QUESTIONS ABOUT SURCHARGES:

Q: What is the status of the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP)?

A: The Driver Responsibility Program has been repealed. Effective September 1, 2019, all DRP surcharge suspensions will end.

Q: How does this affect me?

A: After September 1, 2019 all surcharge assessments will be 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.

Q: Does this mean I no longer need to make a surcharge payment?

A: The DRP program is repealed on September 1, 2019. You are still required to pay your surcharge installment payments until that date.

Q: Does this mean I do not have to pay my reinstatement fee or ticket?

A: This repeal only applies to surcharges and you are still responsible for all other obligations including non-surcharge related suspensions, fines or fees.

Q: What is the status of my driving privilege?

A: To check the status of your driving privilege or pay reinstatement fees click texas.gov/driver. 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. We recommend you verify your status on September 1, 2019.

Q: How do I get my license back?

A: If your Texas license has been expired less than two years, you may be eligible to replace it online, click texas.gov. If your Texas license has been expired more than two years or you have never had a license, click https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-15.pdf for a list of required documents. If your driving privileges are currently suspended for surcharges you will not be able to complete this replacement until September 1, 2019. If you have to visit a driver license office, you may be able to get in line online prior to visiting the office. To find the driver license office nearest you, click https://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/driver_licensing_control/rolodex/search.asp.

Q: Will I receive a refund for payments I made prior to September 1, 2019?

A: 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. Q: Will previous surcharge related suspensions be deleted from my driving history now that DRP is repealed? A: 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.

Q: I received a notice to pay a surcharge. Is this still valid?

A: You are required to make payments until September 1, 2019 to avoid having your driving privileges suspended.

Q: What happens if I defaulted on my installment plan?

A: You will still owe the surcharge and will remain suspended until September 1, 2019 unless you comply with your installment agreement.

Q: 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?

A: No action is required on your part.

Q: I received a DRP points advisory/suspension notice, does the repeal affect my points?

A: The Department of Public Safety will no longer assess DRP points for moving violations. Any previously assessed points have been removed from your record.

Q: What if I need additional information on other suspensions, fines or fees?
A: For more detailed information please visit the Department of Public Safety's Frequently Asked Questions page by clicking http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/faqs/index.htm.

Q: How do I contact the Department if I have additional questions?
A: Contact the Driver License Customer Service Center at DRPRepeal@dps.texas.gov. You must include your full name, date of birth, driver license or ID card number, and your phone number.

Q: Will this affect any failure to appear holds on my license?
A: 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 by clicking here and check to make sure you don't have any reported outstanding cases that could prevent your license from being renewed.

Q: I have heard about the Real ID Act. Will that effect getting my license back?
A: 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 at this link for a list of required documents.

Q: Will this affect any failure to appear holds on my license?
A: 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 by clicking here and check to make sure you don't have any outstanding cases that could prevent your license from being renewed.

Q: I have heard about the Real ID Act. Will that effect getting my license back?
A: 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 at this link for a list of required documents.

FAQs

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