Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Removing OMNI Hold On Driver License
Get A Driver License Hold Removed For Old Traffic Tickets in North Texas
It’s a common and frustrating scenario: you go to renew your driver’s license, only to find out there’s a “hold” on it due to an old, forgotten traffic ticket. These holds prevent you from renewing your license, and driving with an invalid license can lead to serious legal consequences. Understanding how to correctly get a driver’s license hold removed for old traffic tickets is crucial for maintaining your driving privileges.
At The Beltz Law Group, we frequently help clients navigate these complex issues. If you’re dealing with a driver’s license hold, contact us today at 214-321-4105 for a consultation.
What is a Driver’s License Hold?
A driver’s license hold is an administrative block placed on your driving record by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that prevents you from renewing, replacing, or obtaining a new driver’s license. These holds primarily occur when you have:
- Failed to Appear (FTA): You received a traffic ticket and did not appear in court by your designated appearance date.
- Failed to Pay (FTP): You were ordered to pay a fine or court costs for a traffic offense but failed to do so.
When a court reports an FTA or FTP to OmniBase Services of Texas, OmniBase then places the hold on your DPS driving record. It’s important to understand that while an OmniBase hold prevents renewal, it doesn’t always mean your license is immediately suspended. However, driving with a license that has an active hold can still lead to a charge of Driving While License Invalid (DWLI), which carries significant penalties.
How to Find Out If You Have a Hold
How To Remove An Omni Hold In Texas
The easiest and most reliable way to check for holds on your Texas driver’s license is through the official Texas Failure to Appear website, managed by OmniBase Services of Texas.
Official Texas Failure to Appear Website: www.texasfailuretoappear.com
To use the site, you will need your:
- Texas Driver’s License Number
- Date of Birth
The website will display any traffic tickets that have been reported to DPS as a “Failure to Appear” or “Failure to Pay,” indicating which court has placed the hold. This information is essential for taking the next steps.
The Correct Process for Getting a Hold Removed
Once you’ve identified which tickets are causing the hold, you must resolve each underlying case with the specific court(s) involved. Simply ignoring the issue will not make it go away, and it will only prevent you from driving legally.
Here’s the recommended step-by-step process:
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Contact the Court(s) Listed on OmniBase: For each citation that appears on the Texas Failure to Appear website, you must contact the respective municipal or justice court. Be prepared to provide your driver’s license number and the citation number (if you have it).
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Resolve the Underlying Ticket(s): This is the most critical step. Your goal should be to resolve the ticket in a way that avoids a conviction on your driving record. While simply paying the fine will lift the OmniBase hold, it often results in a conviction, which can have long-term negative consequences, such as:
- Increased auto insurance rates.
- Potential for future license suspensions if accumulated points or certain convictions occur.
- A criminal record for Class C misdemeanors.
Driver License Suspension Lawyer
Recommended Resolution Strategies (to avoid conviction):
- Deferred Disposition: This is a form of probation. If you successfully complete certain conditions (e.g., pay fines, complete a driving safety course, avoid new citations for a period), the case will be dismissed, and no conviction will appear on your record.
- Defensive Driving Course: For eligible offenses, completing an approved defensive driving course can lead to the dismissal of the ticket.
- Plea Bargain: Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation or another outcome that avoids a conviction on your driving record.
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Pay the OmniBase Administrative Fee: Once your case is resolved with the court (e.g., deferred disposition granted, defensive driving completed, or a plea agreement reached), there is a separate administrative fee that must be paid to OmniBase Services to officially remove the hold from your DPS record.
- For offenses entered into the OmniBase system after January 1, 2020, this fee is $10 per offense.
- For offenses entered before January 1, 2020, the fee was $30 per offense.
- This fee is separate from any fines or court costs associated with the ticket itself. The court will typically facilitate the payment of this fee once your case is resolved.
- Verify Hold Removal and License Eligibility: After resolving your cases with the courts and paying the OmniBase fee, it usually takes 3-5 business days for the information to update with DPS. You should then check your driver’s license eligibility status on the official Texas DPS website: https://texas.gov/licenseeligibility/. Once your status shows “eligible,” you can proceed to renew your license.
Why Hire an Attorney to Remove a Driver’s License Hold?
Driver License Suspension
Navigating the courts and the OmniBase system can be confusing and fraught with potential pitfalls. Making a mistake, such as simply paying off a ticket that results in a conviction, can lead to unintended and severe consequences. Hiring a qualified attorney offers significant advantages:
- Avoids Convictions: The primary benefit of legal representation is the ability to seek resolutions that prevent a conviction from appearing on your driving record, saving you from higher insurance premiums and potential future suspensions.
- Recalls Warrants: If your failure to appear has resulted in an arrest warrant, an attorney can often get the warrant recalled without you having to be arrested.
- Navigates Multiple Jurisdictions: If you have holds from multiple courts in different cities or counties, an attorney can efficiently coordinate resolutions across all jurisdictions.
- Saves Time and Stress: Your attorney handles the paperwork, court appearances, and communication with the courts and OmniBase on your behalf.
- Expert Guidance: Attorneys understand the nuances of traffic laws and the best strategies to protect your driving record and privileges.
Don’t let old traffic tickets jeopardize your ability to drive legally. Being proactive and seeking professional legal assistance can save you time, money, and significant stress in the long run.
If you have a hold on your Texas driver’s license and want to get it removed correctly, contact The Beltz Law Group today. We’re here to discuss your case and guide you through every step of the process. Call us at 214-321-4105.
