Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Driver License Suspension Lawyer
Driver License Eligibility Check For Texas: Your Key to Staying Legal on the Road
Many Texans are unknowingly driving with a suspended or ineligible driver’s license. This oversight can lead to severe financial penalties, significant personal damage, and even arrest for Driving While License Invalid (DWLI). In some cases, a DWLI conviction can result in jail time, substantial fines, and mandatory license reinstatement fees. Given the potential severity of these consequences, it’s crucial to regularly perform a driver’s license eligibility check to ensure your Texas driving privileges are in good standing.
This article is intended to help you determine the current status of your Texas driving privileges and understand the steps to take if an issue is found. If you discover your license is suspended or ineligible and would like to discuss your options with our Dallas lawyers specializing in suspended license issues, feel free to contact our office at 214-321-4105.
How To See If Your License Is Eligible In Texas
There are companies that advertise paid services to check your license eligibility, but it’s important to know that you do not need to pay a fee for this information. The best and most accurate way to determine if your license is eligible is by visiting the official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website for eligibility checks. This service is provided free to the public.
Before you begin your search, ensure you have the following information readily available:
- Texas Driver’s License Number
- Date Of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Last 4 Digits Of Your Social Security Number
Once you have this information, you can click on the official link below to perform your eligibility check:
Suspended Driver License Assistance
Official Texas Driver License Eligibility System: https://texas.gov/licenseeligibility
Upon logging in, the system will provide you with the current status of your driver’s license, detailing any suspensions, holds, or outstanding requirements (such as fees or compliance items).
Common Reasons Your License May Be Ineligible or Suspended
Several issues can cause your Texas driver’s license to become ineligible or suspended, including but not limited to:
- Unpaid Traffic Tickets / Failure to Appear (OmniBase Holds): If you fail to appear in court for a traffic citation or fail to pay a fine, the court can report this to the OmniBase system, which places a hold on your license, preventing renewal.
- Driving While License Invalid (DWLI) Convictions: Being convicted of driving with an invalid license can lead to further suspensions.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Convictions or Administrative License Revocations (ALR): DWI offenses carry mandatory license suspensions.
- Drug-Related Offenses: Certain drug convictions can result in license suspension.
- Accumulation of Moving Violations: Too many moving violations within a specific period (e.g., 4 in one year or 7 in two years) can trigger a suspension.
- Failure to Maintain SR-22 Insurance: If required, failure to maintain this high-risk insurance can lead to suspension.
- Unpaid Child Support: Delinquent child support can result in a license suspension.
- Failure to Complete Required Courses: Such as alcohol education or defensive driving courses mandated by a court or DPS.
- Unpaid Reinstatement Fees: Even after a suspension period ends, your license remains ineligible until all required reinstatement fees are paid to DPS.
Understanding Reinstatement Fees
Driver License Suspension Lawyer
If your license is suspended, you will almost certainly owe reinstatement fees to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). These fees are separate from any court fines or OmniBase fees and must be paid directly to DPS to clear the suspension.
While the exact fees can vary depending on the reason for suspension, common reinstatement fees include:
- General Suspension Reinstatement Fee: Often around $100 – $125 per suspension.
- Fees for Specific Offenses: DWI, DWLI, or other serious offenses may have higher associated reinstatement fees.
You can typically view and pay any outstanding reinstatement fees directly through the same official DPS online eligibility system linked above.
Get A Lawyer For A Suspended License Issue In Texas
If your eligibility search reveals that your license is suspended, ineligible, or has any holds, it is imperative that you resolve those issues as quickly and correctly as possible. Driving with an invalid license can lead to serious charges, including:
- Class C Misdemeanor: Up to a $500 fine for a first DWLI offense.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail and/or a $2,000 fine for subsequent offenses, driving without insurance, or if the original suspension was DWI-related.
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine if driving without insurance and causing an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death.
Driver License Suspension Lawyer
Having a legal professional on your side to assist you with this complex process can be a huge advantage. Our attorneys can:
- Determine the Exact Reasons for Ineligibility: Unravel multiple suspensions or holds.
- Develop a Strategic Plan: Create a clear roadmap to address each underlying issue, whether it’s an old traffic ticket, a missed court date, or an SR-22 requirement.
- Negotiate with Courts: Seek resolutions for old tickets that avoid convictions on your record, preventing further suspensions.
- Guide You Through Reinstatement: Ensure all necessary fees are paid and compliance items are met with both the courts and DPS.
- Advocate for an Occupational Driver’s License: If your license has a set suspension period, we can help you apply for an ODL to allow you to drive legally for essential needs.
Don’t risk the severe consequences of driving with an invalid license. Take the time to contact a lawyer in your area for driver’s license suspension issues. The Beltz Law Group is here to help you navigate the legal system and get your driving privileges back in good standing. Call us today at 214-321-4105.
