What a Colorado hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in Colorado is a restricted driving permit that lets you drive to specific places—usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs—even though your license is suspended. It is not a full license, and it does not restore your driving privileges everywhere. You can only drive the routes and for the purposes listed on the document itself.
Colorado calls this permit an Interlock Restricted License if you are suspended for a DUI or alcohol-related offense, or a Restricted License if you are suspended for other reasons like unpaid tickets, child support arrears, or medical suspension. The process and requirements differ depending on why your license was suspended.
You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is for a serious violation like driving with a revoked license, certain criminal convictions, or if you have been declared a habitual traffic offender. The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) decides whether you meet the criteria.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado issues hardship licenses only for specific purposes like work, school, medical care, or court programs—not for general driving.
- You must show the DMV that you have a genuine need to drive and that losing your license causes real hardship, not just inconvenience.
- The process process, fees, and waiting period vary based on whether your suspension is for DUI, unpaid fines, child support, or medical reasons.
- You will need documents proving your need (employment letter, school enrollment, medical records) and proof that you have met any conditions of your suspension.
- A hardship license comes with restrictions: you can only drive approved routes at approved times, and violating those restrictions can result in criminal charges.
Hardship licenses for DUI and alcohol-related suspensions
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, Colorado requires you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can get a hardship license. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must have the device installed at a Colorado-approved vendor and provide proof of installation to the DMV.
You also cannot drive until a mandatory waiting period has passed. For a first DUI offense, you must wait at least seven days after your arrest before you can request a hardship license. For a second or subsequent offense within ten years, the waiting period is longer. During this time, you cannot drive at all, even with a hardship license.
Once the waiting period is over, you can submit your hardship license request to the DMV along with proof of interlock installation, a statement of need explaining why you must drive (work address, hours, route), and any other documents the DMV requests. The DMV will review your request and either grant or deny it. If granted, your hardship license will specify the times you can drive and the routes you must follow.
Hardship licenses for non-DUI suspensions
If your license was suspended for reasons other than DUI—such as unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, medical suspension, or accumulating too many points—the process is simpler but still requires you to prove hardship. You do not need an interlock device, and there is usually no mandatory waiting period.
To request a hardship license, you must submit a written statement to the DMV explaining why you need to drive and what specific hardship you face without driving privileges. straightforward saying you need to get to work is not enough; you must show that public transportation is not available, that carpooling is not possible, or that your job or education would be lost without driving. The DMV looks for genuine hardship, not mere inconvenience.
You will also need to provide documents that support your claim: a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job duties and work schedule, proof of school enrollment if you are a student, medical records if you need to drive for treatment, or court documents if you must attend a program. If your suspension is for unpaid fines or child support, you may need to show that you have begun paying or have a payment plan in place.
How to submit your hardship license request
You can request a hardship license by mail, in person at a Colorado DMV office, or online through the Colorado DMV website if you are may be able to access for online submission. The online option is fastest if your suspension reason qualifies.
If you submit by mail, send your request to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, at the address listed on the DMV website. Include your driver's license number, the reason for your suspension, your statement of hardship, all supporting documents, and the required fee. Keep copies of everything you send.
If you submit in person, bring your identification, your suspension notice, your statement of hardship, all supporting documents, and payment. An DMV staff member can tell you when ready whether your request is complete or whether you need to provide additional information. Processing usually takes one to two weeks after submission.
Fees and what happens after approval
Colorado charges a fee to request a hardship license. The amount varies depending on your suspension reason and whether you are requesting an Interlock Restricted License or a standard Restricted License. As of the most recent update, fees range from around $50 to $100, but you should confirm the current fee on the Colorado DMV website before submitting your request.
If the DMV approves your hardship license, you will receive a physical permit in the mail or can pick it up at a DMV office. The permit will list the specific routes you can drive, the times you can drive them, and the purposes for which you can drive (work, school, medical, court program). You must carry this permit with you whenever you drive, along with your regular identification.
Driving outside the approved routes, times, or purposes is a violation of the hardship license terms and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and further suspension. If you are stopped by police and cannot show that your driving falls within the permit's restrictions, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.
What to do if your hardship license request is denied
If the DMV denies your request, you will receive a written explanation of the reason. Common reasons for denial include failure to show genuine hardship, incomplete documentation, or not meeting the waiting period for DUI suspensions. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional information that addresses the DMV's concerns.
You also have the right to request a hearing before a DMV hearing officer if you disagree with the denial. To request a hearing, you must submit a written request within a certain timeframe (usually 20 days) after receiving the denial notice. At the hearing, you can present evidence and explain why you believe you meet the criteria for a hardship license. The hearing officer will make a final decision.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or child support, paying what you owe or setting up a payment plan may allow you to request reconsideration without waiting for a hearing. Contact the agency that imposed the suspension (the court, child support enforcement office, or DMV) to ask what steps will allow you to restore your license.
How long a hardship license lasts
A hardship license is temporary and lasts only as long as your suspension is in effect. Once your suspension period ends and you have met all conditions (paid fines, completed DUI programs, resolved child support arrears, or passed a medical reexamination), your full driving privileges are restored and you no longer need the hardship license.
For DUI suspensions, the length of suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you completed a substance abuse treatment program. A first offense suspension typically lasts one year; a second or subsequent offense lasts longer. For other suspension reasons, the length varies based on the specific violation and whether you have taken steps to resolve it.
You should check your suspension notice or contact the DMV to find out the exact date your suspension will end. As that date approaches, you can explore for full license reinstatement rather than continuing to use the hardship license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive anywhere I want with a hardship license, or only certain places?
You can only drive the specific routes and for the specific purposes listed on your hardship license permit. If your permit says you can drive to work at 123 Main Street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., you cannot use it to drive to the grocery store, visit friends, or take a different route. Violating these restrictions is a criminal offense.
How long does it take to get a hardship license after I submit my request?
Processing time is usually one to two weeks if your request is complete and you have submitted all required documents. If you submit online and are may be able to access, you may receive a decision faster. If your request is incomplete, the DMV will contact you to ask for more information, which delays the process.
Do I need an interlock device if my suspension is not for DUI?
No. Interlock devices are required only for DUI and alcohol-related suspensions. If your suspension is for unpaid fines, child support, medical reasons, or other violations, you do not need an interlock device to get a hardship license.
What happens if I am pulled over while driving on my hardship license?
You must show the officer your hardship license permit along with your identification. If your driving falls within the approved routes and times, you are legal. If you are driving outside those restrictions, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, which is a criminal offense and can result in jail time, fines, and further suspension.
Can I get my full license back before my suspension period ends?
In some cases, yes. If you have completed all required programs (such as DUI treatment), paid all fines, or resolved the underlying issue (such as child support arrears), you may be able to request early reinstatement. Contact the DMV or the agency that imposed the suspension to ask whether you are may be able to access.