How to request a hardship license in Massachusetts
To request a hardship license in Massachusetts, you must file a petition with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and appear before a hearing officer. The RMV will not automatically grant one—you have to prove that losing your license creates genuine hardship, and the hearing officer decides whether your reason meets the state's standard. The process takes roughly four to eight weeks from petition to decision, and you can drive only for the specific purposes the RMV approves.
Massachusetts calls this a hardship license or work license, and it is available only if your license was suspended for certain violations—mainly OUI (operating under the influence), serious traffic offenses, or accumulating too many points. You cannot get one if your suspension is for medical reasons or if you never had a valid license to begin with.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a written petition with the RMV explaining why you need to drive, and the hearing officer will decide whether your reason qualifies.
- Hardship licenses are available only for suspensions tied to traffic violations or OUI, not for medical suspensions or unlicensed driving.
- You can drive only for the purposes the RMV approves in writing—typically work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs—and only during the hours listed on your license.
- The RMV charges a filing fee (currently $50) and may require you to show proof of insurance and a valid vehicle registration before approval.
- If the hearing officer denies your petition, you can request reconsideration, but you must wait at least 30 days before filing again.
Who can request a hardship license
You are may be able to access to request a hardship license if your Massachusetts driver's license is currently suspended for a traffic-related reason. The most common grounds are OUI conviction, reckless driving, accumulating 12 or more points within two years, or serious violations like driving with a suspended license. You must have a valid reason to drive—work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs like substance abuse counseling count; social activities and errands do not.
You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is medical (meaning the RMV suspended you because of a health condition), if you never held a valid Massachusetts license, or if you are currently unlicensed. If your license was revoked rather than suspended, the rules are stricter and a hardship license is usually not available.
What documents and information you need
Before you file your petition, gather the following:
- Your current Massachusetts driver's license or ID (even though it is suspended)
- Proof of insurance for any vehicle you will drive
- Registration for the vehicle you will use
- Documentation of your hardship—a letter from your employer confirming your job and hours, a school enrollment letter, or medical appointment records
- Your RMV case number (you can find this on any suspension notice you received)
If you are requesting a hardship license for a court-ordered program like DUI education, bring a letter from the program showing your enrollment and schedule. If you are requesting it for work, your employer's letter should state your job title, the hours you work, and that the job requires you to drive or that public transportation is not available.
Steps to file your petition
You can file your petition in person at any RMV office or by mail. Filing in person is faster because you can submit everything at once and ask questions if the staff finds something missing.
In person: Go to your nearest RMV branch with your documents and the $50 filing fee. Ask for the hardship license petition form (the staff will have it). Fill it out on the spot, listing the specific purposes you need to drive for and the days and hours. Submit it with your documents and fee. The RMV will give you a receipt and tell you when to expect a hearing date.
By mail: Request the petition form from the RMV by calling 617-351-4500 or visiting mass.gov/rmv. Fill it out completely, including your case number and a detailed explanation of your hardship. Mail it with copies of your documents and a check or money order for $50 to the RMV address on the form. Keep a copy for your records. Processing takes longer by mail—expect an extra week or two.
What happens at the hearing
After you file, the RMV will schedule you for a hearing with a hearing officer, usually within three to six weeks. The hearing is brief—typically 10 to 15 minutes—and you can attend in person or by phone. The hearing officer will ask you to explain your hardship, review your documents, and decide on the spot or within a few days.
Bring all your original documents to the hearing, even if you already submitted copies. Be specific about when and where you need to drive. For example, say "I work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at [company name] in [city]" rather than "I need to go to work." The more concrete your explanation, the more likely the officer will approve your request.
If the hearing officer approves your petition, you will receive a hardship license in the mail within one to two weeks. It will list the specific purposes you can drive for and the days and hours you are permitted to drive. You must carry this license with you whenever you drive, along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
Restrictions and rules for hardship licenses
A hardship license is not a regular license. It comes with strict limits. You can drive only for the purposes listed on the license—if it says "work and medical appointments," you cannot use it to drive to the grocery store or to visit a friend. Driving outside those purposes is a violation and can result in additional charges.
Your hardship license will also specify the days and hours you can drive. If it says Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you cannot drive on weekends or after 6 p.m., even for an approved purpose. Some licenses include a small buffer for travel time to and from work, but the RMV is strict about this.
You must maintain valid insurance and registration for any vehicle you drive. If you are pulled over and cannot show proof of insurance or registration, the officer can suspend your hardship license when ready. You also cannot drive if you have any alcohol or drugs in your system—the same zero-tolerance rule applies as it did before your suspension.
What to do if your petition is denied
If the hearing officer denies your petition, you will receive a written decision explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial are that your hardship is not severe enough, that public transportation is available, or that your employer can accommodate a schedule change. You can request reconsideration, but you must wait at least 30 days before filing a new petition.
When you file again, address the specific reason for the denial. If the officer said public transportation is available, bring evidence that it does not run during your work hours or that it is unsafe. If the officer said your hardship is not severe enough, provide additional documentation—for example, a letter from your employer stating that you will lose your job if you cannot drive, or a medical letter explaining why you cannot use public transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license lasts for the duration of your suspension. If your suspension is for two years, your hardship license is valid for two years. When your suspension ends, your regular license is automatically restored and you no longer need the hardship license.
Can I drive to places other than work if I have a hardship license?
Only if the RMV approved those purposes on your license. If your hardship license says "work only," you cannot drive to medical appointments, school, or anywhere else. Driving outside your approved purposes is a violation and can result in additional charges and loss of the hardship license.
What if my job or schedule changes after I get a hardship license?
You can request a modification by contacting the RMV and explaining the change. Bring documentation of your new job or schedule. The RMV may issue a new hardship license with updated purposes and hours, or it may deny the modification if the change does not affect your hardship.
Do I need a lawyer to request a hardship license?
No, you can file the petition yourself. However, if your suspension is for OUI or a serious violation, or if your first petition was denied, speaking with a lawyer who handles RMV hearings may improve your chances. Many lawyers offer free consultations.
Can I get a hardship license if I was suspended for driving with a suspended license?
It depends on why your license was suspended in the first place. If you were suspended for points or a traffic violation and then caught driving with a suspended license, you may still be able to get a hardship license for the original suspension. However, the new suspension for driving with a suspended license usually cannot be lifted by a hardship license.