New Hampshire does have a hardship license, but it works differently than in many other states
New Hampshire calls its hardship option a work permit, and it lets you drive to specific places — mainly your job, school, or medical appointments — even if your license is suspended. You cannot use it for any other reason. The state issues work permits only in certain suspension situations, and you have to request one through the court that handled your case.
The biggest difference from other states is that New Hampshire does not issue a separate hardship document. Instead, the court adds a work permit notation to your existing suspended license. You carry the same license you always had, but with court permission to drive it for limited purposes only.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire work permits let you drive to work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs when your license is suspended.
- You must request a work permit through the court that suspended your license, not through the DMV.
- Work permits are available for some suspension reasons — mainly DUI-related suspensions and certain criminal convictions — but not all.
- The court decides whether to grant a work permit based on your specific situation and the reason for your suspension.
- A work permit does not restore your full driving privileges and can be revoked if you violate its terms.
When New Hampshire allows a work permit
New Hampshire permits work permits most often in DUI-related suspensions. If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction, refusal to take a breath test, or an administrative suspension after arrest, you can request a work permit from the court. The court has discretion to grant or deny it.
Work permits are also available in some cases involving criminal convictions that carry a license suspension as part of the sentence. However, the availability depends on the specific charge and the judge's decision. Not every suspension qualifies.
Administrative suspensions — those imposed by the DMV without a court case — sometimes allow work permits, but again, this depends on the type of suspension. If you are unsure whether your suspension qualifies, contact the court that issued the suspension order or the DMV directly.
How to request a work permit from the court
You must file a written request with the court that suspended your license. This is not an online process or a DMV form. You go to the courthouse in the county where your case was handled, find the criminal or traffic division, and ask for the procedure to request a work permit.
Your request should explain why you need to drive — your job location, school schedule, medical treatment, or court-ordered program — and show that you have no other way to get there. Bring documentation: a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job location and hours, a school enrollment letter, or medical appointment records. The court will review your request and decide whether to grant it.
Some courts have a specific form or process for work permit requests. Call the courthouse ahead of time to ask what they need from you. This saves a trip and speeds up the process.
What a work permit allows and does not allow
A work permit is extremely narrow. You can drive to and from work, to and from school, to medical appointments, and to court-ordered programs like DUI education classes. You cannot drive for any other reason — no grocery shopping, no visiting friends, no errands unrelated to the permitted purposes.
The court may also restrict the times you can drive or the routes you can take. For example, you might be allowed to drive only during your work hours plus a small window before and after. Violating these restrictions — driving outside the permitted times or for an unpermitted reason — can result in additional charges and when ready revocation of the work permit.
A work permit does not reduce the length of your suspension. It straightforward gives you permission to drive for specific purposes during the suspension period. Once the suspension ends, your license is restored normally.
The difference between a work permit and a restricted license
New Hampshire uses "work permit" and "restricted license" somewhat interchangeably, but they mean the same thing in practice: limited driving during a suspension. Some courts or DMV documents may use one term or the other, but the concept is identical. You get permission to drive for specific purposes only.
Do not confuse this with a learner's permit or a junior operator license, which are for new drivers. A work permit is only for people whose licenses are already suspended.
Costs and timeline
New Hampshire does not charge a fee for a work permit request or issuance. However, you may incur costs getting the documentation the court requires — employer letters, medical records, or proof of school enrollment.
The timeline varies by court. Some courts rule on work permit requests within a few days; others take a week or two. Call the courthouse to ask how long they typically take. If your suspension is urgent — you need to drive for work when ready — mention this when you file your request.
What happens if you violate the work permit
Driving outside the scope of your work permit — for example, driving to a store when you are only permitted to drive to work — is a violation. You can be stopped, cited, and charged with driving with a suspended license. The court can also revoke your work permit when ready, leaving you with no legal driving at all.
If you need to expand your work permit — for example, you changed jobs or started school — go back to the court and request a modification. Do not assume you can drive for the new purpose without permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a work permit if my license was suspended for unpaid fines?
Work permits are not typically available for suspensions based solely on unpaid fines or failure to pay child support. These suspensions are administrative, and the remedy is usually to pay what you owe or set up a payment plan. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the suspension to learn your options.
Do I need a lawyer to request a work permit?
You do not need a lawyer, but having one can help, especially if your case is complex or if the court denied your first request. Many courts allow you to file the request yourself. Call the courthouse and ask what the process is.
What if the court denies my work permit request?
If the court denies your request, you can ask for a hearing to present your case in person. Bring documentation showing why you need to drive — a job offer letter, school enrollment, medical records. The judge will reconsider. If denied again, you may be able to request reconsideration after a set period of time, depending on the court.
Can I drive to places other than work if I explain why?
The court can grant a work permit that includes other purposes — medical care, court-ordered programs, school — but only if you request them and the court approves. You cannot assume you can drive somewhere just because it seems reasonable. Ask the court first.
Does a work permit show up on my driving record?
Yes. Your work permit is noted on your license and your driving record. Law enforcement can see it when they run your license. If you are stopped for any reason, the officer will know your driving is restricted.