THE CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED AS LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY REGARDING LEGAL QUESTIONS.

Before you begin this process you MUST have had a valid Driver's License in Texas or another state in the USA

THE PROCESS:
You will file with the clerk's office a Petition for Occupational/Essential Needs Driver's License and an Order Granting Occupational/Essential Needs Driver's License. There are forms located in the Law Library on the 3rd floor of the Brazoria County Courthouse which you would fill out & sign in front of a notary.
Once filed you will receive an information sheet with the cause number and which court it is assigned to. It is your responsibility to contact the Court Coordinator in order to set up your hearing date.
After your hearing with the Judge, you will return to the civil office where you will then receive a certified copy of the Petition and Order. The civil office will also send a certified copy of the same to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational/Essential Needs D/L

Do I need an attorney?
You can retain an attorney or file prose (without an attorney). If you are filing prose you will have to do the research yourself. It is against the law for a non-attorney, county clerk's office, to practice law.

Where do I file for an Occupational/Essential needs drivers license?
If you license way suspended by a County Court at Law Judge (misdemeanor offense), then you file with the County Clerk's office. If you license was suspended by a District Court Judge (felony offense/even if reduced to a misdemeanor), then you would file with the District Clerk's office.

Where can I get the forms?
There are two (2) forms in the Law Library on the 3rd floor of the Brazoria County Courthouse which you would fill out & sign in front of a notary. The name of the forms:
1.  Petition for Occupational/Essential Needs Drivers License
2.  Order Granting Occupational/Essential Needs Drivers License

Do I need any other forms?
Yes, you will need the following forms:
1.  SR-22 and/or valid proof of insurance
2.  Certified copy of your driving record (form 3A) from the DPS which can be  obtained at http://www.texas.gov

Is there a filing fee?
Yes, there is a $350.00 fee to file with the County Clerk which will NOT be refunded if filed in error. (We accept cash or money order only.)

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