Travis County DWI Bail Information

Navigating Travis County DUI Bail and License Suspension: A Critical 15-Day Deadline

If you've been arrested for a DUI in Travis County, Texas, your driving privileges are immediately at risk. You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Missing this deadline results in an automatic license suspension, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case. This article provides a detailed guide to understanding bail and the ALR process in Travis County, ensuring you take the necessary steps to protect your driving privileges.

Understanding the ALR Hearing and the 15-Day Rule

The ALR hearing is a civil proceeding separate from your criminal DUI case. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seeks to suspend your license based on your arrest. To contest this suspension, you must request a hearing within 15 calendar days of receiving the Notice of Suspension (DIC-25 form), typically given to you at the time of your arrest. This deadline is strictly enforced. If the 15th day falls on a weekend or holiday, submit your request before that date.

Failing to request a hearing within the 15-day window results in a default suspension taking effect on the 40th day after the notice was served. This suspension occurs automatically, even if your criminal case is still pending.

Requesting Your ALR Hearing: Methods and Required Information

You have several options for requesting an ALR hearing:

• Online: The preferred method is through the DPS portal: https://www.dps.texas.gov/apps/DriverLicense/customer_service/HEARINGREQUESTS.aspx. This allows you to track your submission.
• Mail: Send your request via certified mail to the ALR Program.
• Fax: Fax your request to the dedicated ALR fax line: 512-424-2650.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver your request to the Director of Hearings at 5805 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78752. Be sure to go to Building A for ALR hand deliveries.

Regardless of the method you choose, your request must include the following information:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Driver License Number
• Current Mailing Address (crucial for receiving the hearing scheduling order)
• Home Phone and Daytime Phone
• Date of Arrest
• County of Arrest (Travis)
• Arresting Agency (e.g., Austin PD, Travis County Sheriff)
• Whether you are requesting the presence of the arresting officer (Subpoena request)

Travis County DMV/DPS Locations: Know Where to Go

It's crucial to understand the different roles of various DPS locations in Travis County. General services like license renewals and reinstatement fee payments are handled at "Mega Centers" and standard offices. However, ALR hearing requests and related legal filings are often directed to the specific Headquarters administration.

• North Lamar Driver License Office (Central Austin): 5805 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. Phone: (512) 424-2000. This is the location for hand-delivering ALR requests (Building A). Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Austin-Pflugerville Mega Center: 216 E. Wells Branch Parkway, Pflugerville, TX 78660. Phone: (512) 486-2800. Handles renewals, replacements, and reinstatements. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Austin Regional Service Center (TxDMV): 1001 E. Parmer Lane, Suite A, Austin, TX 78753. Phone: Not Listed. Handles Vehicle Title and Registration issues (distinct from Driver License). Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Important Note: The ALR hearing itself is not held at these locations. It is typically conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), and may be virtual.

Reinstatement Fees and Required Documents

If your license is suspended, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee of $125.00 to the Texas Department of Public Safety. You can pay online or via mail with a coupon from the eligibility site: https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dleligibility/login.do.

Other documents you may need include:

• DIC-25: The Notice of Suspension and Temporary Driving Permit issued at arrest.
• SR-22 Certificate of Insurance: Required for Occupational Licenses and Reinstatement to prove financial responsibility.
• Type AR Certified Abstract: A complete driving history used for ODL petitions.
• Petition for Occupational Driver's License: If seeking a hardship license.

Taking Action: Don't Delay

The most critical step you can take is to request your ALR hearing within the 15-day deadline. If you were arrested on December 19, 2025, you must request your hearing no later than January 3, 2026. Visit the DPS website or hand-deliver your request to 5805 N. Lamar, Building A, in Austin to ensure your request is received on time.

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