Steps to Get Started
Below we've outlined the general steps for an Occupational License. But situations vary, so your process may be a little different. If you'd like to talk in detail about your license, or if you have questions, contact us for a Free Consultation.
1. Determining Your Driver's License Suspension.
The first step to obtaining an Occupational License is to know why your Texas Driver's License has been suspended. certain types of suspensions require different remedies and documents to obtain an Occupational License. You'll also want to know how long your suspension is for, since Occupational Licenses are only valid for up to two years (although we can extend it, if needed).
We can usually give you a pretty good idea over the phone as to what you may need to start driving legally, but you can also check with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to be certain, by calling DPS directly at 512-424-2600, or by visiting https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dlreinstatement/login.do
2. Needs for your Occupational License.
You can use an Occupational License for up to 12 hours per day, 7 days a week, but only to go 1) to and from work, 2) to drive during your job, if your employer requires it, 3) to and from school or classes, and 4) for daily household chores and duties, such as driving to the bank, laundromat, doctor's office, grocery shopping, daycare, children's school for pickup and drop-off, emergencies, and other required trips that you may do on a regular basis.
In addition to the locations and times above, an Occupational Driver's License also restricted the Counties in which you can drive. DPS requires each County within Texas that you drive in to be specifically listed on the Occupational License, so it's important to determine where you'll need to drive. Not in exact detail, but we'll need to know where you go generally so we can tailor the ODL to your needs.
3. Gather Your Documents and get SR22 Insurance.
An Occupational License typically takes about a week to obtain through our office, although it can be faster sometimes, depending on the Court and processing. The faster you can gather the required items necessary to obtain an Occupational License, the faster we can set the hearing and get you driving legally.
So what do you need ahead of time? Before we can get into Court, you'll need to gather a few things that we can take to the hearing and show to the Judge. You do not need to be present at the hearing, unless someone (Prosecutor) is contesting the Occupational License.
We've listed the most common items below:
- SR22 Auto Insurance: SR22 is a state-wide insurance component that is added to your normal insurance (not included in our fees)
- Driving Record: You'll need your driving record from DPS, which you can obtain online for roughly $10-12 (not included in our fees);
- Proof of Employment or School: You'll need proof of a job, either in the form of a letter, or a paystub, paycheck, or direct deposit printout;
4. Fees:
So how much will an Occupational License cost? There are a few different costs associated with an Occupational License:
- Attorney's Fees: >We offer competitive rates for Occupational Licenses, and can get you driving without you ever stepping into the Courtroom. Call us for a Free Consultation and Quote.
County Filing Fees: Travis County charges approximately between $53 to $323 to file an Occupational License, depending on the Court used and the reason for suspension. The Filing Fee (and clerk's office fees) are included in the quote we give you for getting your ODL.
DPS Reinstatement Fees: Reinstatement Fees vary from person to person, depending on the driving record and type of suspension. As a general rule, the reinstatement fee is $100, or $125 after a DWI. More tickets leading to a suspension means more Reinstatement Fees. You can check your Reinstatement Fees through DPS, by calling DPS directly at 512-424-2600, or by visiting their website, https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dlreinstatement/login.do. This fee is not included in our quote, since you pay DPS Directly.
DPS Occupational License Fee: This is a $10 per year fee paid to DPS. This fee is included in our quote. Why? Because for some reason DPS only accepts this $10 fee through the mail. So it's easier for us to send a Law Office check, which we can track and make sure they cash properly. Note: This $10 fee is annual, so if you need the ODL for a second year, you would be responsible for sending the additional $10 to DPS after the first year.
More Occupational License Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Attorney to get an Occupational License?
No. But the process for getting an Occupational License is a little different for attorneys. We can speed up the process, navigate the court system and the clerk's office, and E-File your documents to get the earliest hearing date possible. Plus, we do all the paperwork for you, and go to court for you. All you'll need to do is sign some papers, get insurance and a few other items, and you're done.
Do I need to clear traffic warrants and tickets, or pay all my DPS Surcharges first?
No. The Occupational License lets you drive over the suspension, regardless of unpaid tickets or owed surcharges. You'll need to take care of those items before your actual Texas Driver's License can be reinstated, but they will not prohibit you from using an Occupational License in the meantime. BUT! Surcharges (aside from DWI) are now over in Texas, as of 2019.
I have several warrants for outstanding tickets. Can I still get an Occupational License?
