An FN designation means your license has restrictions tied to a specific medical or physical condition
An FN driver license is a standard license with a functional limitation code attached to it. The "FN" stands for "functional limitation" and tells law enforcement and licensing officials that you have a documented medical or physical condition requiring specific restrictions on how or when you can drive. The restrictions themselves vary — some drivers can only operate vehicles with hand controls, others must wear corrective lenses, and some are limited to daylight driving only.
The FN code does not prevent you from holding a regular license. Instead, it documents that your license comes with conditions you must follow. If you violate those conditions — for example, driving at night when your restriction says daylight only — you can face the same penalties as driving with a suspended license.
Each state uses its own codes and naming systems for functional limitations. Some states call them "restrictions," others use letter codes (like "B" for corrective lenses), and a few use the FN designation specifically. The DMV in your state will tell you exactly what your restriction means and what you can and cannot do.
Key Takeaways
- An FN code on your license documents a medical or physical condition that limits how you can drive, such as requiring hand controls or daylight-only operation.
- You must follow the specific restrictions listed on your license or face the same legal consequences as driving with a suspended license.
- The process begins with a medical evaluation or report from your doctor stating your condition and what driving restrictions are necessary.
- Each state has different codes and procedures for adding or renewing functional limitation restrictions, so you will need to contact your state DMV for the exact steps.
- Restrictions can be temporary (tied to recovery from surgery) or permanent (tied to a chronic condition), and you may need to renew them periodically.
When a functional limitation code gets added to your license
A functional limitation code is added when you report a medical or physical condition to the DMV, or when the DMV discovers one during a vision or medical screening. Common reasons include vision problems that corrective lenses do not fully fix, hearing loss that requires a hearing aid, mobility issues requiring hand controls, or neurological conditions affecting reaction time or judgment.
You may also receive an FN code if you are recovering from surgery or injury and your doctor recommends temporary driving restrictions. For example, if you have shoulder surgery and cannot safely operate a standard steering wheel for six weeks, your doctor can request a temporary restriction, and the DMV will add it to your license for that period.
Some states require you to report the condition yourself; others ask your doctor to report it directly to the DMV. A few states use medical review boards that examine your case before deciding whether restrictions are necessary. The process varies significantly by state, so contact your DMV to find out whether you need to initiate the report or whether your healthcare provider will do it.
What medical documentation you will need
The DMV will ask for a medical report or evaluation from your doctor describing your condition and recommending specific driving restrictions. This is not a general letter saying you have a condition — it must state what you can and cannot safely do while driving.
For vision restrictions, you may need a formal vision test from an optometrist or ophthalmologist showing your corrected and uncorrected vision. For mobility restrictions, your doctor may need to document your range of motion and recommend whether hand controls, left-foot accelerators, or other adaptations are necessary. For hearing restrictions, an audiologist's report is typically required.
Some states have specific medical forms the DMV provides; others accept any report from a licensed healthcare provider. Before you schedule a medical evaluation, contact your state DMV and ask what form or format they require. Submitting the wrong format can delay the process by weeks.
How to request or renew an FN restriction
The process differs by state, but the general steps are: obtain medical documentation, contact your DMV, submit the documentation, and wait for the DMV to update your license. Some states allow you to request the restriction in person at a DMV office; others require you to mail the documentation. A few states have online portals where you can upload medical records.
If you are renewing an existing restriction, check your license to see when it expires. Many states require you to renew functional limitation codes every one to five years, depending on the condition. You will receive a notice before expiration, but do not wait for it — contact your DMV at least 30 days before the expiration date to avoid a lapse in your driving authorization.
The timeline for processing varies. Some states update your license within two weeks; others take six to eight weeks. During that time, you are usually allowed to drive under the old restrictions. Once the DMV approves the new restriction, you will receive an updated license in the mail or be notified to pick it up in person.
Common functional limitation codes and what they mean
Corrective lenses (often coded as "B" or "corrective lenses required") means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. Driving without them is a violation, even if you feel you can see well enough.
Hand controls (often coded as "HC" or similar) means your vehicle must be equipped with hand-operated accelerator and brake pedals. You cannot drive a standard vehicle with foot pedals.
Daylight driving only (often coded as "D") means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. This restriction is common for drivers with significant vision loss or certain neurological conditions.
Hearing aid required (often coded as "HA") means you must wear a hearing aid while driving. Some states also restrict you to vehicles with side mirrors or other visual aids.
Automatic transmission only means you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle. This is sometimes used for drivers with limited mobility or certain neurological conditions.
Your state DMV will provide a complete list of codes used in your state and what each one means. If you are unsure what your code means, call the DMV or visit in person — do not guess, because violating a restriction you do not understand can result in a citation.
What happens if you drive outside your restrictions
Driving in violation of a functional limitation restriction is treated as a moving violation in most states. You can be cited, fined, and have points added to your driving record. In some states, a violation can result in license suspension or revocation.
For example, if your license says "corrective lenses required" and you are stopped while not wearing glasses, you can receive a citation even if your vision is otherwise fine. If your license says "daylight driving only" and you are stopped at night, the violation stands regardless of road conditions or visibility.
If you believe a restriction is no longer necessary — for example, you have recovered from surgery or your vision has improved — you can request that the DMV remove or modify it. You will need updated medical documentation showing that the condition no longer exists or that the restriction is no longer medically necessary. The DMV will review the documentation and make a decision, which can take several weeks.
How functional limitations differ from suspensions and revocations
A functional limitation code allows you to drive under specific conditions. A suspension or revocation removes your driving privilege entirely. You can hold a license with an FN code and drive legally as long as you follow the restrictions. A suspended or revoked license means you cannot drive at all.
If you accumulate too many violations or are convicted of certain offenses, the DMV may suspend or revoke your license in addition to or instead of adding restrictions. A suspension is usually temporary; a revocation is permanent or long-term and typically requires a formal reinstatement process.
Some states use functional limitations as an alternative to suspension for certain medical conditions. For example, instead of suspending your license because of a vision problem, the DMV may add a "corrective lenses required" restriction, allowing you to continue driving safely with glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an FN code if I do not follow the restrictions?
No. Driving in violation of your restrictions is a moving violation and can result in a citation, fine, points on your record, and potentially license suspension. The restrictions are legally binding conditions of your driving privilege.
How long does an FN restriction stay on my license?
It depends on the condition. Temporary restrictions (such as those following surgery) may last weeks or months. Permanent restrictions tied to chronic conditions stay on your license indefinitely unless you request removal and provide medical documentation showing the condition no longer exists.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about an FN code?
Yes. Your insurance company should know about any restrictions on your license. Some restrictions may affect your premium or coverage. Failing to disclose a restriction could affect a claim if an accident occurs.
Can I get an FN code removed or modified?
Yes, if your medical condition improves or changes. You will need updated documentation from your doctor showing that the restriction is no longer necessary. Submit this to your DMV, and they will review it and decide whether to remove or modify the code.
What if my doctor and the DMV disagree about what restrictions I need?
The DMV makes the final decision about what restrictions appear on your license, even if your doctor recommends something different. If you disagree with the DMV's decision, you can request a hearing or appeal, which varies by state. Contact your state DMV to learn about the appeal process.