What a hardship license is and who can get one in Indiana
A hardship license in Indiana 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 use it for any other reason. Indiana calls this a Specialized Driving Privileges permit, and it is not automatic: you have to request it from the court that suspended your license.
You can request one if your license was suspended for reasons like a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or failing to pay traffic fines or child support. You cannot get one if your suspension is for medical reasons (like failing a vision test) or if you are under 18 and suspended for a serious violation. The court decides whether your hardship is genuine enough to grant the permit.
The permit does not erase your suspension — it just carves out specific driving for specific purposes while the suspension is still in effect. Once your suspension ends, you no longer need it.
Key Takeaways
- You must request Specialized Driving Privileges from the court that suspended your license, not from the BMV.
- You need a genuine hardship reason: work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs like substance abuse counseling.
- You must show the court that you have no other way to meet that need and that you are a safe driver despite the suspension.
- The court can impose conditions like restricting you to certain roads, certain hours, or requiring an ignition interlock device.
- You will pay a court fee (typically $50 to $100) and must carry the permit and proof of insurance whenever you drive.
Where to file your request and what paperwork you need
File your request in the circuit or superior court in the county where you were convicted or where your suspension was ordered. Call the court clerk's office to find the exact courthouse and the criminal or traffic division that handles your case. Do not go to the BMV — they do not issue hardship licenses in Indiana.
You will need to bring or file a written petition that includes your name, driver's license number, the reason for your suspension, and the specific hardship you face. Explain why you need to drive (your job location, school schedule, medical appointments, or court program) and why you cannot use public transportation, carpools, or other alternatives. The court wants to see that driving is truly necessary, not just convenient.
Bring proof of your hardship: a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job duties and location, a school enrollment letter, medical appointment records, or a court order for a treatment program. You will also need your current insurance card or a letter from your insurance company confirming you are insured. Some courts ask for a character reference or proof that you have completed any required substance abuse programs.
Ask the clerk whether your court requires you to file the petition in advance or whether you can appear in person and request it on the spot. Some courts schedule a brief hearing; others decide based on your written petition alone.
What the court looks for when deciding
The judge will weigh whether your hardship is real and whether you deserve a second chance to drive. They are looking for three things: a genuine need you cannot meet any other way, proof that you are insured, and some sign that you take the suspension seriously.
A genuine need means work, school, medical care, or a court-ordered program — not social events, shopping, or visiting friends. If you say you need to drive to work, the judge will want to know the job location, your hours, and why you cannot carpool or use transit. If you say you need it for medical treatment, bring appointment letters or prescriptions. If you are in a substance abuse program as part of your sentence, bring proof of enrollment and attendance.
Judges are more likely to grant the permit if you show you are taking responsibility: you have paid any fines you owe, completed any required programs, or made progress toward reinstating your license. If you have had multiple violations or suspensions, the court may deny the request or impose strict conditions.
Be honest about your situation. If the judge finds out you lied about your job location or your need to drive, they can revoke the permit when ready and may add penalties.
Conditions the court can place on your permit
A hardship license is not a regular license. The court can restrict where, when, and how you drive. Common conditions include driving only to and from work during specified hours, driving only on certain roads (avoiding highways or school zones), or driving only for medical appointments on specific days.
The court can also require you to install an ignition interlock device — a machine that tests your breath for alcohol before the car will start. This is common for DUI suspensions. You pay for the device and its monthly monitoring, usually $60 to $100 per month.
Your permit will list all conditions. Violating any of them — driving outside the allowed hours, driving to a place not listed, or driving without the interlock working — is a new offense and can result in when ready revocation and additional charges.
How long the permit lasts and when it ends
The hardship permit lasts as long as your suspension does. If you are suspended for one year, the permit is good for one year. If your suspension is indefinite (meaning you must meet certain conditions to get reinstated), the permit lasts until you meet those conditions and your license is reinstated.
The permit ends when ready if your suspension ends early — for example, if you pay off a fine-related suspension or complete a required program ahead of schedule. It also ends if you violate the conditions, if you are arrested for another offense, or if the court revokes it for any reason.
When your suspension period is over, you do not automatically get your full license back. You must go to the BMV, pay a reinstatement fee (typically $75 to $150), and provide proof of insurance. Only then can you drive without restrictions.
The cost and what happens if you are denied
The court filing fee for a hardship license petition is typically $50 to $100, depending on your county. If the court orders an ignition interlock, add $60 to $100 per month for installation and monitoring. You must also maintain active car insurance, which may cost more if you have a suspension on your record.
If the court denies your request, you can ask for a hearing or file a new petition later if your circumstances change — for example, if you lose your job and find a new one closer to home, or if you complete a required program. There is no limit on how many times you can request one, but filing too soon after a denial may annoy the judge.
If you are denied and have no legal way to drive, you will need to rely on public transportation, carpools, or delivery services until your suspension ends. This is difficult, but it is the consequence of the suspension itself, not the hardship permit system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive anywhere I want on a hardship license?
No. The court sets specific conditions — usually to and from work, school, or medical appointments only, during certain hours, and sometimes only on certain roads. Driving outside these limits is a violation and can result in when ready revocation and new charges.
What if I lose my job after I get the permit?
Tell the court when ready. You can file a motion to modify the permit to allow driving to job interviews or a new job location. Continuing to drive under the old conditions without a valid reason is a violation.
Do I have to take a test to get a hardship license?
No written or road test is required. The court decides based on your petition and your record. However, you must have a valid driver's license (not expired) to begin with — a hardship permit does not replace an expired license.
Can I get a hardship license if I am under 18?
It depends on why your license was suspended. If you were suspended for a serious violation like DUI or reckless driving, Indiana law may prohibit a hardship permit for minors. Contact the court that suspended your license to ask whether you are may be able to access.
What if I get pulled over while driving on my hardship license?
Carry your hardship permit and proof of insurance at all times. If you are stopped, show both documents. If you are driving outside the permitted conditions, the officer can cite you for violating the permit, which is a separate offense from the original suspension.