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How Do I Reinstate My Driver’s License After a DWI?

how to reinstate my drivers license in texas after a dwi? - herman martinez - criminal defense attorney explains

“How do I reinstate my driver’s license after a DWI?”, people often wonder. After you serve the suspension, there’s a specific series of steps to follow in order to reinstate your Texas driver’s license. This process includes the payment of fees, filling out paperwork, and getting a new license. 

Texas takes drunk driving quite seriously. Oftentimes, convictions result in administrative and criminal suspensions. Unfortunately, you have to wait until both suspension periods are over before you can get a new license. 

If you have questions about reinstating your driver’s license after a DWI, contact our Houston DWI lawyers for a free consultation today. 

Reinstating a Driver’s License After a DWI: The Requirements 

Before you’re able to get a new license, there are several tasks you must complete. 

  • If you’re required to attend an alcohol education program, obtain your certificate of completion. 
  • Pay your reinstatement fee as well as any administrative fees. 
  • Get your SR-22 from your car insurance company. This is also called a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate. 

In Texas, you can simply pay your fees online in addition to submitting your paperwork via email. Alternatively, you have the option to submit a check along with your paperwork through the mail. However, it’s important to keep in mind that either way, this process can take up to three weeks. This means you may have to wait 21 days or so before you can pursue a new Texas driver’s license. 

Once all these steps are complete, you are eligible once more for a driver’s license. At this point, you can fill out the necessary paperwork and take it to your local DPS office to reinstate your driver’s license after a DWI.

Get an Occupational License After a DWI 

For many people, not being able to drive is the most daunting consequence of a Texas DWI. Houston is a driving city, and many people need cars to commute to work and school or to get groceries and feed their families. Luckily, there is one way to help some people get access to a temporary license during suspension. 

Some people who receive DWI suspensions are eligible for an occupational license. Also known as an essential needs license, this temporary license is a restricted permit that allows you to drive a non-commercial vehicle for certain activities. 

With an occupational license, you can continue to work, attend school, and care for your family during your DWI suspension period. This applies to both administrative and criminal suspensions. 

If you’re interested in pursuing an occupational license, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Houston DWI lawyers. At your consultation, we can provide more information on what happens if you drive during a suspension as well as information on Texas laws pertaining to temporary licenses. 

Avoid a DWI Suspension with a Houston DWI Lawyer 

If you face DWI charges in Texas, the DWI defense team at The Martinez Law Firm is available to help you fight the allegations against you. There is a tight deadline to appeal administrative license suspensions and build a solid defense strategy. However, we have the knowledge and expertise required to help you pursue the best possible outcome of your case. 

You only have 15 days following your arrest to appeal an administrative DWI suspension. That’s why it is essential to act quickly. Call on our team as soon as possible and let us fight for you. As your advocates, we fight to protect your rights and help you avoid driver’s license suspension. 

We work to: 

  • Appeal administrative suspensions 
  • Fight criminal charges and reduce or dismiss them
  • Negotiate a deal to help you avoid criminal suspension 
  • Help you through the process for an occupational license

Our Houston DWI lawyers know how police and prosecutors handle DWI cases. More importantly, we know how to build a strong defense for your case. At your free consultation, we can review your case and get started on your defense today. 

Want to Reinstate Your Driver’s License After a DWI? Schedule a Consultation Now

Whether you face DWI charges or need to reinstate your driver’s license after a DWI, the criminal defense attorneys at The Martinez Law Firm are here to help. We understand how important driving is in a place like Houston, and we strive to help you keep or regain your license. Let us be your advocates in administrative and criminal trials.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Houston DWI lawyers.