What a hardship license is and who can get one in Arkansas
A hardship license in Arkansas is a restricted driving permit that lets you drive during a suspension when you have a genuine need — usually work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs. You cannot get one straightforward because you want to drive; the state requires you to show that losing your license creates a real hardship for you or your family.
Arkansas calls this a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), and it is issued by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division. The permit limits where and when you can drive, and you must carry it with you every time you get behind the wheel.
You can request an RDP if your license is suspended for certain reasons — most commonly DWI/DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or failing to pay traffic fines. Some suspensions do not allow an RDP at all, so your first step is confirming whether your suspension type qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas issues a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) that allows limited driving during a suspension if you can show a genuine hardship.
- You must request the RDP in writing and provide documentation of your hardship — a job offer letter, school enrollment, medical appointment, or court order.
- The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reviews your request and decides whether to grant the permit; approval is not automatic.
- An RDP comes with strict conditions: you can drive only for the purposes listed on the permit, during the hours specified, and only on approved routes.
- You must pay a fee to receive the RDP, and you can lose it when ready if you violate the permit's restrictions.
Which suspension types allow a hardship license in Arkansas
Not every suspension qualifies for an RDP. Arkansas law allows hardship licenses for suspensions related to DWI/DUI convictions, point accumulation (too many traffic violations), and failure to pay court-ordered fines or child support. Some administrative suspensions — such as those for refusing a breath test or failing to maintain insurance — may also may have access to, depending on the circumstances.
Suspensions for serious violations like habitual traffic offender status or multiple DWI convictions within a short period have stricter rules and may not allow an RDP at all, or may require you to wait a certain amount of time before requesting one. If you are unsure whether your suspension type qualifies, contact the Arkansas Driver Services Division directly at 501-682-7060 or visit their office in Little Rock.
How to request a hardship license in Arkansas
You must submit a written request to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division. There is no online process; you will need to send a letter or visit the office in person. Your request should include your full name, driver's license number, the reason for your suspension, and a clear explanation of the hardship you face without a license.
Along with your letter, include documentation that proves your hardship. The state accepts different types of proof depending on your situation. A job offer letter or employment verification showing you need to drive to work, a school enrollment letter if you are attending classes, a medical appointment confirmation if you need to reach treatment, or a court order requiring you to attend a program all count as valid hardship documentation.
Mail your request to: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. You can also deliver it in person at their office at 1900 West Seventh Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Include a check or money order for the RDP fee, which varies depending on the type of suspension and the length of the permit you are requesting.
What happens after you submit your request
The Driver Services Division will review your request and documentation. They are looking for evidence that you have a genuine need to drive and that the hardship is real — not just inconvenient. If your documentation is incomplete or unclear, they may contact you to ask for more information. This process typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if the office is busy or if they need to verify information with courts or employers.
You will receive a written decision in the mail. If approved, your RDP will be mailed to you with specific conditions printed on it. These conditions spell out exactly what you are allowed to do: the days and hours you can drive, the routes you can take, and the purposes for which you can use the permit. If denied, the letter will explain why and may tell you whether you can request another RDP later.
Understanding the restrictions on your hardship license
An RDP is not a regular license. It comes with strict limitations that you must follow exactly. Your permit will list specific purposes — for example, "driving to and from work at XYZ Company, 123 Main Street, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m." You cannot use the permit to run errands, visit friends, or drive anywhere else, even if it seems like a short trip.
The permit also specifies approved routes. You must take the most direct route between the locations listed on your permit. Deviating from that route — even to stop for gas or food — is a violation. You must carry your RDP with you at all times while driving, along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. A police officer can stop you and check that you are following the permit's conditions.
If you violate the permit's restrictions — driving outside the approved hours, taking an unapproved route, or driving for a purpose not listed — your RDP will be revoked when ready. You will lose the right to drive at all, and the suspension will continue. Violations can also result in additional charges or fines.
How long a hardship license lasts in Arkansas
The length of your RDP depends on the length of your suspension and the reason for it. Some permits are issued for a few months, while others may last until your suspension ends. When you request your RDP, you can ask for a specific length of time, and the Driver Services Division will decide what is reasonable based on your hardship and the circumstances of your case.
Your RDP will expire on the date printed on the permit. If your suspension ends before that date, your RDP ends too, and you can explore for a regular license renewal. If your suspension continues past your RDP's expiration date and you still have a hardship, you can request a new RDP, but you will need to submit a new request with updated documentation and pay another fee.
What to do if your hardship license request is denied
If the Driver Services Division denies your request, the letter will explain the reason. Common reasons for denial include insufficient documentation of hardship, a suspension type that does not may have access to for an RDP, or a information that the hardship is not genuine enough to warrant a permit. You have the right to request reconsideration or to appeal the decision, though the process and timeline vary.
Contact the Driver Services Division to ask about your options. Some denials can be appealed if you can provide additional documentation or if circumstances have changed. If your hardship situation changes — for example, you lose your job but then find a new one — you can submit a new request with updated proof. Do not drive without a valid license or permit, as that is a separate criminal offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for a DWI?
Yes, Arkansas allows hardship licenses for DWI suspensions, but the rules are stricter than for other suspension types. You may have to wait a certain amount of time before requesting one, and the permit may be limited to driving to and from work or court-ordered treatment only. Contact Driver Services to confirm the waiting period for your specific case.
What if I do not have a job yet but need to drive to look for one?
Job searching alone is generally not considered a sufficient hardship in Arkansas. However, if you have a job offer letter or a confirmed interview, that may be enough. Some people also use school enrollment or medical appointments as their hardship reason. Be honest about your situation and provide whatever documentation you have.
Can I drive to the store or run errands with a hardship license?
No. Your RDP lists specific purposes and routes. If your permit says you can drive to work and back, that is all you can do. Stopping at the store, visiting family, or taking any detour is a violation that can result in losing the permit when ready.
How much does a hardship license cost in Arkansas?
The fee varies depending on the type of suspension and the length of the permit you request. Contact the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 or visit their office to find out the exact cost for your situation. You must include payment with your request.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving on my hardship license?
You must show the officer your RDP, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The officer can check whether you are following the permit's conditions — driving during approved hours, on an approved route, for an approved purpose. If everything is in order, you can continue. If you are violating the permit, the officer can cite you and your RDP can be revoked.