What a Florida hardship license does and who can request one
A Florida hardship license lets you drive to specific places — work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs — when your regular license is suspended or revoked. You cannot use it for any other purpose. The state issues it only when you can show that losing all driving privileges would cause serious hardship to you or your family.
You can request a hardship license if your suspension or revocation was caused by a DUI conviction, a violation of the points system, a failure to pay traffic fines, a failure to maintain insurance, or a medical suspension. You cannot get one if you were suspended for refusing a breath or blood test, for driving with a suspended license, or for certain serious violations like habitual traffic offender status.
The hardship license is not automatic. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) reviews your request and decides whether the hardship you describe is genuine and serious enough to warrant restricted driving.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a hardship request with DHSMV in writing, either by mail or in person at a driver license office, and include proof of the hardship and your plan for getting to work, school, or medical care.
- The hardship must be real and documented — a letter from your employer, school, or doctor stating that you need to drive to that location carries far more weight than a general statement.
- DHSMV will mail you a decision within 30 days of receiving your complete request, and if approved, you can pick up your hardship license at a driver license office.
- A hardship license is restricted to the specific purposes you listed in your request, and driving outside those purposes is a criminal offense.
- The hardship license remains valid only as long as your suspension or revocation is in effect, and it ends automatically when your driving privileges are restored.
Documents you need to include with your hardship request
DHSMV requires you to submit a written request on a form called the process for Hardship License (Form HSMV 14-015). You can read this form from the DHSMV website or pick one up at any driver license office. The form asks you to describe the hardship and list the specific places you need to drive to.
Along with the form, you must include proof of the hardship. This means a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you work there, the address of the workplace, your job title, and the days and hours you work. If you cannot work without driving, say that explicitly in the letter. A letter from a school registrar or admissions office works the same way — it must state that you are enrolled, the location of the school, and the class schedule or program dates.
For medical hardship, include a letter from your doctor or clinic on official letterhead stating that you need to come in for treatment, the address of the facility, and how often you need to attend. Court-ordered programs require a letter from the program itself or a copy of the court order.
You also need a copy of your current suspension or revocation notice from DHSMV. This shows the reason for the suspension and the date it began. If you do not have it, call DHSMV at 850-617-3000 and ask them to mail you a copy before you submit your hardship request.
How to submit your hardship request to DHSMV
You have two options: mail your request or deliver it in person. If you mail it, send the completed form and all supporting documents to the DHSMV address listed on the form itself. Keep a copy of everything you send. Mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, so factor that into your timeline.
If you deliver it in person, go to any Florida driver license office during business hours. Bring the original form and documents. The office staff will check that your request is complete and date-stamp it. You will receive a receipt showing the date DHSMV received your request. This receipt is important — it proves when you filed, which matters if DHSMV needs to contact you with questions.
Do not submit your request online. DHSMV does not accept hardship requests through its website or email. Only mail and in-person delivery count as official filing.
What happens after you submit your request
DHSMV has 30 days from the date they receive your complete request to mail you a decision. If your request is missing information, they will mail you a notice asking for it. The 30-day clock restarts once you send the missing information. This means an incomplete request can take 60 days or longer to resolve.
If DHSMV approves your hardship request, they will mail you a letter of approval and instructions on how to pick up your hardship license. You must go to a driver license office in person with your approval letter and a valid form of identification. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. The office will issue your hardship license on the spot.
If DHSMV denies your request, they will mail you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include: the hardship described is not serious enough, the supporting documents do not prove the hardship, or you do not meet the legal requirements for a hardship license based on your suspension reason. You can request a hearing before a DHSMV hearing officer if you disagree with the denial. The hearing request must be filed within 30 days of the denial letter.
Restrictions on how you can use a hardship license
Your hardship license is valid only for the specific purposes you listed in your request. If you said you need to drive to work and to medical appointments, you can drive to those two places and nowhere else. Driving to the grocery store, to visit friends, or to run errands is a violation, even if you are on your way to or from an approved location.
The license will show the approved purposes and, in some cases, the specific addresses or locations. Read it carefully when you pick it up. If you are unsure what you are allowed to do, ask the driver license office staff before you leave.
Driving outside the scope of your hardship license is a criminal offense in Florida. You can be charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license, which carries fines, jail time, and an extension of your suspension. If you need to add a new purpose — for example, you change jobs — you must file a new hardship request.
How long your hardship license lasts
Your hardship license is valid for the entire period of your suspension or revocation, unless DHSMV revokes it earlier. If your suspension was for 6 months, your hardship license lasts 6 months. If your revocation was indefinite, your hardship license lasts until you meet the requirements to restore your driving privileges.
Your hardship license ends automatically on the date your suspension or revocation ends. You do not need to do anything. On that date, you can explore for a regular license if you meet all other requirements, such as paying reinstatement fees or completing required courses.
If you violate the terms of your hardship license — for example, by driving outside the approved purposes — DHSMV can revoke it when ready. You will then have no driving privileges at all until your original suspension or revocation period ends.
Reinstatement fees and other costs
There is no fee to request a hardship license. However, you may owe other fees depending on why your license was suspended. If your suspension was due to a failure to pay traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those before DHSMV will issue the hardship license. If your suspension was due to a failure to maintain insurance, you must show proof of current insurance before the hardship license is issued.
When your suspension or revocation period ends and you are ready to restore your regular driving privileges, you will owe a reinstatement fee. This fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension — typically between $75 and $150 — but you do not pay it until you are actually restoring your license, not when you request the hardship license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a hardship license if I was suspended for refusing a breath test?
No. Florida law does not allow hardship licenses for drivers suspended under the implied consent law for refusing a breath or blood test. You must wait out the full suspension period. This is one of the few suspension reasons where hardship is not an option.
What if my employer will not write a letter for me?
You cannot get a hardship license without documented proof of the hardship. If your employer refuses to write a letter, you do not have the evidence DHSMV needs. Consider whether you have another hardship — school, medical care, or a court-ordered program — that you can document instead.
How long does it take to get approved and pick up the license?
DHSMV takes up to 30 days to mail you a decision. If you mail your request, add 7 to 10 days for delivery. Once approved, you can pick up your hardship license the same day you go to the driver license office. Total time is usually 4 to 6 weeks from the date you file.
Can I drive to places not listed in my hardship request if it is on the way?
No. Your hardship license is restricted to the specific purposes you listed. Driving to an unlisted location, even if it is between two approved locations, is a violation. If you need to add a purpose, file a new hardship request.
What happens to my hardship license if I get another traffic violation while using it?
A new violation while driving on a hardship license can result in additional charges and penalties. DHSMV may also revoke your hardship license, leaving you with no driving privileges. You should focus on safe, lawful driving within the scope of your hardship license.