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Your Texas License Was Suspended. Here's How to Keep Driving.
An occupational license lets you keep driving to work, school, and essential needs during your suspension. Here's exactly how it works in Texas.
Last updated: March 6, 2026
Your license is suspended. Life didn't stop.
What Just Happened to Your License
When you were arrested for DWI in Texas, two separate things happened — and most people don't realize they're separate until it's too late.
The criminal case — handled by the court. This is the DWI charge itself.
The civil suspension — handled by DPS through the ALR process. This happens automatically and separately from the criminal case.
If you didn't request an ALR hearing within 15 days of being served the notice of suspension (20 days from the mailing date if it was mailed after a lab result), your license was automatically suspended. The suspension period for a first DWI with a BAC of .08 or higher is 90 days.
Your 90-day suspension and your interlock requirement are two different things ordered by two different authorities. They do not end at the same time.
The Occupational License
An occupational license (also called a restricted license) lets you drive during your suspension. It's not a full license — it comes with conditions — but it keeps you moving.
What it allows:
- • Driving to and from work
- • Driving to school or educational activities
- • Essential household duties — grocery store, pharmacy, doctor, taking kids to school
What it does NOT allow:
- • Driving for recreation
- • Driving outside your approved hours
- • Driving to places not listed in your court order
The court typically allows up to 12 hours of driving per day. You specify your schedule when you file your petition.
How to Get One
Getting an occupational license requires going back to court. This is not a DPS process.
File a petition
You or your attorney file a petition for an occupational license in the county where you live or where the offense occurred.
Get an SR-22
You need proof of financial responsibility — an SR-22 from your insurance company — filed with DPS before the court will grant the license.
Attend the hearing
A judge reviews your petition and specifies your allowed hours, locations, and any additional conditions including interlock.
Take the court order to DPS
Once the judge signs the order, take it to DPS and pay the reinstatement fee ($125 after an ALR or refusal suspension, $100 after a DWI-conviction suspension) and the occupational license fee. DPS issues the occupational license.
Know your costs
Filing fees ($150–$300) + attorney fees if applicable + SR-22 ($15–$50/month) + interlock if required ($70–$150/month)
The Interlock — What You Need to Know
This is where most people get confused.
There are two separate interlock requirements in Texas:
Court-ordered interlock — If the judge ordered an interlock as a condition of your occupational license, it stays until the judge says otherwise. Not until your suspension ends.
DPS mandatory interlock — If your BAC was .15 or higher, or if you refused the breath test, DPS requires an interlock for at least one year from the date of reinstatement.
Your 90-day suspension ending does NOT automatically end your interlock requirement. These are two separate clocks.
To remove the interlock, you need one of the following:
- • A court order from the judge (for court-ordered interlock)
- • Completion of your full DPS-required interlock period
- • Confirmation from your interlock provider that DPS has cleared your account
If you're not sure which applies to you — call your interlock provider today. They can tell you exactly where you stand with DPS.
Getting Your Full License Back
Your suspension ending is not automatic reinstatement. There are steps.
Pay the reinstatement fee and occupational license fee to DPS
Can be paid online at txdps.state.tx.us.
Confirm your SR-22 is still active
Your insurance company must have a current SR-22 on file with DPS. This is typically required for 2 years.
Complete any court-ordered programs
DWI education or intervention programs must be finished before full reinstatement.
Interlock removal if applicable
If you have a DPS-required interlock, it must remain for the full required period even after your license is reinstated.
Apply for reinstatement
Online through DPS or at a DPS office in person.
Real Talk
Having an interlock in your car is humiliating. Having to explain your schedule to a judge is frustrating. Dealing with DPS paperwork while your life is already upended is a lot.
But people do this every single day. The worst part isn't the process — it's not knowing what the process is.
Now you know.
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