Occupational drivers licenses (ODLs) are a special type of license issued to those whose driving privileges have been suspended for certain offenses. Even if you have been disqualified from driving due to non-payment of surcharges you may still qualify for an occupational license. An occupational license authorizes a non-commercial vehicle operator to drive in order to perform work, school related activities, or performance of essential household duties.
In order to obtain an ODL, a request needs to be filed with the county or district court where the individual lives or to the court of original jurisdiction where the offense occurred.
Assuming the county or district court determines eligibility to apply for an ODL, a court order will be issued. The court order is the order which authorizes Texas DPS to issue the license.
Within 30 days of the issuance of the order, the applicant must submit a certified copy of the petition and a certified copy of the court order granting the occupational license and a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22), and payment of fees.
An ODL is issued once the request is processed unless the individual’s driver license was previously suspended as a result of an alcohol- or drug-related offense then there is a 90-day waiting period; the individual’s driver license was in suspension as a result of an intoxication-related conviction then there is a 180-day waiting period; there are at least two administrative license revocations on the individual’s driver record then a mandatory one-year waiting period applies.
If an individual’s driving privileges are currently suspended, revoked, cancelled or denied under any law in the State of Texas, then an occupational license will not be issued to operate a commercial driver license.
An ODL is typically issued for one year or less; the maximum length of issuance is two years.
Rates for ODLs vary by county, but our fee doesn’t! Our prices start at $475.00 over and above any applicable court costs. If you want us to assist with your application for an ODL, fill out the paperwork here, and submit it via email or fax to our office. We’ll call you to confirm we received it, process your payment for our fee and any court fees or costs and schedule an appointment for you to come in and sign before one of our notaries. Then we’ll take care of the rest!