A person whose driver’s license has been suspended or revoked following an arrest for DUI/DWI generally may apply to have their license reinstated at the end of the suspension or revocation period by paying a reissue or reinstatement fee and providing proof of financial responsibility (insurance)—but only after completing any court-ordered sentence, including (1) jail or prison time, (2) work furlough or work release, (3) probation, (4) DUI traffic school, alcohol rehabilitation, treatment, or intervention programs, and (5) payment of fines and court costs.
A driver’s license that has been suspended or revoked is not automatically reinstated when the suspension or revocation period ends, and the driver must complete the reinstatement process to drive legally.
Laws regarding the reinstatement of a driver's license after suspension or revocation for a DUI/DWI arrest vary from state to state and are generally located in a state's statutes—often in the vehicle code, transportation code, or vehicle and traffic code.
In Texas, after a DUI/DWI arrest resulting in a driver's license suspension or revocation, the individual must wait until the suspension or revocation period concludes before applying for reinstatement. To legally reinstate their driver's license, the individual must complete all court-ordered sentences, which may include jail time, probation, DUI education programs, and payment of fines and court costs. Additionally, they must pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof of financial responsibility, typically in the form of SR-22 insurance. It's important to note that the license is not automatically reinstated after the period ends; the driver must actively complete the reinstatement process. Texas laws regarding the reinstatement process can be found in the state's Transportation Code.
