Busted? Get your SR22 with us!

Hello my friends, we deal with this all the time so I thought I'd share some useful advice.  (Not that any of my friends have ever had license issues, of course)

The following was copied from http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/suspended-license.php#Obtain-a-Restricted-License

Obtain a Restricted License

When your license is suspended or revoked (for reasons other than medical issues or delinquent child support) you might be able to apply for an occupational license. It’s a special restricted license that allows you to operate a non-commercial motor vehicle in only three circumstances:

• For work

• For school

• For carrying out essential household duties

You can request one either from the county or district court in the county in which you reside (or to the court of original jurisdiction where you committed the offense that got your license suspended in the first place). You can find more info in the Texas Transportation Code Section 521.242, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.7.

NOTE: If you are taking part in a special drug court program, you don’t need to file a petition. Your judge can grant you the occupational order.

1. Obtain certified copies of both the petition and the court order that grants the occupational license.
2. Obtain an SR-22 certificate of insurance; no other forms of proof of insurance will suffice. For insurance-related info, consult our Insurance Center. If necessary, you should be able to find a provider that suits your needs.
3. Be ready to pay an occupational license fee for a one-year license (or less). The DPS will issue up to a two-year license (max) as long as the court grants it.
4. Also be ready to pay a reinstatement fee if required for the following suspension programs:
   • Safety Responsibility
   • Driver Improvement
   • Administrative License Revocation (ALR)
5. Visit your nearest DPS office to submit the above paperwork and fees.

Don’t confuse the court order for your occupational license. You’ll have to follow through with the above steps to submit the court order and other required items to the Texas DPS. Only for 30 days from the day the judge signed the court order can you use it as a license until the state agency processes your occupational license.

Reinstate Your License

To reinstate your license, you might have to fulfill special requirements. It’s best to consult an attorney for specifics. Also, be aware that some situations could cause a change in your current insurance policy. Check our Insurance Center if you need to shop online for a lower insurance rate.

Generally, here is what you’ll need to do reinstate your driving privilege:

1. Have ready a check or money order to cover your fees (if applicable) made payable to TX DPS; don’t send cash.
2. Include your full name, date of birth and driver’s license number.
3. If fees are required, mail your reinstatement items and payment to:
   
   • Texas Department of Public Safety
   • Central Cash Receiving
   • P.O. Box 15999
   • Austin TX 78761-5999
4. If fees are NOT required, mail your reinstatement items to:
   • Texas Department of Public Safety
   • Driver Improvement and Compliance Bureau
   • P.O. Box 4087
   • Austin TX 78773-0001

Alcohol-Related Offenses

If you refused or failed a blood or breath test you could face suspension from driving for 90 days to two years. Before the DPS will reinstate your license, you must pay a reinstatement fee.

Those convicted of a DWI will face a suspension period ordered by the court for no more than two years. If you are younger than 21, your license will be automatically suspended for a year. To reinstate you must:

1. Pay a reinstatement fee.
2. Get and submit proof of insurance (form SR-22) to the DPS.
3. If the convicting court ordered you to complete a repeat offender’s DWI education program, forward the certificate of completion to the DPS before your suspension period expires.

NOTE: The state has removed the loophole that if you're charged with a major driving offense as a minor (such as DWI, you can no longer circumvent the penalties if you turn 21 before your court date.

Drug Offenses

Upon final conviction of a drug offense, your license will be automatically suspended for 180 days.

1. Pay a reinstatement fee.
2. Obtain and submit proof of insurance (form SR-22) to the DPS.
3. Forward to the DPS your certificate of completion for your required drug class.

Traffic Offenses

If you receive four or more violations in 12 months or seven or more in 24 months, it’s possible you’ll license will be suspended. For these habitual traffic violations you’ll have to pay a reinstatement fee.

If you get caught driving on a suspended or invalid license, you’ll have to pay a reinstatement fee and file proof of insurance (form SR-22).

If you violate a driver’s license restriction you’ll have to pay a reinstatement fee.

No Insurance

If your insurance has been cancelled or if you receive a second or subsequent ticket for no liability insurance you must pay a reinstatement fee and get proof of insurance (form SR-22) to submit to the DPS.