What Louisiana calls a hardship license and who can request one
Louisiana calls its hardship license a Temporary Driving Permit, and it lets you drive to specific places — work, school, medical appointments, court — during a suspension. You cannot use it for any other reason. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) issues it, and you request it through the court that suspended your license, not directly from OMV.
You can request a Temporary Driving Permit if your license was suspended for a DWI conviction, unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance. You cannot get one if your suspension is for a medical reason (like failing a vision test) or if you are under 17 and suspended for a traffic violation.
The court has the power to grant or deny your request. Even if you meet the basic requirements, the judge can refuse if they believe you pose a public safety risk or if you have not paid court costs or fines related to the suspension.
Key Takeaways
- A Temporary Driving Permit in Louisiana allows you to drive only to work, school, medical care, or court during a suspension — no other trips are permitted.
- You request the permit through the court that issued your suspension, not through the Office of Motor Vehicles.
- The judge decides whether to grant your request and can refuse even if you meet the basic requirements.
- You must show the court that the suspension creates a genuine hardship and that you have a specific need to drive.
- The permit is temporary and lasts only as long as your suspension; it does not restore your full driving privileges.
How to request a Temporary Driving Permit from the court
Contact the district court in the parish where your suspension was issued. Ask to speak with the clerk's office about requesting a Temporary Driving Permit. Some parishes allow you to submit a written request by mail or in person; others require you to appear before the judge. Call ahead to find out which method your court uses and whether there is a fee.
When you submit your request, you will need to explain why the suspension creates a hardship for you. Be specific: if you need to drive to work, say where you work, what hours, and whether public transportation is available. If you need to drive to medical appointments, describe the appointments and why you cannot use another method to get there. The court wants to see that you have a real, documented need.
Bring proof of your need. This might include a letter from your employer stating your work schedule, a medical appointment card or letter from a doctor, school enrollment documents, or proof that you are the primary caregiver for a dependent. The stronger your documentation, the more likely the judge will grant your request.
What happens after you request the permit
The judge will review your request and either grant or deny it. If granted, you will receive a Temporary Driving Permit that lists the specific purposes for which you can drive — usually work, school, medical care, and court appearances. The permit will also show the dates it is valid.
You must carry the permit with you whenever you drive. If a police officer stops you and you cannot produce it, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, even though you have the permit. Keep a copy at home and a copy in your vehicle.
The permit is valid only during your suspension period. Once your suspension ends — either because the time has passed or because you have met the conditions to have it lifted — the permit expires automatically. You do not need to return it, but you also cannot use it after your suspension is over.
Restrictions on where and when you can drive
A Temporary Driving Permit is not a license; it is permission to drive for specific purposes only. The court will specify which purposes explore to you. Common permitted purposes are:
- Driving to and from your place of employment
- Driving to and from school or a training program
- Driving to medical, dental, or mental health appointments
- Driving to court-ordered programs or counseling
- Driving to court appearances
You cannot use the permit to run errands, visit friends, go to restaurants, shop, or drive for any purpose not listed on the permit. If you are stopped by police and cannot explain why you are driving, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license. The burden is on you to stay within the permit's restrictions.
Some courts may also restrict the times you can drive — for example, only during daylight hours or only on weekdays. Check your permit carefully for any time restrictions.
Costs and how long the process takes
Court fees for requesting a Temporary Driving Permit vary by parish. Some courts charge between $50 and $150; others may charge less or nothing. Call your district court clerk's office to ask about the fee before you submit your request.
The time it takes to receive a decision depends on how busy the court is and whether you appear in person or submit a written request. If you appear before the judge, you may receive a decision the same day. If you submit a written request by mail, it may take two to four weeks. Ask the clerk's office what to expect in your parish.
If your request is denied, you can ask the judge to reconsider or you can wait until conditions change — for example, if you pay off fines or child support arrears, the court may be more likely to grant a second request.
When a Temporary Driving Permit does not help you
If your suspension is for a medical reason — such as failing a vision or hearing test — you cannot get a Temporary Driving Permit. You must address the medical issue first. This might mean getting glasses, having surgery, or taking a medical examination. Once you pass the medical test, you can request that OMV lift the suspension.
If you are under 17 and suspended for a traffic violation, Louisiana law does not allow a Temporary Driving Permit. You must wait until your suspension ends or until you turn 17, whichever comes first.
If the court believes you are a public safety risk — for example, if you have multiple DWI convictions or a history of driving with a suspended license — the judge can deny your request even if you have a documented hardship. In this case, you may need to wait out the suspension or explore whether the underlying reason for the suspension can be resolved (such as paying fines or completing a DWI program).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the grocery store with a Temporary Driving Permit?
No. Grocery shopping is not a permitted purpose. You can drive only to the specific places listed on your permit — typically work, school, medical appointments, and court. If you need groceries, you must arrange for someone else to shop or use a delivery service.
What happens if I get pulled over and I do not have my permit with me?
You can be cited for driving with a suspended license, even though you have a valid permit. Always carry your permit in your vehicle. If you forget it at home, you are still breaking the law by driving.
Can I get a Temporary Driving Permit if I owe child support?
Your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, so yes, you can request a permit. However, the court may require you to show that you are making payments or have a payment plan in place. Demonstrating that you are working toward resolving the debt strengthens your request.
Does a Temporary Driving Permit restore my license after the suspension ends?
No. The permit is valid only during your suspension. Once the suspension ends, the permit expires automatically. To drive normally again, you must complete whatever steps ended the suspension — paying fines, completing a DWI program, or satisfying child support obligations — and then request that OMV reinstate your license.
Can I appeal if the judge denies my request?
You can ask the judge to reconsider, but there is no formal appeal process for a denied Temporary Driving Permit request. If circumstances change — for example, you pay off fines or complete a required program — you can submit a new request and ask the judge to reconsider based on the changed circumstances.