and proof that you have resolved the issue (payment receipt, program certificate, or court confirmation). Enclose a check or money order for $100 made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mail takes one to two weeks to process, plus postal time.
In person at any DPS office, bring your driver's license, proof of resolution, and $100 in cash or card. An employee can process your reinstatement on the spot, and your status may update the same day. Find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website.
What to do if your reinstatement request is denied
If the DPS denies your reinstatement request, it means the system did not find proof that the suspension cause was resolved. This usually happens when the court or other agency has not yet reported the resolution to the DPS, even though you have paid or completed your requirement.
Contact the agency that caused the suspension (the court, Attorney General, or DWI program provider) and ask them to confirm that they have reported the resolution to the DPS. Ask for the date they sent the report and any reference number. Then wait three to five business days and request reinstatement again. If you are still denied, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and ask them to manually check whether the resolution has been recorded.
In rare cases, you may need to provide the DPS with a copy of your proof directly. If you paid a fine, bring the receipt. If you completed a program, bring the certificate. If you arranged child support payment, bring the letter from the Attorney General. The DPS can then manually update your file and process reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I request reinstatement?
Online requests typically process within one to two business days. Mail requests take one to two weeks for processing, plus postal delivery time. In-person requests at a DPS office may be processed the same day. The timeline also depends on whether the DPS has already received confirmation from the court, Attorney General, or program provider that the suspension cause was resolved.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee even if the suspension was a mistake?
Yes, the $100 reinstatement fee applies in almost all cases, even if the suspension was later found to be in error. The only exception is if the DPS determines that the suspension was issued due to their own administrative error. If you believe this is the case, contact the DPS directly to request a fee waiver.
Can I drive before my reinstatement is approved?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Texas and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. You must wait until the DPS confirms that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount owed right now?
For child support, the Attorney General can set up a payment plan. For traffic fines, contact the court and ask about payment plans or hardship options — many courts offer them. For DWI programs, some providers offer payment plans as well. Contact the relevant agency to discuss your options before requesting reinstatement.
Will my reinstatement show up on my driving record?
Yes. Your driving record will show that your license was suspended and when it was reinstated. This record is visible to insurance companies and law enforcement. The suspension itself remains on your record, but reinstatement shows that you have resolved the issue.