Tarrant County License Hearing Guide
How to request your Administrative License Hearing and protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
15-Day Deadline
You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.
Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:
If You Request in Time
- • Temporary permit until hearing
- • Chance to keep your license
- • Gather evidence for defense
If You Miss the Deadline
- • Automatic 90-180 day suspension
- • No hearing, no appeal
- • Starts after waiting period
How to Request Your Hearing
Online Request
Fee: Typically $50-$125
Available: 24/7
Instant confirmation
Phone Request
Fee: Same as online
Hours: Business hours only
Expect hold times
Information You'll Need
From Your Notice:
- • Driver License Number
- • Date of Arrest
- • Arresting Agency
- • Arresting Officer Name
Personal Information:
- • Full Legal Name
- • Current Address
- • Date of Birth
- • Phone Number & Email
After You Request
Temporary Permit
ImmediateDrive legally until your hearing
Hearing Notice
20-40 daysDate, time, and format mailed to you
Prepare Defense
Before hearingGather evidence, hire attorney
Attend Hearing
Scheduled dateUsually phone or video
Decision
Same dayWin: keep license. Lose: suspension starts
Temporary Permit
Immediate
Drive until hearing
Hearing Notice
20-40 days
Date mailed to you
Prepare
Before hearing
Gather evidence
Attend Hearing
Scheduled
Phone or video
Decision
Same day
Win or suspension
What to Expect at the Hearing
Most hearings are by phone or video
You usually don't need to travel. When you receive your hearing notice, it will specify whether it's phone, video, or in-person.
Duration
30-60 minutes typically
Who's There
You, your attorney (optional), state attorney, hearing officer
What They Review
Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, test validity
Evidence That Can Help
- Dashcam or bodycam footage showing procedural errors
- Breathalyzer calibration records (if not current)
- Witness statements about your sobriety
- Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests
Should You Hire an Attorney?
With an Attorney
- Can subpoena arresting officer
- Knows how to challenge evidence
- Uses hearing to strengthen criminal defense
- Higher success rate at hearings
Without an Attorney
- State has experienced attorney present
- May not know proper objections
- Can't effectively cross-examine officers
- Lower win rate statistically
If You Lose Your Hearing
Losing the hearing isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:
Ignition Interlock
Drive with device installed
Occupational License
Limited driving for work/essentials
FAQ
Related Guides
Texas DPS requires ALR hearing requests within 15 calendar days from the date of your DWI arrest in Tarrant County. This deadline is crucial; failing to request a hearing within this timeframe results in an automatic suspension of your driver's license, which typically takes effect on the 40th day after your arrest.
Understanding the ALR Hearing Process in Tarrant County
If you are arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Tarrant County, the arresting officer will likely seize your Texas driver's license and issue a temporary driving permit (DIC-25). This DIC-25 permit is valid for only 40 days. You MUST act quickly to protect your driving privileges.
The 15-Day Deadline: Act Now!
You have only 15 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This 15-day window includes weekends and holidays, so don't delay! Missing this deadline means your license will automatically be suspended.
How to Request an ALR Hearing in Tarrant County
Your request must be received by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Austin within the 15-day deadline. Accepted methods for requesting a hearing include:
- Fax: 512-424-2650
- Mail: P.O. Box 4040, Austin, TX 78765-4040. Certified Mail with Return Receipt is highly recommended to prove timely submission.
While there may be an online portal, it is important to make sure it is working and that your request is successfully submitted.
The Strategic Value of Requesting an ALR Hearing
Requesting an ALR hearing not only delays the license suspension, allowing you to continue driving while you wait for the hearing, but also provides a valuable opportunity for your attorney to cross-examine the arresting officer under oath before your criminal trial. This can provide crucial insights into the prosecution's case and help build your defense.
What Happens After You Request a Hearing?
A timely request for a hearing results in a Stay of Suspension, meaning your DIC-25 temporary permit remains valid indefinitely until a final ruling is issued by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). Due to Tarrant County ALR docket backlogs, it can take 60-120 days to schedule a hearing. This effectively extends your driving privileges for several months.
ALR Hearing Location
ALR hearings are held virtually at the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).
Suspension Lengths in Texas
The length of your license suspension depends on the circumstances of your case:
- First Offense (BAC 0.08 or more): 90 days
- First Offense (Refusal to provide a breath or blood sample): 180 days
- Refusal with a Prior DWI Contact within 10 years: 2 years
To request the ALR hearing by mail, send it to P.O. Box 4040, Austin, TX 78765-4040.
Sources
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles / Public Safety
- Texas Administrative Code - License Suspension Procedures
Last updated: January 6, 2026
Nearby Texas Counties
24/7 Legal Support
Need a DUI Attorney in Tarrant County?
Get connected with experienced DUI attorneys who know Tarrant County courts and can fight for the best outcome.