Missouri hardship license fees and what they cover
A Missouri hardship license costs $20 for the permit itself, plus the cost of the required Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) course, which runs between $200 and $500 depending on the provider you choose. You also pay a separate fee to file the petition with the circuit court in your county — this filing fee varies by county but typically falls between $50 and $150. The total out-of-pocket cost ranges from roughly $270 to $670 before you get behind the wheel.
The $20 hardship license fee is non-refundable, even if your petition is denied. The SATOP course fee is also non-refundable once you enroll. If you are denied and want to reapply, you will pay the court filing fee again, but you will not repeat the SATOP course — you keep that certificate for future petitions.
Missouri does not charge a separate fee for the hardship license itself beyond the $20. You do not pay the standard driver's license renewal fee ($25 for a four-year license) because the hardship license is a temporary document tied to your suspension, not a renewal.
Key Takeaways
- The hardship license permit costs $20, but you must also pay for a SATOP course ($200–$500) and a court filing fee ($50–$150), making the total cost $270–$670.
- The SATOP course is mandatory for all hardship license petitions in Missouri and the fee depends on which provider you choose.
- Court filing fees vary by county, so contact your circuit court clerk before you file to know the exact amount.
- Both the $20 permit fee and the SATOP course fee are non-refundable, even if your petition is denied.
- You do not pay a standard driver's license renewal fee when you receive a hardship license.
Breaking down the SATOP course cost
The Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) is a state-approved educational course that Missouri requires before you can petition for a hardship license. The course teaches the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, the legal consequences of impaired driving, and risk factors for repeat offenses. You must complete it before you file your petition with the court.
SATOP providers are private organizations licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Each provider sets its own fee, which is why the cost ranges from $200 to $500. Some providers offer in-person classes, others offer online completion, and a few offer both. The course typically takes 8 to 12 hours to complete, depending on the format and provider.
You choose the provider yourself — Missouri does not assign you to one. Before you enroll, call or visit the provider's website to confirm the exact fee, the format (online or in-person), and the timeline for completion. You will receive a certificate of completion once you finish, and you bring that certificate with you when you file your petition.
Court filing fees by county
You file your hardship license petition with the circuit court in the county where you live or where the offense occurred. Each county sets its own filing fee, which is why the amount varies. Most Missouri counties charge between $50 and $150 to file a petition, but some charge more.
Contact your county's circuit court clerk's office before you file. They will tell you the exact filing fee, what documents you need to bring, and whether they accept payment by check, card, or cash. Some counties allow you to file by mail; others require you in person. The clerk's office can also tell you how long the petition typically takes to be reviewed and whether you need to appear before a judge.
The filing fee is separate from the $20 hardship license permit fee. You pay the filing fee to the court; you pay the $20 to the Missouri Department of Revenue when you receive your permit.
When you pay each fee
The order of payment matters because you must complete the SATOP course before you file your petition. Here is the typical sequence:
- Enroll in and complete a SATOP course with a provider of your choice. Pay the course fee ($200–$500) at the time of enrollment or completion, depending on the provider.
- Obtain your certificate of completion from the SATOP provider.
- File your hardship license petition with your county circuit court. Pay the court filing fee ($50–$150) at the time you file.
- If your petition is approved, go to your local Missouri Department of Revenue office to receive your hardship license. Pay the $20 permit fee at that time.
If your petition is denied, you do not pay the $20 permit fee. You keep your SATOP certificate and can use it if you file again, so you will not pay that course fee a second time. You will, however, pay the court filing fee again.
Payment methods and where to pay
Payment methods vary by county and by provider. Most SATOP providers accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Some accept cash only if you attend in-person classes. Ask the provider about their payment options when you enroll.
For the court filing fee, contact your county circuit court clerk's office. Most accept checks and cash; many now accept credit and debit cards. Some counties allow you to pay online through their website or a third-party payment portal, while others require payment in person or by mail.
The $20 hardship license permit fee is paid at a Missouri Department of Revenue office when you pick up your license. The office accepts cash, check, and card. Bring your approved petition, your SATOP certificate, and a valid form of identification.
Refunds and what happens if you are denied
Neither the $20 permit fee nor the SATOP course fee is refundable. If your petition is denied, you lose both payments. The court filing fee is also non-refundable, though some counties may allow you to explore it toward a second filing if you reapply within a certain timeframe — ask your clerk's office about this.
If you are denied and want to file again, you will need to pay the court filing fee a second time. You will not pay for SATOP again because your certificate remains valid. You will only pay the $20 permit fee if your second petition is approved.
Reasons for denial include incomplete paperwork, failure to complete SATOP, or a judge's information that you do not meet the legal criteria for a hardship license. Ask the court clerk what the specific reason was if you are denied, so you can address it before you file again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after paying for SATOP?
No. SATOP course fees are non-refundable once you enroll. If you decide not to pursue a hardship license, you lose that money. Some providers may allow you to transfer your enrollment to a later date or to a different format (online instead of in-person), but they will not refund the fee. Check your provider's cancellation policy before you enroll.
Do I have to pay the court filing fee if my petition is denied?
Yes. The court filing fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. If you want to file again, you will pay the filing fee a second time. Some counties allow you to explore the first fee toward a second filing, so ask your clerk's office about this option.
What if I cannot afford the SATOP course right now?
You cannot petition for a hardship license without completing SATOP first, so you must pay for the course before you file. Some SATOP providers offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income — call providers in your area to ask. Your county legal aid office may also know of low-cost or free SATOP options.
Is the $20 hardship license fee the same in every Missouri county?
Yes. The $20 permit fee is set by the Missouri Department of Revenue and is the same statewide. The court filing fee varies by county, so that is the fee that changes depending on where you live.
Do I pay the $20 fee before or after my petition is approved?
You pay it after. You only pay the $20 permit fee when you go to the Department of Revenue office to pick up your hardship license, which happens after your petition has been approved by the court. If your petition is denied, you never pay this fee.