Yes, a lawyer can help obtain an Occupational License even if you have pending ticket or cases, whether in Austin or elsewhere. This also includes warrants, although it's always a good idea to clear up active warrants. You will need to pay or resolve the warrants and tickets before having your actual Driver's license reinstated in the future.
How Long do Occupational Licenses last?
We make our Occupational Licenses valid for up to two years, as long as the Judge agrees. At the end of two years, if your driver's license is still suspended, a Lawyer can apply for an extension.
What if I never had a License? Can I still get an Occupational License?
If you were never issued a Texas Driver's License, or your license has expired, a Lawyer can arrange a new driver's test with Austin or Travis County DPS to validate your Occupational License
When Can I Get My Regular License Back?
It depends on your suspensions and lengths, as well as the fees and surcharges you owe. Each case is different, but our lawyers handle a variety of ODL cases.
What is SR22 and why do I need it?
SR22 is a component of auto insurance that notified the State (Austin DPS) if you lapse in coverage. in other words, SR22 guarantees that Austin DPS will know if you don't have insurance. It is required on all Occupational Driver's Licenses, even if you have never had a DWI in Austin or Texas.
Can I get an Occupational License myself, without a Lawyer?
You may be able to, depending on the County and Court/Judge, but compared to other types of lawyers fees, Occupational Licenses are reasonably priced (at least with our office). The law and standard forms are constantly changing, and you want an Occupational License done correctly the first time, so you can legally drive as soon as possible. The wisest choice is to have an lawyer complete the process -- plus, you don't have to come to court! (in Austin only).
What are my chances of having the Occupational License granted if I hire you?
Unless you have a very rare convictions such as Vehicular Assault or Manslaughter, then the chances are extremely high of the Occupational License being granted. At worst, a Judge may question certain hours or locations, but typically the Petition is granted.
How Long will it take for you to get my Occupational License?
An Occupational License typically takes about a week to obtain through our office, although we have obtained Occupational Licenses for some clients the very next day. The faster you can gather the required items necessary to obtain an Occupational License, the faster we can set the hearing and get you driving legally.
Do you Offer Payment Plans for Occupational Licenses?
Usually no, since the process for an Occupational License is so quick -- often a week or less. However, through Paypal we can now offer our clients no interest financing with no payments for six months. See the banner logo at the top right of this page.
When Can I Start Driving After the Occupational License is Granted?
As soon as the Certified Order is in your car, along with SR22 insurance, you can legally start driving. That means you can begin driving once the hearing is finished and we return the paperwork to you.
What are my chances of having the Occupational License granted if I hire you?
Unless you have a very rare convictions such as Vehicular Assault or Manslaughter, then the chances are extremely high of the Occupational License being granted. At worst, a Judge may question certain hours or locations, but typically the Petition is granted.
How Long will it take for you to get my Occupational License?
An Occupational License typically takes about a week to obtain through our office, although we have obtained Occupational Licenses for some clients the very next day. The faster you can gather the required items necessary to obtain an Occupational License, the faster we can set the hearing and get you driving legally.
Can I use my Class A or B License for Commercial Driving with an Occupational?
No, Occupational Licenses cannot be used for a Class A Commercial Driver's License; only for personal Class C Texas Driver's Licenses.
Is there a Logbook Requirement in Travis County?
Yes, all County Court Judges in Travis County are now requiring a Log Book to be kept, noting when and where you're driving.
Are the Requirements Different for Occupational Licenses after a DWI?
They can be, mainly requiring an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), which is a device installed in your car that tests your breath for alcohol prior to starting the vehicle. Occupational Licenses based on a DWI suspension are also subject to closer scrutiny in terms of hours and locations being requested to drive upon.
Will you also handle my DWI or DWLI?
Yes, Keates Law Firm practices a broad range of Criminal Defense cases, and can handle your DWI and DWLS/DWLI case along with the Occupational License; in fact, when we're handling your case, such as a DWI or DWLI, we don't charge you extra for the Occupational License -- it's included!
When can I get my regular Texas Driver's License back?
At the end of your suspension period, assuming you have picked up no new tickets/offenses and assuming you are current or have paid off surcharges, you will be eligible for your Texas Driver's License (since you've paid the reinstatement fees ahead of time). It's always our advise to check with DPS the day before, and after, your suspension is supposed to be up, since DPS may change your status.
What is a Hardship License?
There are several terms used to describe a temporary license in Texas, used when a person's normal DPS issued driver's license has been suspended: Hardship License, Revoked Permit, Temporary Driver's Order, and more. But the legal term and one most commonly used is an Occupational Driver's License.
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