What a Wyoming hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Wyoming lets you drive to specific places — work, school, medical appointments, court — even though your license is suspended. It is not a full license. You can only drive the routes and at the times the court approves, and you must carry the hardship license document with you every time you drive.
Wyoming calls this a restricted license, and you can request one if your license was suspended for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a DUI conviction. The court that suspended your license is the one that decides whether to grant it.
You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is for a medical reason — for example, if the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) suspended you because of a vision or hearing problem. In that case, you would need to address the medical issue first and be cleared by a doctor before you can drive again.
Key Takeaways
- You request a hardship license from the court that suspended your license, not from WYDOT, and you must show the court why you need to drive.
- Wyoming hardship licenses are limited to essential trips like work, school, medical care, and court appearances — you cannot use one for personal errands or social activities.
- The court sets the specific routes and times you are allowed to drive, and you must follow those restrictions exactly or risk further penalties.
- You will need to pay a fee to the court and may need to show proof of insurance and a valid vehicle registration before the license is issued.
How to request a hardship license from the Wyoming court
Start by contacting the district court in the county where your license was suspended. You can find the court's phone number and address through the Wyoming Judicial Branch website or by calling your county clerk's office. Tell them your case number (if you have it) and ask for the hardship license request form.
Some courts allow you to request a hardship license in person, by mail, or by phone. Ask the court clerk which method they prefer and whether they have a form you need to fill out. If there is no official form, you may be able to submit a written request that explains why you need to drive.
In your request, be specific about where you need to drive and why. For example: "I work at [company name] on [street address] from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday" or "I attend classes at [school name] on [days and times]." The more detail you provide, the easier it is for the judge to set reasonable restrictions.
What information and documents the court will ask for
The court will want to know the reason your license was suspended and proof that you have a legitimate need to drive. Bring or send your case number, your driver's license (even though it is suspended), and a written explanation of why you need a hardship license.
You will also need to show proof of vehicle insurance and vehicle registration for any car you plan to drive. Wyoming requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, and the court will verify this before issuing the hardship license. If you do not have insurance, you will need to purchase it before the court will approve your request.
If your suspension was for unpaid fines or fees, ask the court whether you can set up a payment plan. Some judges will grant a hardship license if you agree to pay what you owe in installments rather than all at once. Bring documentation of your income or employment if you are asking for a payment plan.
Court approval and what happens next
The judge will review your request and decide whether to grant it. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the court's schedule. Some courts will call you with a decision; others will mail it to you. Ask the court clerk how you will be notified.
If the judge approves your hardship license, you will receive a document that lists the specific routes you can drive, the days and times you are allowed to drive, and any other conditions. Read this document carefully and follow it exactly. Driving outside these restrictions — for example, driving to a store when you are only allowed to drive to work — can result in additional charges and a longer suspension.
You will need to pay a fee to the court to receive the hardship license. The fee varies by county but is typically between $50 and $150. Ask the court clerk what the fee is and how to pay it before your hearing.
Rules you must follow while driving on a hardship license
Carry your hardship license document with you every time you drive. If a police officer stops you, show both your suspended license and your hardship license. Driving without the hardship license document, even if you are on an approved route, can result in an arrest.
Stay within the routes and times the court approved. If you need to change your routes — for example, if you change jobs — contact the court and ask for an updated hardship license. Do not assume you can drive to a new location without permission.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A DUI while on a hardship license will result in when ready arrest and will likely end your hardship license. You will also face additional criminal charges.
Keep your vehicle registration and insurance current. If your insurance lapses or your registration expires, your hardship license becomes invalid. Renew both before they expire.
How long a hardship license lasts
A hardship license is temporary and lasts only as long as your suspension. Once your suspension period ends — usually when you have paid all fines, completed required classes, or served the suspension period — your hardship license expires and you can explore to WYDOT for a regular license renewal.
If your original suspension was for a DUI, you may be may be able to access for a hardship license only after you have completed a substance abuse assessment or treatment program, depending on the court's order. Check your court documents to see what conditions you must meet.
If you violate the terms of your hardship license, the court can revoke it when ready and extend your suspension. This means you would not be able to drive at all, even to work or school.
What to do if the court denies your request
If the judge denies your hardship license request, ask the court clerk why. Some judges will not grant a hardship license if they believe you have other transportation options or if your suspension is for a serious offense like a DUI with injury.
You may be able to request a hardship license again after a certain amount of time has passed — usually 30 to 90 days. Ask the court when you can reapply and what you would need to show differently to be approved the second time.
If you believe the judge made an error, you can ask about filing an appeal, though this is uncommon for hardship license decisions. The court clerk can tell you whether an appeal is possible in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for a DUI?
Yes, but only after you have completed a substance abuse assessment or treatment program, depending on what the court ordered. You will also need to show proof of insurance and explain why you need to drive. The court may limit your hardship license to driving to and from work only.
What if I need to drive somewhere that is not on my approved list?
Contact the court and ask for permission to add that route to your hardship license. Do not drive there without approval. If you are stopped by police while driving an unapproved route, you can be arrested and your hardship license can be revoked.
Do I need a lawyer to request a hardship license?
No. You can request a hardship license on your own by contacting the court directly. However, if your case is complex or you were denied once before, a lawyer can help you prepare a stronger request. Many county bar associations can refer you to a lawyer who handles these cases.
How much does a hardship license cost in Wyoming?
The fee varies by county but is typically between $50 and $150. Some courts may waive the fee if you can show financial hardship. Ask the court clerk about the fee and whether a waiver is possible.
Can I use a hardship license to drive out of state?
No. A Wyoming hardship license is valid only within Wyoming and only on the routes the court approved. You cannot use it to drive to another state.