What Alabama calls a hardship license and who can request one
Alabama does not use the term "hardship license." Instead, the state offers a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), which allows you to drive for specific purposes during a suspension period. You can request an RDP if your license has been suspended for reasons including DUI/DWI conviction, accumulation of points, failure to pay traffic fines, or failure to maintain required insurance.
The RDP is not automatic. You must submit a written request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with required documents and a fee. The state will review your case and decide whether to grant the permit. Approval is not may provide, and the decision depends on the reason for your suspension and your driving history.
An RDP allows you to drive only for purposes the state approves in writing — typically work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You cannot use it for personal errands, social activities, or any other purpose not listed on the permit itself.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama issues a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), not a hardship license, and you must request it in writing with specific documents and a $25 fee.
- You can request an RDP during a suspension caused by DUI, points accumulation, unpaid fines, or insurance violations, but approval depends on your case details.
- The RDP limits you to specific purposes listed on the permit — work, school, medical care, or court programs — and driving outside those purposes is a criminal offense.
- Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the DPS receives your complete process, and you must carry the RDP and your valid ID whenever you drive.
- If your suspension is related to a DUI, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device before the RDP is issued.
Documents and information you need to gather before requesting an RDP
Start by collecting the paperwork that proves your identity, residency, and the reason for your suspension. You will need a copy of your current Alabama driver's license (or state ID if your license has been suspended), proof of residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
Next, obtain documentation related to your suspension. If your suspension is DUI-related, you will need proof that you have completed or are enrolled in a DUI education program (such as a victim impact panel or substance abuse treatment). If your suspension is points-related or due to unpaid fines, request a copy of your driving record from the DPS to confirm the suspension reason and current status. You can order this online through the Alabama DPS website or by mail.
If you are requesting an RDP for work purposes, gather a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work schedule, and the business address where you work. If you need the permit for school, bring an enrollment letter or class schedule from your school. For medical purposes, obtain a letter from your healthcare provider describing the medical need and appointment frequency.
How to submit your RDP request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety
You can submit your RDP request by mail or in person at an Alabama DPS Driver License Examining Office. There is no online process for an RDP; all requests must be submitted on paper. read the process for Restricted Driving Permit form from the Alabama DPS website, or request it by phone at 334-242-4400.
Complete the form in full, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason for your suspension, and the specific purposes for which you need to drive. Attach copies (not originals) of all required documents: your ID, proof of residency, your driving record, and any supporting letters from your employer, school, or doctor. Include a check or money order for $25 payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
Mail your completed process to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Or deliver it in person to any DPS Driver License Examining Office during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Timeline and what happens after you submit your process
The DPS typically processes RDP requests within 10 to 15 business days of receiving your complete process. If your process is incomplete or missing documents, the DPS will mail you a notice asking for the missing items. You then have 30 days to respond; if you do not, your request will be denied.
If your request is approved, the DPS will mail your Restricted Driving Permit to the address you provided on the process. The permit will specify the exact purposes for which you may drive, the days and hours you are permitted to drive (if applicable), and the expiration date. Read the permit carefully when it arrives and keep it with you whenever you drive.
If your request is denied, the DPS will mail you a written notice explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration by submitting a new process with additional supporting documents, or you can wait until your suspension period ends and your license is automatically reinstated.
DUI-related suspensions and ignition interlock requirements
If your suspension is related to a DUI or DWI conviction, Alabama law may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle before you can obtain an RDP. An IID is a breathalyzer connected to your vehicle's ignition; you must blow into it to start the car, and it prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
Whether an IID is required depends on your specific conviction and prior DUI history. A first-time DUI conviction typically requires an IID for a minimum of 6 months. A second or subsequent conviction may require an IID for 1 to 3 years. When you submit your RDP process for a DUI suspension, include proof that you have already installed an IID or documentation that you have scheduled the installation. Without this proof, your RDP request will likely be denied.
You are responsible for paying the cost of IID installation and monthly monitoring fees, which typically range from $60 to $150 per month depending on the vendor. The DPS maintains a list of approved IID vendors on its website. Contact a vendor before submitting your RDP process to confirm installation availability and cost.
Restrictions on where and when you can drive with an RDP
Your Restricted Driving Permit is valid only for the specific purposes and routes listed on the permit itself. Common approved purposes include driving to and from work, driving to school or educational programs, driving to court-ordered programs (such as DUI education or substance abuse treatment), and driving to medical appointments. You cannot use the RDP for grocery shopping, social visits, recreational activities, or any other purpose not explicitly listed.
Some RDPs also include time restrictions, meaning you can only drive during certain hours — for example, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays for work purposes. Violating these restrictions — driving outside approved purposes, times, or routes — is a criminal offense in Alabama and can result in additional charges, fines, and license suspension.
You must carry your Restricted Driving Permit and a valid form of identification (such as your state ID or expired driver's license) whenever you drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, present both documents. Driving without your RDP in your possession, even if you are driving for an approved purpose, is a violation.
What to do if your RDP request is denied or your circumstances change
If the DPS denies your RDP request, you have limited options. You can submit a new process with additional supporting documentation that addresses the reason for the denial. For example, if your request was denied because you had not yet completed a required DUI education program, reapply once you have proof of completion. You can also wait until your suspension period ends and your license is automatically reinstated by the state.
If your circumstances change after your RDP is issued — for example, you change jobs, start or stop attending school, or no longer need medical appointments — you should notify the DPS in writing. You can request a modification to your permit to reflect the new purposes, or you can continue driving only for the purposes currently listed. Driving for purposes not on your permit is a violation, even if you believe the new purpose is reasonable.
If you are arrested or convicted of another traffic offense while your RDP is active, contact the DPS when ready. A new conviction can result in the revocation of your RDP and additional suspension time. Similarly, if you move to a different address, update your address with the DPS to may support you receive any notices or renewal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an RDP if my license suspension is still pending or not yet effective?
No. You can only request an RDP after your suspension has officially begun. If your suspension is scheduled to start on a future date, wait until that date has passed before submitting your process. Check your suspension notice for the exact effective date.
What if I need to drive for a purpose not listed on my RDP?
You cannot legally drive for any purpose not listed on your permit. If your circumstances change and you need to add a new purpose — such as a new job or medical treatment — contact the DPS in writing and request a modification. Do not drive for unlisted purposes while waiting for approval; doing so is a criminal violation.
How long is a Restricted Driving Permit valid?
An RDP is typically valid for the duration of your suspension period. Once your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, your RDP expires automatically. The expiration date will be printed on your permit. You do not need to renew an RDP; your regular driver's license will be restored when the suspension period ends.
Do I have to install an ignition interlock device if my suspension is not DUI-related?
No. Ignition interlock devices are required only for DUI and DWI suspensions. If your suspension is due to points accumulation, unpaid fines, or insurance violations, an IID is not required, and you should not mention it in your RDP process.
Can I drive someone else's car with my RDP?
Yes, you can drive any vehicle for the approved purposes listed on your permit. However, if that vehicle is required to have an ignition interlock device (because of a DUI suspension), the IID must be installed in that vehicle before you drive it. You cannot bypass an IID requirement by driving a different car.