1. What is the status of the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP)?
The Driver Responsibility Program has been repealed. Effective September 1, 2019, all DRP surcharge suspensions have been lifted.
2. How does this affect me?
On September 1, 2019 all surcharge assessments were waived and no future surcharges will be assessed after. You will still be responsible for any other suspensions, fines or fees on your driving record.
3. Does this mean I no longer need to make a surcharge payment?
The DRP program was repealed on September 1, 2019. You are no longer required to pay your surcharge installment payments.
4. Does this mean I do not have to pay my reinstatement fee or ticket?
This repeal only applies to surcharges and you are still responsible for all other obligations including non-surcharge related suspensions, fines or fees.
5. What is the status of my driving privilege?
To check the status of your driving privilege or pay reinstatement fees visit texas.gov. You will need your DL/ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number. Please be aware driver records update on a daily basis. The information on this site reflects the status of your driver record as of today. Any additional convictions reported by a court after today could cause additional enforcement actions or fees on your record.
6. How do I get my license back?
If your Texas license has been expired less than two years, you may be eligible to replace it online. If your Texas license has been expired more than two years or you have never had a license, visit our webpage on How to apply for a driver license.
7. Will I receive a refund for payments I made prior to September 1, 2019?
No, payments made on your surcharge accounts prior to September 1, 2019 will not be refunded. Those payments were collected under the laws in place at that time. This includes Advance Payment on surcharge accounts.
8. Will previous surcharge related suspensions be deleted from my driving history now that DRP is repealed?
No. As of September 1, 2019 the DRP is repealed which means that the program has ended. Any suspensions that resulted from surcharges while DRP was in effect will remain on your driving history.
9. I received a notice to pay a surcharge. Is this still valid?
You were required to make payments until September 1, 2019 to avoid having your driving privileges suspended.
10. What happens if I defaulted on my installment plan?
On September 1, 2019 all surcharge assessments, including installment plans, were waived and no future surcharges will be assessed after. You will still be responsible for any other suspensions, fines or fees on your driving record.
11. I submitted an application for the Driver Responsibility Indigency/Incentive Reduction Programs. Do I need to withdraw my application or contact MSB to cancel my request?
No action is required on your part.
12. I received a DRP points advisory/suspension notice, does the repeal affect my points?
The Department of Public Safety will no longer assess DRP points for moving violations. Any previously assessed points have been removed from your record.
13. What if I need additional information on other suspensions, fines or fees?
For more detailed information please visit the Department of Public Safety's Frequently Asked Questions page.
14. How do I contact the Department if I have additional questions?
Contact the Driver License Customer Service Center. You must include your full name, date of birth, driver license or ID card number, and your phone number.
15. Will this affect any failure to appear holds on my license?
No. Failure to appear is not related to surcharges. Under the Failure to Appear / Failure to Pay Program, the Department may deny the renewal of a driver license if you have failed to appear for a citation or failed to satisfy a judgment ordering the payment of a fine. Your driver license may be denied renewal until the reported citations or violations are cleared and reported by the court(s) to the Department. You are encouraged to visit the FTA website and check to make sure you don't have any reported outstanding cases that could prevent your license from being renewed.
16. I have heard about the Real ID Act. Will that affect getting my license back?
If your Driver license has expired more than two years or you have never had a Texas license, you may need to provide documents required under federal and state law to prove your citizenship / lawful presence, identity, proof of social security number and residency. Please review the brochure for a list of required documents.
17. Still have questions?
Find your answers in our Customer Service FAQ's.