What happens after my license suspension is over

Some people believe that if their license is suspended, it will be sent back to them once the suspension period is over. Unfortunately, it's not the simple. The burder is on you to get your license back, which may require several steps.

Steps for getting your license back

In order to reinstate a Texas driver’s license after it has been suspended, you must do three things:

• wait out the suspension period 
• complete the requirements for reinstatement, and
• pay the reinstatement fees. 

All three steps can vary depending on the reason for the license suspension, but can be fulfilled through the use of the Texas Department of Public Safety online license eligibility service. You can also go there to check the status and eligibility of your license.

Typically, the fee to reinstate a driver’s license in Texas is $125, but may vary depending on the type of offense. To reinstate your license through this service, you will need your driver’s license number, birthdate, last four digits of your Social Security number, payment for the reinstatement fee, and submission of any required documents like compliance documents or a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate. If you do not wish to reinstate your license through the online portal, you can also mail in all of the required documents to the Department of Public Safety.

Possible Additional Requirements

Depending on the type of suspension you received, you may be required to fulfill additional requirements to reinstate your driver’s license in Texas. If your license was suspended for medical reasons, you may be required to submit your medical information and pass a driving test before getting your license back. For a DWI or DUI suspension, you may be required to complete an alcohol education program, drug offender program, and/or install an ignition interlock device before reinstating your license. For suspensions that come from a lack of insurance, you may need to submit one of the following documents:

● Evidence of car insurance valid during the date of the accident

● A notarized Release from Judgment

● An installment agreement

● An SR-22 form from your insurance company that is prepaid for six months or an application for reinstatement of driver’s license and registration under the Safety

Responsibility Act if a civil lawsuit has not been filed within two years of the accident.

If you have questions about reinstating your driver’s license after it has been suspended in the Waco area, my office is here to help. Call or contact  us today to speak with someone about your case.

Conviction of a serious traffic violation or multiple traffic violations can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver license or privilege to drive in New York State.  It is illegal to drive here when your driver license or driving privilege  is suspended or revoked.  

If your license or driving privilege is suspended or revoked, DMV will send a notice (called an “order”) to the address we have on file.  Be sure to follow the instructions on the order.

Suspended driving privilege

A suspension means your license or driving privilege will be taken away for a period of time.  You may need to pay a suspension termination fee.  Your suspension period can be definite (which has a beginning and end date) or indefinite, which does not end until you take a required action. 

Definite suspensions

If you receive a definite suspension order, it will tell you how long the suspension period will last.  You cannot drive until the period ends, you pay a termination fee, and have a valid driver license again.  You can use DMV’s My License, Permit or ID service to check if your license is valid. 

Common reasons for definite suspensions

• you did not have automobile liability insurance 
• you were convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving charge 
  
• you received too many traffic tickets in a certain amount of time 
  
• you did not follow the rules for junior drivers 

Indefinite suspensions

If you receive an indefinite suspension order, it will tell you what you must do to remove the suspension.

Common reasons for indefinite suspensions

• you did not answer a traffic ticket 
• you did not pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)
• you did not file a motor vehicle accident report
• you failed to pay child support 
• you have unpaid NY State tax debts 
• you did not have automobile liability insurance 

Note:  Your license or driving privilege may be suspended due to a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely (see Administrative Review Suspensions). 

Revoked driver license or driving privilege

If you receive an order from DMV saying your license or driving privilege is revoked, this means your license has been cancelled and you must get a new one when the revocation period ends.  In most cases, before you can get a new license you must first request approval from DMV when the revocation period is over. You may be required to take the written and driving tests again and pay a license re­application fee. Your application may be denied if you have a high risk driving record or fail to meet DMV requirements.  You may also need to pay a driver civil penalty before your license or driving privilege can be restored.  

Common reasons for revocations are

• you operated or permitted operation of a vehicle without insurance
• you were involved in an uninsured motor vehicle accident
• you were convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving charge 
  
• you were convicted of a serious traffic offense or multiple offenses
• you failed a DMV road test
• you made a false statement on an application for a license or registration
• you were a driver in a motor vehicle crash that involved a fatality

 See also Suppose Your License was Taken Away.

How to check if your license is suspended or revoked

Sign up for MyDMV and use the My License, Permit or ID service.

How to restore your driving privilege after a suspension of revocation

Read the instructions on the suspension of revocation letter we mailed to you carefully.  You can also use the restore license service to see what steps you will need to take. 

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