Who to Call and What Number to Use
If your Texas driver's license is suspended, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the state agency that manages your case. You can reach the DPS Driver's License Division by phone at 1-888-589-6556. This is the main customer service line for license-related questions, including suspension status, reinstatement requirements, and fees.
The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call — the representative will need one to pull up your record.
If you cannot reach DPS by phone or prefer to handle this in person, you can visit a DPS Driver's License office in your county. The office locator is on the DPS website at www.dps.texas.gov. In-person visits often have shorter wait times than phone lines, especially if you go early in the week.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Texas DPS Driver's License Division at 1-888-589-6556 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Have your driver's license number or Social Security number available before calling so the representative can access your suspension record.
- You can also visit a local DPS Driver's License office in person, which often has shorter wait times than the phone line.
- The DPS website at www.dps.texas.gov has an office locator tool and information about reinstatement fees and requirements specific to your suspension reason.
- Some suspension types require you to pay fines, complete a course, or resolve a court case before DPS will reinstate your license.
What Information DPS Will Give You Over the Phone
When you call, the representative will tell you the specific reason your license is suspended. Texas suspends licenses for different reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, drug convictions, or medical conditions — and each reason has its own reinstatement path. The representative will explain which one applies to you.
They will also tell you the reinstatement fee, which varies by suspension type. Some suspensions require only a fee payment; others require you to resolve the underlying issue first (such as paying a fine to the court or completing a defensive driving course). The representative can tell you which documents or payments DPS needs from you before your license can be reinstated.
Ask the representative for a case number or reference number. Write it down. If you need to follow up or if something goes wrong with your reinstatement, that number will help the next representative find your record quickly.
How to Reinstate Your License After Calling
After you call and learn what you owe, you have several ways to move forward. If your suspension is due to an unpaid fine or fee, you can often pay online through the DPS website or by phone using a credit or debit card. Some suspensions require payment to a court or another agency (such as the Texas Attorney General's office for child support cases), not to DPS directly.
If your suspension requires you to complete a course or resolve a court case, the DPS representative will tell you where to go and what important date you face. For example, if your license was suspended for a drug conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse course before DPS will reinstate you. If it was suspended for failure to appear in court, you must resolve that court case first.
Once you have paid what you owe or completed what was required, you can request reinstatement. You can do this online at www.dps.texas.gov, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online reinstatement is the fastest option and usually takes one to three business days.
Suspension Types and What Each One Requires
Texas suspends licenses for several reasons, and the reinstatement process differs for each. Understanding your suspension type helps you know what to expect when you call DPS.
| Suspension Reason | What You Must Do Before Reinstatement |
|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fine or court costs | Pay the fine and court costs to the court that issued the ticket. |
| Failure to appear in court | Appear in court or resolve the case with the court. |
| Child support arrears | Pay arrears or set up a payment plan with the Texas Attorney General's office. |
| Drug conviction | Complete a substance abuse course and provide proof to DPS. |
| Conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) | Complete an alcohol education course and install an ignition interlock device (if required by the court). |
| Medical condition or vision problem | Provide a medical report or vision test results from a licensed doctor. |
What to Do If You Cannot Reach DPS by Phone
If you have tried calling 1-888-589-6556 multiple times and cannot get through, visit a DPS Driver's License office in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents related to your suspension (court papers, fine notices, or medical records). The office staff can look up your case and tell you exactly what you need to do.
You can also mail a written request to the DPS Driver's License Division. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a brief description of your question. Mail it to the address listed on the DPS website. Response times for mail are typically two to three weeks, so this is slower than calling or visiting in person.
If your suspension is related to a court case or child support, you may also contact the court directly or the Texas Attorney General's office. They can tell you the status of your case and what you need to do to resolve it so DPS can reinstate your license.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calling DPS
Do not assume your suspension will be lifted automatically after a certain amount of time. Texas does not automatically reinstate suspended licenses. You must take action — pay fines, complete courses, or resolve court cases — and then request reinstatement. If you do nothing, your suspension stays in place indefinitely.
Do not pay a fine or fee to anyone except the court or agency that issued the suspension. Scams targeting suspended drivers exist. If someone calls you claiming to be from DPS and demands payment, hang up and call DPS directly at the number above to verify. DPS will never call you first asking for payment.
Do not drive on a suspended license while waiting for reinstatement. Driving with a suspended license is a crime in Texas and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask DPS about a hardship license, which may be available depending on your suspension reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Texas?
If you pay online or in person and have no other requirements, reinstatement usually takes one to three business days. If you must complete a course or resolve a court case first, the timeline depends on how quickly you finish those steps. Once DPS receives proof that you have met all requirements, reinstatement is quick.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Texas allows hardship licenses for certain suspension types, such as suspensions for unpaid fines or child support arrears. A hardship license lets you drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to ask whether you are may be able to access and what you must do to request one.
What if I do not know why my license is suspended?
Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 with your driver's license number or Social Security number. The representative will pull up your record and tell you the reason. If the reason is unclear or you disagree with it, ask for a case number and request a written explanation by mail.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I was not guilty of the offense?
Yes. The reinstatement fee is separate from guilt or innocence. Even if you contest a traffic ticket or other charge in court, DPS still charges a reinstatement fee once your suspension is lifted. The fee covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement.
Can I reinstate my license online if I owe money to a court?
Not directly. You must pay the court first, then request reinstatement from DPS. Once DPS receives notice that the court has been paid, you can complete online reinstatement. Call DPS to confirm that payment has been recorded before you attempt to reinstate online.