RESOURCES
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Part V Rules of Practice in Justice Court
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 15
Texas Statutes & Constitution
Occupational Licenses
An Occupational Driver License (hereinafter “ODL”) is a special license issued by the State of Texas that allows you to drive while your regular license is under suspension. You will be required to prove to the Court that you have a specific need to have an ODL, but if your petition is granted, then an ODL may be issued to you so that you have the ability to drive to meet your everyday needs such as attending work, going to doctor appointments and picking up your children.
There are restrictions placed on an ODL. First, you cannot operate a commercial motor vehicle, and secondly, you only have a twelve-hour window each day to drive.
You will be required to submit the following items to the court when you file your petition for an ODL:
- Completed Petition for Occupational License
- Certified copy of your driving record (available online)
- SR-22 (proof you have a valid Texas liability insurance policy)
- Employer letter to verify your work schedule and days of work each week
- Proof that your license is actually suspended (DPS suspension letter or printout from DPS license eligibility website: https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dleligibility/login.do
- Copy of your driver license or identification card
- SR-37
- $66 filing fee
- Cashier’s check or money order made payable to Texas Department of Public Safety ($10 for a one year ODL and $20 for a two year ODL)
DESOTO MUNICIPAL COURT PARTNERSHIP
Presently, the Texas Legislature has given the authority to issue an Occupational Driver License only to the Justice of the Peace Courts in Texas. Nevertheless, Judge Sasha Moreno is proud to announce a partnership with the Presiding Judge of the DeSoto Municipal Court, Scott E. Kurth, whereby the DeSoto Municipal Court will assist persons needing an ODL in completing the forms and putting them in front of Judge Moreno via Zoom from the courtroom of the DeSoto Municipal Court. See below for the required forms and videos detailing this new partnership.
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FORMS
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE VIDEOS
Frequently, the Court receives calls from parties who are asking for legal advice. Please note that the Court cannot give legal advice and does not represent any party in a claim before this Court. Pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 507.2, the court may provide forms to enable a party to file documents that comply with these rules. No party may be forced to use the court's forms. The Court cannot assist you in completing form. For legal advice, please consult a competent attorney. You may find a local attorney through any of the following organizations:
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Dallas Bar Association
Lawyer Referral Service
2101 Ross Ave.
Dallas, TX. 75201
214-220-7444
Legal Aid of North West Texas
Dallas Location
1515 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201
214-748-1234
Dallas South Location
6969 Pastor Bailey Drive, Suite 210
Dallas, TX 75237
972-441-5260
Texas Access to Justice Commission
P.O. Box 12487
Austin, Texas 78711
800.204.2222, ext. 1855
SMU Dedman School of Law Civil/Consumer Clinic
3315 Daniel Avenue, Suite 30
Dallas, TX 75205
214-768-2562
lawcivilc@smu.edu
