Where to call for a Florida hardship license

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) handles hardship license requests. You can reach them at 1-850-617-3800 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. This is the main customer service line for all driver license matters, including hardship and restricted license questions.

When you call, have your driver license number ready, along with details about your suspension or revocation. The staff can tell you whether you meet the requirements for a hardship license in your situation, what documents you need to bring, and which county office is closest to you.

If you cannot reach someone by phone or prefer to handle this in person, you can visit any Florida DHSMV office. Each county has at least one office, and many have multiple locations. The DHSMV website has a county-by-county office locator where you can find addresses, hours, and phone numbers for your local branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the Florida DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, to ask about hardship license requirements and next steps.
  • Have your driver license number and details about your suspension or revocation ready when you call.
  • You can also visit a county DHSMV office in person; use the office locator on the DHSMV website to find the one nearest you.
  • Different suspension reasons have different hardship rules, so the staff will need to know why your license was suspended or revoked.

What information to have before you call

The DHSMV staff will ask you specific questions to determine what type of hardship license you may be able to get. Write down your Florida driver license number before you call — this is the fastest way for them to pull up your record.

You will also need to explain why your license was suspended or revoked. The reason matters because Florida has different hardship rules for different violations. For example, a suspension for unpaid traffic fines has different requirements than a suspension for a DUI conviction.

If you know the date your suspension began or when it is scheduled to end, have that ready too. This helps the staff tell you how much longer you must wait before you can request a hardship license, or whether you are already may be able to access.

What happens after you call

The DHSMV staff will tell you over the phone whether a hardship license is an option for your situation. If it is, they will explain what documents you need to gather and which office you should visit to submit your request in person.

You cannot get a hardship license by phone or mail — you must go to a county DHSMV office and explore there. The staff on the phone will let you know exactly what to bring so you do not make a wasted trip. Some requests require proof of employment, proof of a medical condition, proof of a court order, or other specific paperwork depending on your reason for suspension.

After you submit your process at the office, the DHSMV will review it and mail you a decision. The timeline varies, but you should expect to wait at least a few days to a week or more.

If you cannot reach the main line

If the main phone line is busy or you have trouble getting through, try visiting a county DHSMV office in person instead. Staff at the office can answer the same questions and help you understand what you need to do next. This is often faster than waiting on hold.

You can also check the DHSMV website for written information about hardship licenses. The site has fact sheets and guides for different suspension reasons, which may answer your question before you need to call.

Documents you may need to bring

The exact documents depend on why your license was suspended, but common items include a valid photo ID, proof of residence, proof of employment, and your Social Security number. Some hardship requests also require a letter from your employer stating that you need to drive for work, or a doctor's note if your hardship is medical.

When you call, ask the staff to list every document you need for your specific situation. Bringing the wrong documents or incomplete paperwork will delay your request, so it is worth asking twice to make sure you have everything.

Visiting a DHSMV office instead of calling

If you prefer to handle this in person, you can walk into any county DHSMV office without an appointment and ask about hardship licenses. Bring your driver license, Social Security number, and proof of residence. The staff can review your record on the spot and tell you what you need to do next.

Office wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning or mid-week visits are usually shorter. Some offices are busier than others, so if your local office has a long line, you can try a different county office — your suspension is valid statewide, so any DHSMV office can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for unpaid fines?

Yes, but you must first pay the fines or set up a payment plan with the court. Call the DHSMV to confirm the amount owed and which court to contact. Once the fines are paid or a plan is in place, you can request a hardship license.

How long does it take to get a hardship license after I explore?

The DHSMV does not publish a standard timeline, but most decisions come within one to two weeks. Call 1-850-617-3800 to ask about the current wait time, as it can vary depending on how busy the office is.

What if I was suspended for a DUI?

DUI suspensions have stricter hardship rules than other violations. You may need to install an ignition interlock device, complete a DUI course, and meet other requirements. Call the DHSMV to learn what applies to your case.

Can I call the DHSMV on weekends or evenings?

No, the main line is only open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If you need help outside these hours, visit a county office in person or check the DHSMV website for written guides.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DHSMV office?

No, you can walk in without an appointment. However, some offices may have online scheduling available to reduce wait times. Check your local county office's website to see if appointments are offered.