What You Need to Do to Get a Hardship License in Arkansas

A hardship license in Arkansas lets you drive for specific purposes — work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — even though your license is suspended. You request one through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through a court. The process requires you to fill out a form, provide proof of your hardship, and pay a fee. Approval is not automatic; the DMV reviews your reason and decides whether it meets their criteria.

You can request a hardship license only if your suspension is for a driving-related offense (like DWI, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points), not for unpaid child support or other non-driving reasons. The license restricts where and when you can drive — you cannot use it for pleasure trips or errands unrelated to your stated hardship.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file Form DL 44 (process for Hardship License) with the Arkansas DMV, along with proof of your hardship and a $25 fee.
  • Your suspension must be for a driving-related offense; hardship licenses are not available for suspensions tied to child support or other non-traffic reasons.
  • You can drive only for the specific purposes listed on your hardship license — typically work, school, medical care, or court-ordered treatment.
  • The DMV takes up to 10 business days to review your request; you will receive written notice of approval or denial by mail.
  • If you are denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge within 30 days of the denial letter.

Documents and Proof You Must Provide

The DMV requires specific documents to show that your hardship is genuine. Bring or mail the original or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted for most items.

For a work hardship, you need a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, the dates and times you work, and that your employment depends on driving. A pay stub or recent tax return showing self-employment income works if you are self-employed. For school, bring an enrollment letter from the school or university showing your class schedule. For medical treatment, bring a letter from your doctor or treatment facility stating the type of care, appointment dates, and frequency. If your hardship is a court-ordered program (such as substance abuse treatment or anger management), bring the court order itself or a letter from the program provider confirming your enrollment and schedule.

You will also need to bring your current ID (even though it is suspended, you still have the physical card), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

How to Submit Your Hardship License Request

You have two options: mail your request or deliver it in person to an Arkansas DMV office. Mailing takes longer but requires no appointment.

To mail your request, send Form DL 44, all supporting documents, and a check or money order for $25 (made payable to Arkansas DMV) to: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Keep a copy of everything you send. The DMV will mail you a written decision within 10 business days of receiving your complete request.

To submit in person, visit any Arkansas DMV office with your completed form, documents, and $25 fee. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times. Bring originals or certified copies of all documents — the DMV will not accept photocopies of proof documents. If you submit in person, you will receive a receipt showing the date of your request.

What the DMV Looks For When Reviewing Your Request

The DMV does not rubber-stamp hardship requests. An examiner reviews your form and documents to decide whether your stated reason is genuine and whether driving is truly necessary for that purpose. They look for consistency between your hardship claim and your supporting documents — for example, if you claim you need to drive to work but your employer letter says you work from home, your request will likely be denied.

The DMV also considers whether you have other transportation options. If you live in an area with public transit and your hardship is not time-sensitive (like a weekly appointment), they may deny your request on the grounds that you could use the bus. However, if your job requires you to travel between multiple sites or your medical appointments are early morning, the DMV is more likely to approve.

Your driving record and the reason for your suspension also matter. If you were suspended for DWI, the DMV may approve a hardship license for work or treatment but not for school. If your suspension is for accumulating points, the DMV is generally more flexible about the reasons they will accept.

Timeline and What Happens After You Submit

After you submit your request (by mail or in person), the DMV has up to 10 business days to review it and mail you a decision. If you submitted by mail, add 3 to 5 business days for postal delivery on both ends. If you submitted in person, you will receive your decision sooner — often within a week.

If approved, you will receive a hardship license in the mail. It looks like a regular Arkansas driver's license but is marked "HARDSHIP" and lists the specific purposes for which you can drive (for example, "Employment Only" or "Employment and Medical Treatment"). The license is valid for the duration of your suspension, up to one year. If your suspension lasts longer than one year, you can request a renewal of your hardship license.

If denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include insufficient proof of hardship, lack of necessity (the DMV believes you have other transportation), or a hardship that does not fit the DMV's criteria. You have 30 days from the date of the denial letter to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. To request a hearing, send a written request to the address on your denial letter.

Restrictions and Rules for Driving on a Hardship License

A hardship license is not a regular license. You can drive only for the specific purposes listed on the card. If your hardship license says "Employment Only," you cannot drive to the grocery store, to visit friends, or to run errands, even if you pass your workplace on the way. Driving outside the scope of your hardship license is a violation and can result in additional charges.

You must carry your hardship license and proof of your hardship (such as your employer letter or medical appointment card) at all times while driving. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce both documents, you may be cited. Some hardship licenses also include time restrictions — for example, you may be allowed to drive to work between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. only. Check your license card for any time or route limitations.

If your hardship changes (for example, you lose your job or finish your medical treatment), you must notify the DMV in writing. Continuing to drive on a hardship license after your hardship no longer exists is illegal.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied

If the DMV denies your hardship license request, you can appeal. You have 30 days from the date on your denial letter to request a hearing. Send a written request to the address listed on the letter — do not call or email.

At the hearing, an administrative law judge will review your case. You can present new evidence, bring witnesses (such as your employer or doctor), and explain why you believe the DMV made a mistake. The judge will issue a written decision within 10 business days. If the judge agrees with you, the DMV must issue your hardship license. If the judge upholds the denial, you cannot request another hardship license until your suspension ends, unless your circumstances change significantly (for example, you get a new job with different hours).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for unpaid child support?

No. Hardship licenses are only for suspensions related to driving violations or traffic offenses. If your license is suspended for unpaid child support, you must resolve the child support debt to restore your license. Contact your local child support enforcement office for payment options.

How much does a hardship license cost?

The fee is $25. You pay this when you submit your request, whether by mail or in person. If your request is denied, the fee is not refunded.

Can I drive to places other than work if my hardship is employment?

Only if those places are directly related to your employment. For example, if your job requires you to visit client sites, you can drive between those sites and your workplace. You cannot drive to the store or to social events, even if you pass your workplace on the way.

What if I lose my job while I have a hardship license?

You must notify the Arkansas DMV in writing within 10 days. Continuing to drive on an employment hardship license after you no longer work is illegal. You may be able to request a new hardship license for a different reason (such as school or medical treatment) if you have proof of that new hardship.

How long does a hardship license last?

A hardship license is valid for the duration of your suspension, up to one year. If your suspension lasts longer than one year, you can request a renewal by submitting a new Form DL 44 and updated proof of your hardship before your current hardship license expires.