Harris County ALR Hearing Guide
How to request your Administrative License Revocation hearing and protect your driving privileges.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
15-Day Deadline
You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request an ALR 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 40 days after arrest
How to Request Your Hearing
Online Request
Fee: $125 (credit card)
Available: 24/7
Instant confirmation
Phone Request
Expect long hold times
Information You'll Need
From Your DIC-25 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 to Austin. 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), DPS attorney, administrative law judge
What They Review
Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, chemical 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
For the rare in-person hearings:
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
- DPS 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 ALR 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
DPS Houston Mega Center
For license reinstatement after suspension ends, or to get an occupational license:
FAQ
Related Guides
Texas DPS requires ALR hearing requests within 15 calendar days of your DWI arrest in Harris County. This deadline is absolutely critical; failing to request a hearing within this timeframe means you automatically waive your right to contest the suspension of your driver's license, and your license will be suspended on the 40th day after receiving notice.
Understanding the ALR Hearing Process in Harris County
Following a DWI arrest in Harris County, you face two separate but related legal battles: the criminal DWI case and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. The ALR is a civil proceeding handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that can result in the suspension of your driver's license, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case. Because Harris County consistently accounts for a significant plurality of Texas' impaired driving enforcement, navigating this ALR process is a frequent concern for residents.
Requesting Your ALR Hearing
To protect your driving privileges, you must request an ALR hearing within 15 calendar days of your arrest. This deadline is calculated from the arrest date, not the date you were released from jail or the date you received the notice. Don't delay. Requests must be submitted directly to DPS in Austin; local filing in Harris County is not permitted. You can submit your request via:
- Online Portal: [No URL Provided - Check Texas DPS Website]
- Fax: 512-424-2650
- Certified Mail: DPS Enforcement and Compliance Service in Austin.
The DIC-25 form provided at the time of your arrest serves as a temporary driving permit, valid for 40 days. If you request a hearing within the 15-day deadline, this temporary permit is extended indefinitely until the hearing takes place and a decision is rendered. Always ensure your address is current with DPS to guarantee you receive all hearing notices.
ALR Hearing Format and Location
Most ALR hearings are conducted virtually, either via Zoom videoconference or by telephone. In-person hearings are possible, but require a specific motion demonstrating why a virtual hearing is insufficient. If granted, in-person hearings in Harris County are typically held at:
2020 North Loop West, Suite 111, Houston, TX 77018
Occupational Driver's License
If your license is suspended due to the ALR process, you may be eligible for an Occupational Driver's License (ODL), which allows you to drive for essential purposes (work, school, etc.). The requirements for obtaining an ODL in Harris County are determined by the court in which you file the petition.
For any questions relating to the Harris County ALR hearing process, you may contact the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) Houston Field Office at 346-333-2728.
Sources
Last updated: January 6, 2026
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