It is against the law to operate a car in Texas with a suspended driver’s license. Fortunately, if an individual has a suspended or revoked license, he or she can apply for an occupational driver’s license which allows them to drive legally and attend essential events such as work or school.
Petitioning for an occupational driver’s license can be time-consuming and strenuous. A knowledgeable defense attorney can walk you through the process and file the petition on your behalf.
Georgetown Occupational Driver License Lawyer | Williamson County, TX
If you are interested in applying for an occupational driver’s license to meet your needs, contact Price & Twine, PLLC. Attorneys Michael Price and James Twine have years of collective experience in criminal defense. Since the legal procedure can be challenging, our legal team can help you obtain an occupational driver’s license with ease.
Contact Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880 for a free consultation today. Attorneys Price and Twine accept clients throughout Williamson County and Bell County in Texas.
Information Center
- What is an Occupational Driver License?
- How Do I Obtain an Occupational Driver License?
- Additional Resources
What is an Occupational Driver License?
An occupational driver license, also referred to as an essential need license, grants the holder restricted rights to operate a car when he or she has had their driver’s license suspended, revoked, or denied for various offenses. The license gives the driver the ability to legally drive from their home to:
- Work,
- Performance of essential household duties, or
- School-related activities.
However, there are exceptions. If the driver’s license was suspended or revoked for a medical reason such as a physical or mental disability or if the person is delinquent in paying child support, he or she cannot obtain an occupational driver license.
How Do I Obtain an Occupational Driver License in Texas?
To obtain an occupational driver license, the individual must petition one of the following:
- A Justice of the Peace court
- The county or district court where he or she resides
- The court of the original jurisdiction where the offense occurred and where he or she was convicted
Upon reviewing the petition, if the court determines the person is eligible to apply for an occupational license, they will be provided with a signed court order. The individual will then submit the court order to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with additional paperwork, which includes:
- A certified copy of the petition
- A certified copy of the court order granting the occupational license
- Proof of paid associated fees (occupational license fee and reinstatement fees)
- A Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22).
Reasons for a Waiting Period
As stated previously, the application process can be time-consuming and complex. An occupational license will be issued once the request is processed but it is important to note that the application might be subject to a waiting period if any of the following apply:
- The individual had a previous license suspension for a drug or alcohol driving offense. There is a 90-day waiting period.
- The individual’s driver’s license suspension was due to a drug- or alcohol-related conviction. There is a 180-day waiting period.
- The individual received 2 or more administrative license revocations on their driving record. A 1-year mandatory waiting period applies.
Additional Resources
Texas Department of Public Safety: Occupational Driver License – Access the official website for the Texas Department of Public Safety to view information regarding occupational driver’s licenses. You can learn how to request this specific license and reasons why there may be a denial of issuance.
Williamson County, TX: Occupational License – Follow the link provided to view the official website for Williamson County in Texas. You can learn how to file for an occupational license.
Texas Occupational Driver License Attorney
If you or someone you know is interested in filing for an occupational driver’s license in TX, seek the help of a skilled defense attorney. Lawyers Michael Price and James Twine at Price & Twine, PLLC are familiar with the state legal requirements when it comes to obtaining an occupational license. They can help you understand your rights if your driving license is under suspension.
Call (512) 354-1880 today to schedule your first consultation which is free of charge. Price & Twine, PLLC represents individuals in Temple, Taylor, Round Rock, Leander, Killeen, and many other surrounding areas of Williamson County and Bell County.