URGENT: You Have 15 Days to Request an ALR Hearing

Texas Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearings must be requested within 15 days. Missing this deadline results in automatic 90-day license suspension.

Texas DMV Hearing

Administrative License Revocation (ALR)

Request your Texas ALR hearing within 15 days to avoid automatic license suspension and protect your driving privileges.

Critical Timeline for Texas DWI

DAY 1

DWI Arrest - Clock Starts

Officer issues DIC-25 notice and temporary driving permit

DAY 15

DEADLINE - Request ALR Hearing

Must be postmarked or received by Texas DPS within 15 days

DAY 16

TOO LATE - Automatic Suspension

90-day suspension begins (or longer for repeat offenses)

How to Request Your Texas ALR Hearing

Online Request

Fastest

Website: dps.texas.gov

Fee: $125 (credit/debit card)

Time: Available 24/7

Instant confirmation with receipt number

Phone Request

Phone: (512) 424-2600

Fee: $125 (credit/debit card)

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM

Often busy - long hold times

Mail/Fax Request

Not Recommended

Address:

Texas Department of Public Safety
ALR Program
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773-0001

Fax: (512) 424-2330

Must be postmarked by day 15

Fee: $125 (money order only)

Information Needed for ALR Hearing Request

From Your DIC-25 Notice

Driver License Number
Date of Arrest
Arresting Officer Name
Arresting Agency
County of Arrest

Personal Information

Full Legal Name
Current Mailing Address
Date of Birth
Daytime Phone Number

Texas ALR Suspension Periods

Situation	Suspension	Notes
1st DWI (0.08+)	90 days	Can get occupational license after 30 days
1st Refusal	180 days	No occupational license available
Prior DWI within 10 years	1 year	Can get occupational license after 90 days
Prior DWI + Refusal	2 years	Can get occupational license after 1 year
Under 21 (any BAC)	60-120 days	Varies by BAC level and prior offenses

What Happens After You Request the Hearing

Temporary Permit Extended

Your temporary driving permit stays valid until hearing decision

Hearing Scheduled

DPS schedules hearing within 120 days (usually 60-90 days)

Notice Sent

Hearing date, time, and Administrative Law Judge assigned

Prepare Defense

Attorney can subpoena officer and challenge evidence

Texas ALR Hearing Process

Hearing Location

State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)

300 W. 15th Street
Austin, TX 78701

Phone: (512) 475-4993

Most hearings conducted by phone

What DPS Must Prove

•Reasonable suspicion for stop
•Probable cause for arrest
•You were intoxicated OR BAC ≥0.08
•Proper warnings given (if breath test refusal)
•Proper test administration

Attorney Representation Highly Recommended

With Attorney:

Higher win rate (~30% vs 5% pro se)
Can subpoena officer and records
Knows technical defenses
Protects your criminal case
Cross-examines witnesses effectively

Without Attorney:

Very low success rate
Complex legal procedures
Can't effectively cross-examine
May hurt criminal case
Don't know admissibility rules

Texas Occupational Driver License

Eligibility

•Essential need (work, school, medical)
•Complete DWI education program
•File SR-22 insurance
•Install ignition interlock (if required)
•Pay court/DPS fees

Waiting Period

1st DWI (0.08+): After 30 days
1st Refusal: Not eligible
2nd+ DWI: After 90 days
Under 21: After suspension period

Ignition Interlock Requirements

•Required for occupational license if BAC ≥0.15
•Required for 2nd+ DWI occupational license
•Must be installed on ALL vehicles you operate
•Employer exemption available with proper documentation

Common ALR Hearing Defenses

Technical Defenses

•No reasonable suspicion for traffic stop
•No probable cause for DWI arrest
•Improper breath test administration
•Machine calibration issues
•Chain of custody problems (blood test)

Procedural Defenses

•Improper warnings given
•Officer not qualified to administer test
•15-minute observation period not followed
•Medical conditions affecting BAC
•Rising blood alcohol defense

Texas DWI vs. ALR: Two Separate Tracks

ALR Hearing (Civil/DMV)

Purpose: Keep your license
Deadline: 15 days to request
Standard: Preponderance of evidence
Judge: Administrative Law Judge
Penalty: License suspension only

Criminal DWI Case (Court)

Purpose: Avoid criminal conviction
Deadline: Various court dates
Standard: Beyond reasonable doubt
Judge: District/County Court Judge
Penalty: Jail, fines, probation, MORE suspension