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Can Bankruptcy Help You Get Your Driver’s License Back in Texas

By Javier Aponte | March 28, 2025

Can Filing for Bankruptcy Really Help Reinstate My Suspended License in Texas?

If your driver’s license has been suspended in Texas due to unpaid traffic fines, you might feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop—no license means no job, and no job means no way to pay the fines. But here’s the good news: filing for bankruptcy in Texas can sometimes help you get your license back.

This guide breaks down how bankruptcy and traffic fines connect, when it’s a solution, and how Kisch Consumer Law can walk you through the process of driver’s license reinstatement after bankruptcy.

How Does Bankruptcy Affect a Driver’s License Suspension in Texas?

Here’s the deal: Bankruptcy can’t fix every type of suspension. But if your license was pulled due to debt-based reasons—like unpaid surcharges, fines, or civil penalties—bankruptcy might be your golden ticket.

What kinds of suspensions can bankruptcy help with?

Bankruptcy can help with:

  • Unpaid traffic tickets and fines

  • Civil penalties related to license reinstatement

  • Reinstatement fees added due to unpaid judgments

Bankruptcy can’t help with:

  • DUI or DWI suspensions

  • Criminal offenses

  • Failing to maintain insurance (SR-22 requirements)

So, the key question is:
Was your license suspended because of money owed? If so, bankruptcy might be the first step toward getting it back.

For a detailed explanation of the legal limits of bankruptcy in these cases, refer to the U.S. Courts guide on bankruptcy basics.

What’s the Best Way to Use Bankruptcy to Reinstate a License?

Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:

Step-by-Step: How Bankruptcy Can Help Reinstate a Suspended License

  1. File a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
    These two types of bankruptcy offer different paths, but both can address fines and debts tied to license suspension.

  2. Discharge Eligible Debts
    Most traffic fines and civil surcharges (not criminal ones!) are considered unsecured debts and may be discharged.

  3. Notify the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
    Once discharged, your attorney can help notify DPS that the debt no longer exists.

  4. Apply for Reinstatement
    After debts are cleared, you may become eligible to reinstate your license.

  5. Fulfill Any Non-Financial Requirements
    This might include SR-22 insurance, driving classes, or compliance with court orders.

Pro Tip: Bankruptcy doesn’t automatically get your license back—you must follow through with DPS reinstatement procedures.

FAQs About Bankruptcy and Driver’s License Suspension in Texas

Can bankruptcy eliminate all traffic fines?

Bankruptcy may discharge civil traffic fines and surcharges but does not eliminate criminal penalties or fines from serious offenses like DUIs.

Will I get my license back immediately after filing?

Not necessarily. You’ll need to:

  • Complete your bankruptcy filing

  • Wait for debts to be discharged

  • Work with DPS on reinstatement steps

What if I have multiple suspensions?

A bankruptcy attorney can help you determine which suspensions are debt-based and may be resolved through bankruptcy.

Why Choose Kisch Consumer Law to Help Reinstate Your License?

At Kisch Consumer Law, we help Texans navigate the complexities of bankruptcy and driver’s license suspension with personalized, data-driven strategies.

Here’s why clients trust us:

  • Deep experience with Texas traffic law and bankruptcy codes

  • Customized case analysis focused on your suspension reason

  • Step-by-step support through the reinstatement process

  • Compassionate attorneys who actually listen and care

Want to take the first step?
Learn more about creating a data-driven legal strategy tailored to your license reinstatement goals

Common Voice Search Questions Answered

“How do I get my license back after filing bankruptcy in Texas?”

You’ll need to:

  • Discharge your eligible traffic fines

  • Confirm the discharge with the Texas DPS

  • Complete any remaining reinstatement requirements like SR-22 insurance

“Can Chapter 13 bankruptcy stop a license suspension in Texas?”

Yes, it can halt collections and license-related penalties during the repayment plan, and potentially discharge qualifying debts at the end of the plan.

“Does Texas DPS automatically reinstate my license after bankruptcy?”

Nope—you’ll need to apply for reinstatement and provide proof that the debts tied to the suspension were discharged.

What’s Next? Let’s Fix That License

So, can bankruptcy help you get your license back in Texas? Absolutely—if the suspension was due to unpaid traffic debts or civil fines. But you’ll need expert guidance, a little patience, and a solid legal strategy.

And that’s where we come in.

Ready to explore your options?
Visit Kisch Consumer Law and connect with a team that understands how to turn legal roadblocks into second chances.

Final Thoughts (With a Dash of Humor)

Let’s face it—navigating the Texas legal system isn’t exactly as fun as a Buc-ee’s pit stop. But with the right help, it doesn’t have to feel like you’re stuck in a legal junkyard either.

If your license is collecting dust and you’re tired of hitching rides or dodging Uber surge pricing, let Kisch Consumer Law take the wheel.

We’ll steer you out of debt and back onto the road—legally, confidently, and maybe even with your playlist blasting.

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