What is an occupational license: An occupational license, also called an essential-need license, is a special type of restricted license issued to individuals whose driver license has been suspended, revoked or denied for certain offenses other than medical or delinquent child support. An occupational license authorizes the operation of a non-commercial motor vehicle in connection with an individual’s:

1. Work
2. School-related activities or
3. Performance of essential household duties. 

How to request an occupational license: Requests for an occupational license must be made to the justice, county or district court where the individual lives or to the court of original jurisdiction where the offense occurred.

• Petitioner MUST live in Hidalgo County OR may file in the county where the suspension occurred.
• Petitioner cannot have more than one occupational license within the last 10 years preceding the date of the filing of this petition.
• The suspended license must be a Texas License.
• Petitioner can’t apply for Occupational License if Petitioner never had a Texas license.
• Justice Courts DO NOT have jurisdiction over suspension for DWI, medical advisory issues, mental issues or child support issues.

Fees and documents needed to file in Justice Court: No case will be accepted and no action will be taken on the application until all materials are submitted to the court. 

• $54.00 filing fee (money order or cashier's check)
  • If needed forms for Statement of Inability to Pay Filing Fee
• Occupational License Petition
• Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22)
• Driving Record (Type AR-Certified Abstracts of Driving Record)  -Refer to Texas Department of Public Safety website
• Essential need (supporting documents)

What happens after fees and documents are filed in Justice Court: Once all documents are received, they will be forwarded and reviewed by Assistant District Attorney (ADA).

• Not Opposed by ADA:  The Judge will sign and the clerk will contact you with the next steps.
• Opposed by ADA:  A hearing will be set up for you to appear. (will receive Zoom notice)