SR22 State

How to get your license reinstated in Texas

Checked against official Texas sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

Getting a suspended Texas license back means meeting every requirement on your record, paying every reinstatement fee, and, in many cases, having an SR-22 filed. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles reinstatement, and its License Eligibility page shows exactly what you still owe. [1][2][3]

SR-22 required?
Yes
Base reinstatement fee
$100
Keep SR-22 for
2 years

Step by step

  1. Check what you need to reinstate

    Look up your record on DPS's License Eligibility page. It lists what you need to submit and any reinstatement fees you owe. [2][4]

    Driver License Eligibility ↗

  2. Wait out the suspension period

    Your license stays suspended for the full period. During an ALR suspension, DPS says you may be eligible to apply for an occupational license to drive a non-commercial vehicle. [5]

  3. Have your insurer file an SR-22, if required

    DWI, drug offenses, driving while license invalid, a second no-insurance conviction, crash suspensions, and unpaid crash judgments all call for an SR-22. Your insurer files it with DPS, and you keep it for 2 years from the conviction or judgment. An insurance card doesn't count, and DPS can take up to 21 business days to process the SR-22. [1][3][6]

  4. Pay every reinstatement fee

    Each suspension type has its own fee, $100 for most and $125 for an administrative license revocation (ALR). Paying online through License Eligibility costs a $5.75 convenience fee and posts right away. Payments by mail take up to 21 business days. Driver license offices don't take reinstatement fees, and DPS can't waive them or split them into installments. [4]

    Driver License Eligibility ↗

  5. Send any other documents DPS asks for

    If License Eligibility lists documents you still owe, send them by mail, fax, or email (PDF only). Allow 21 business days. [2]

  6. Confirm your status, then renew or apply

    Check License Eligibility again to make sure nothing is outstanding. All reinstatement fees must be paid before you can apply for, renew, or upgrade any license, including an occupational or interlock license. [4]

    Driver License Eligibility ↗

After a DWI arrest or conviction

  1. Request an ALR hearing quickly, if you want one

    If an officer served you a suspension notice, you have 15 days from the date it was served to request a hearing. If you took a blood test and your suspension notice came by mail after the results, you have 20 days from the date it was mailed. [5]

  2. Expect the ALR fee and an SR-22

    An ALR suspension carries a $125 reinstatement fee, on top of any other fees you owe. A DWI conviction also requires an SR-22 for 2 years from the conviction. [5][7]

Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm your own requirements with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) before you drive.

SR-22 rules in Texas · If your SR-22 lapses · Reinstatement in other states

Sources

  1. Texas DPS - Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. Texas DPS - Reinstating Your Driver License or Driving Privilege (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  3. Texas DPS - Driver License Enforcement Actions (DL-176, rev. 10/2025) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  4. Texas DPS - FAQ Section 7: Reinstatement Fees and Special Licenses (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  5. Texas DPS - Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Program (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  6. Texas DPS - FAQ Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  7. Texas DPS - Alcohol-Related Offenses (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)

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