What a Tennessee hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Tennessee lets you drive during a suspension when you have a genuine need — usually work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs. It is not a full license. It restricts where you can go and when, and it stays in effect only as long as your suspension lasts.
You can request a hardship license if your license was suspended for reasons like a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or failing to pay traffic fines. Tennessee does not grant hardship licenses for every suspension type — some suspensions, like those for refusing a breath test, have different rules. The state also will not issue one if you are under 18 and suspended for a school-zone speeding violation.
The process starts with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH), the state agency that handles all driver licensing. You cannot get a hardship license online or by mail. You must appear in person at a TDSH office with specific documents and proof of your hardship.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license in Tennessee restricts your driving to specific purposes like work, school, or medical treatment, and you must carry proof of that purpose when you drive.
- You must explore in person at a TDSH Driver Services office with documents showing your identity, your suspension reason, and proof of hardship (such as an employment letter or school enrollment).
- The fee for a hardship license is $20, and approval typically takes a few days to a week after you submit your process.
- Violating the restrictions on a hardship license — such as driving outside the permitted times or purposes — can result in additional criminal charges and loss of the hardship license itself.
- If your suspension is for a DUI-related offense, you may face stricter requirements, including an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Documents you need to bring to the TDSH office
Bring your current Tennessee ID or passport as proof of identity. If your license was suspended, bring the suspension notice you received from TDSH — this document explains why your license was suspended and is essential to the process.
You will also need proof of your hardship. This means different things depending on your reason for requesting the license. If you need to drive to work, bring a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work schedule, and that your employment depends on your ability to drive. If you are a student, bring a current enrollment letter from your school or university. For medical hardship, bring a letter from your doctor or medical provider describing the treatment you need and how often you must attend appointments.
If your suspension involved a DUI or refusal to submit to a breath test, you may also need proof that you have enrolled in or completed a DUI education program (sometimes called a "DUI school"). Tennessee requires this for many hardship license requests related to impaired driving.
how the process works at a TDSH Driver Services office
Find the TDSH Driver Services office nearest to you on the state website. Most counties have at least one office, and larger cities have multiple locations. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring all your documents and the $20 fee (cash, check, or card, depending on the office). Tell the clerk you are requesting a hardship license and hand over your suspension notice and proof of hardship. The clerk will review your documents and may ask you questions about your hardship and your driving history.
If everything is in order, the office will issue you a temporary hardship license on the spot — usually a paper document that is valid when ready. Your permanent hardship license card will arrive by mail within a week or two. Do not drive until you have received one of these documents.
What your hardship license allows and restricts
Your hardship license will list the specific purposes for which you can drive. Common restrictions include driving only to and from work during your work hours, driving only to and from school on school days, or driving only to medical appointments with proof of the appointment. Some hardship licenses allow driving to court-ordered programs like DUI school or probation meetings.
You must carry proof of your hardship with you at all times while driving — your employment letter, school ID, medical appointment card, or court order. If a police officer stops you and you cannot show that your driving matches your hardship license restrictions, you can be charged with driving on a suspended license, which is a criminal offense in Tennessee.
Your hardship license does not allow you to drive for any other purpose. You cannot use it for errands, social activities, or any trip outside the stated reasons. The restrictions are strict, and violations can result in additional charges and when ready revocation of the hardship license.
Hardship licenses for DUI suspensions and ignition interlock requirements
If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction or a refusal to submit to a breath test, Tennessee has additional requirements. You may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle before you can drive on a hardship license.
An ignition interlock is a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition. You must blow into it before the car will start, and it will not start if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must also blow into it randomly while driving. The device records all results and sends them to the state.
If an IID is required for your hardship license, you must have it installed before you drive. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring (typically $60 to $100 per month) is your responsibility. You can find certified IID vendors through the TDSH website. Tampering with, removing, or failing a breath test on an ignition interlock is a separate criminal offense and will result in loss of your hardship license and additional charges.
How long your hardship license lasts
Your hardship license remains valid for the duration of your suspension. Once your suspension period ends, your hardship license automatically expires, and your regular driving privileges are restored (assuming you have met all other requirements, such as paying fines or completing DUI school).
If your circumstances change — for example, you lose your job or withdraw from school — you should notify TDSH. Continuing to drive on a hardship license after your stated hardship no longer exists can be treated as driving on a suspended license.
If you are granted a full license restoration before your suspension period ends, your hardship license will no longer be needed. This can happen if you successfully complete a license reinstatement program or if a court order modifies your suspension.
What happens if you violate your hardship license restrictions
Driving outside the purposes listed on your hardship license is treated as driving on a suspended license under Tennessee law. This is a criminal offense. A first offense can result in a fine of $250 to $1,000 and possible jail time. Subsequent offenses carry steeper penalties.
Violating your restrictions will also result in when ready revocation of your hardship license. You will lose the ability to drive for any purpose, even the ones originally permitted. You cannot request another hardship license during the same suspension period.
Police do not always know the specific restrictions on your hardship license when they stop you. If you are stopped, be honest about where you are going and show your proof of hardship when ready. If the officer believes you are violating your restrictions, you may be arrested or cited on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if I refused a breath test?
Yes, but the rules are stricter. Tennessee treats a refusal similarly to a DUI conviction for hardship license purposes. You will likely need to complete a DUI education program and install an ignition interlock device before you can drive on a hardship license. The suspension period for a refusal is also longer than for a standard DUI conviction.
What if I was suspended for too many points on my license?
You can request a hardship license for a points-based suspension, but you must show a genuine hardship — work, school, or medical care. A letter from your employer or school is usually sufficient. Points-based suspensions do not typically require an ignition interlock device unless a DUI is involved.
Can I drive to the grocery store or run errands on my hardship license?
No. A hardship license is limited to the specific purposes listed on it. Grocery shopping and errands are not considered hardship reasons. Driving for these purposes violates your restrictions and can result in criminal charges and loss of your hardship license.
How much does a hardship license cost?
The process fee is $20. If you are required to install an ignition interlock device, that is an additional cost of $60 to $100 per month for installation and monitoring, paid to the device vendor, not to TDSH.
What if my hardship license process is denied?
If TDSH denies your request, they will provide a written explanation. Common reasons for denial include insufficient proof of hardship, an ineligible suspension type, or failure to complete required programs like DUI school. You can reapply once you have addressed the reason for denial, such as by completing the required program or obtaining stronger proof of hardship.