Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Beltz Law Group
Traffic tickets, even seemingly minor ones, can lead to serious consequences for your driving privileges in Texas if not handled properly. One of the most common issues our clients face is discovering their driver’s license has become invalid due to old, unresolved citations. This article will explain how these old tickets can impact your license status and the potential pitfalls of not addressing them correctly.
If you have concerns about old traffic tickets or the status of your driver’s license in Texas, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys at The Beltz Law Group at 214-321-4105 for a free consultation.
The Origin of the Problem: Unresolved Tickets and OmniBase Holds
When you receive a traffic ticket in Texas, you are given a court date by which you must either appear or take action (like paying the fine or requesting deferred disposition). If you fail to appear in court or fail to satisfy the judgment (e.g., pay the fine, complete defensive driving), the court can report your non-compliance to the OmniBase Services of Texas.
OmniBase, acting on behalf of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), then places a “hold” on your driver’s license record. This “hold” is a crucial mechanism that prevents you from renewing, replacing, or obtaining a new Texas driver’s license until the underlying issue with the court is resolved and the hold is lifted.
Key Point: A court issuing an OmniBase hold typically does so because you either failed to appear for your court date or failed to pay a fine you were ordered to pay.
What Does “Invalid License” Mean?
When an OmniBase hold is placed on your driver’s license, it doesn’t always mean your license is immediately “suspended” in the traditional sense, where you’re actively prohibited from driving from that moment. Instead, it makes your license ineligible for renewal or any transaction with the DPS. Your existing license might still have a future expiration date, but it effectively becomes invalid for official purposes.
However, this distinction is critical for understanding the risks:
Even if your physical license hasn’t technically “expired” yet, if it’s subject to an OmniBase hold, driving can lead to severe consequences. If a law enforcement officer pulls you over for any reason (a new traffic violation, a routine stop, etc.) and discovers your license has an active OmniBase hold, you can be charged with Driving While License Invalid (DWLI).
Driving While License Invalid
The Serious Consequences of Driving While License Invalid (DWLI)
Driving with a license that has an unresolved OmniBase hold (or is otherwise suspended, canceled, or revoked) is a criminal offense under Texas Transportation Code Section 521.457. The penalties for DWLI can escalate quickly:
- Class C Misdemeanor: For a first-time DWLI offense, it is typically a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. While this doesn’t carry jail time, a conviction will go on your criminal record and could impact your insurance rates.
- Class B Misdemeanor: The charge can be elevated to a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and/or a $2,000 fine) if:
- You have a previous conviction for DWLI.
- You were driving without current proof of financial responsibility (auto insurance).
- Your license was previously suspended as a result of an offense involving driving while intoxicated (DWI).
- Class A Misdemeanor: The offense can become a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine) if it’s shown that you were driving without insurance and caused or were at fault in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in serious bodily injury or death to another person.
The “Snowball Effect”: Many people compound their problems by not addressing old tickets. A minor new traffic stop can lead to a more serious DWLI charge simply because they neglected an old citation. Furthermore, simply paying off an old ticket to remove an OmniBase hold can sometimes lead to a conviction on your record, which then triggers a new license suspension for having driven with an invalid license! This is a common pitfall that can be avoided with proper legal guidance.
How to Check Your License Status and Resolve Holds
Removing OMNI Hold On Driver License
It’s essential to be proactive. You can check for OmniBase holds on your license by visiting the official Texas Failure to Appear website:
You will need your Texas driver’s license number and date of birth to use the system. Once you identify any outstanding holds, the next step is to resolve them with the respective courts.
Why Hire an Attorney for Invalid License Issues?
The process of clearing old traffic tickets and reinstating a valid driver’s license can be complex, involving multiple courts and state agencies (DPS and OmniBase). An experienced attorney at The Beltz Law Group can help you:
- Identify All Holds and Warrants: Ensure you have a complete picture of all outstanding issues.
- Navigate the Courts: Communicate with municipal and justice courts on your behalf to resolve the underlying tickets.
- Avoid Convictions: Strategically negotiate for outcomes like deferred disposition or defensive driving, which prevent a conviction from appearing on your record and potentially triggering further suspensions or DWLI charges.
- Prevent Further Penalties: Help you avoid additional fines, fees, or even jail time associated with DWLI charges.
- Guide You Through Reinstatement: Provide clear steps to get the OmniBase holds lifted and properly reinstate your license with DPS.
Don’t wait until you’re stranded at the DMV or facing a DWLI charge to address old traffic tickets. Being proactive and seeking professional legal assistance can save you time, money, and significant stress.
Contact The Beltz Law Group today at 214-321-4105 for a free driver’s license eligibility check and to discuss how we can help you regain your valid driving privileges.
