What is an occupational license?

An occupational license is a special restricted license issued to persons whose license has been suspended or revoked for certain offenses (other than medical reasons or delinquent child support). An occupational license authorizes the operation of a non-commercial motor vehicle in connection with a person's occupation, for educational purposes or in the performance of essential household duties. Requests for such licenses are made to the county or district court in the county of the licensee's residence or to the court of original jurisdiction where the offense occurred. Texas Transportation Code Section 521.242, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.7.

What are the steps to obtain an ODL?

1. Purchase SR-22 insurance
2. Driving Record
3. Determine length of suspension/any applicable waiting periods
4. Create Petition/Order
5. Gather applicable filing fees paid to the court (varies with each court)
6. Get judge to approve ODL
7. Petition/Order good for 30 days
8. Send Petition/Order to DPS

Is the court order the occupational license?

No, this is the order granting the occupational license. The court order and all other required items need to be submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) so an occupational license can be issued. The court order may be used as a license for 30 days from the date of the judge�s signature while DPS processes the occupational license.