There are a few circumstances where a Department of Public Safety (DPS) occupational license is something you might need. For instance, if have been charged with a DUI violation or have unpaid paid traffic ticket fees. Although it is restrictive, it can give you a level of freedom that you may otherwise lose completely. To help you understand what you can still do with a DPS occupational license, we have outlined the following.
You Can Use It for Certain Journeys
As long as it is in a non-commercial vehicle, then a DPS occupational license can be used for school-related purposes, getting to and from work, and activities that are essential to household duties. Every approval is different so you could find that yours is strictly for work and nothing else.
Getting the License
You can often check online with your local governing body or at a court to see if you qualify for the license. Then you need to gather and fill out the relevant forms before filing them with the court. From here you will need to arrange to get a judge to sign the court order, and once this has been approved, you can mail everything to the DPS at your earliest convenience. Make sure you send all necessary documents and paperwork that apply to your state.
Paying the Fee
You will also need to make sure that you can afford to pay the fee for the license. Once the judge has approved and signed the court order, you can use this for up to 30 days while you wait for your license. It can act as your license in the meantime.
What Causes A Delay
Many circumstances can delay your application from being approved. Using the help of a third party can speed things up, but it also costs more money. One of the things that can slow down the process is if you have been convicted of an offense that involved alcohol or drugs. These types of offenses are taken more seriously and a period of 90-days will have to pass before you can apply.
Other possible delays can be caused by recent traffic offenses that are outstanding, a currently suspended license at the time of your most recent violation or being intoxicated while behind the wheel — expected a longer delay if these apply to you.
Your age also matters. If you are under 21 and caught driving over the alcohol limit, you will have to wait longer before you can apply for an occupational license.
When Will My Application Be Denied?
It is possible that you will not even get the opportunity to apply if your license is currently revoked. As with many of the above, a lot of the rules can differ slightly depending on which state you are in. As a general guide, you should now have a better understanding of what a DPS occupational license is, and how it might be available to you.
