Occupational Driver's Licenses
An occupational license (ODL) is a special type of restricted license issued to individuals whose driver's license has been suspended, revoked, or denied for certain offenses. An ODL is not available for those whose licenses have been suspended for medical reasons or for delinquent child support.
An occupational license authorizes the operation of a non-commercial vehicle for the following purposes:
Requesting an Occupational License
To obtain an Occupational License one must file an official request in a Court in the county in which you reside or the county in which the offense occurred.
Most courts require that you have the following before they will consider your request for an Occupational License:
How to Obtain an Occupational License
The court order granting the occupational license is temporary, lasting only 45 days. To obtain the official occupational license you must send additional items to the Department of Public Safety. Those items are:
What is SR-22 Insurance and how do I obtain SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 is a special type of motor vehicle liability insurance that is issued by most insurance companies and certifies that an individual has the minimum liability insurance as required by law. Any individual whose driver's license has been suspended or revoked as the result of a crash or conviction is required to obtain and file an SR-22 with DPS for two years. Your insurance company will notify DPS when an SR-22 in cancelled, terminated, or lapses.
How can I check with DPS to see the status of my Driver's License?
Click on the following link: Texas Driver's License Eligibility
How to contact DPS
Required documents can be submitted by mail, fax, or email. All documents submitted by email must be in PDF format. Individuals must write their name, date of birth, and driver license number on all documents so their record can be properly identified.
DPS Mailing Address
Texas Department of Public Safety
Enforcement and Compliance Service
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0320
Fax Number:
512-424-2848
Email:
driver.improvement@dps.texas.gov
An occupational license authorizes the operation of a non-commercial vehicle for the following purposes:
- Work;
- School-related activities; or
- Performance of essential household duties.
Requesting an Occupational License
To obtain an Occupational License one must file an official request in a Court in the county in which you reside or the county in which the offense occurred.
Most courts require that you have the following before they will consider your request for an Occupational License:
- A petition and order requesting the Occupational License
- Filing fees payable to the Court (Generally around $300)
- A Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (This is known as SR-22 insurance and is different than your standard policy)
- A certified copy of your driving record
How to Obtain an Occupational License
The court order granting the occupational license is temporary, lasting only 45 days. To obtain the official occupational license you must send additional items to the Department of Public Safety. Those items are:
- A certified copy of the petition and a certified copy of the order granting the occupational license;
- A Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22);
- The occupational license fee ($10); and
- The reinstatement fee ($125).
What is SR-22 Insurance and how do I obtain SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 is a special type of motor vehicle liability insurance that is issued by most insurance companies and certifies that an individual has the minimum liability insurance as required by law. Any individual whose driver's license has been suspended or revoked as the result of a crash or conviction is required to obtain and file an SR-22 with DPS for two years. Your insurance company will notify DPS when an SR-22 in cancelled, terminated, or lapses.
How can I check with DPS to see the status of my Driver's License?
Click on the following link: Texas Driver's License Eligibility
How to contact DPS
Required documents can be submitted by mail, fax, or email. All documents submitted by email must be in PDF format. Individuals must write their name, date of birth, and driver license number on all documents so their record can be properly identified.
DPS Mailing Address
Texas Department of Public Safety
Enforcement and Compliance Service
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0320
Fax Number:
512-424-2848
Email:
driver.improvement@dps.texas.gov