Reinstating a Driver's License in Texas

If your Texas license or driving privilege is suspended, revoked, cancelled or denied, check the DPS License Eligibility page to see what you must submit for reinstatement. Pay any reinstatement fee online there (about 24-48 hours to process), or mail payment with your documents to DPS Central Cash Receiving, P.O. Box 15999, Austin, TX 78761-5999. Send remaining compliance documents by mail (Enforcement and Compliance Service, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0320), fax (512-424-2848) or email (driver.improvement@dps.texas.gov, PDF only), with your full name, date of birth and license number on each document; allow 21 business days.

DPS suspends licenses for reasons including driving while suspended or without a license after denial, being a habitually reckless or negligent driver, being a habitual violator (4 moving violations in 12 months or 7 in 24), causing a crash with serious injury or damage, out-of-state offenses, and, for drivers under 18, two or more moving violations in 12 months. DWI convictions and failing or refusing a breath or blood test also lead to suspensions. Surcharge-only suspensions ended with the 2019 repeal of the Driver Responsibility Program, but other suspensions, fines, and fees still apply.

A person whose license is suspended (other than for a physical or mental disability or a finding that they cannot drive safely), including after a DWI conviction or an administrative suspension, may apply for an occupational driver's license. The court order sets permitted hours, days, reasons, and routes, bars driving commercial vehicles, and may require an ignition interlock, alcohol testing, or counseling.