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 to specific places — usually work, school, medical appointments, and court — even though your license is suspended. You cannot use it for any other reason, and you must carry it with you every time you drive.
Indiana calls this a Provisional Driving Permit or Hardship Permit, depending on why your license was suspended. The state issues them for suspensions caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or certain alcohol-related offenses. You cannot get one if your suspension is for a criminal conviction, a serious safety violation, or a suspension ordered by a court as part of a sentence.
The permit is not automatic. You have to request it from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), and the BMV decides whether to grant it based on your reason for suspension and your driving history.
Key Takeaways
- You must request a hardship license from the Indiana BMV in person or by mail; it is not issued automatically when your license is suspended.
- The BMV will only grant one if your suspension was caused by unpaid fines, failure to appear, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or certain alcohol offenses — not criminal convictions or court-ordered safety suspensions.
- You need to bring proof of financial hardship (pay stubs, bills, or a letter from your employer) and a list of the specific places you need to drive to.
- The permit restricts you to driving only to work, school, medical appointments, court, and other essential places the BMV approves — any other driving is illegal and can result in arrest.
- Processing takes one to two weeks if you explore in person at a BMV branch, or longer if you mail your request.
Reasons your license was suspended and whether you may have access to
Indiana suspends licenses for different reasons, and not all of them allow a hardship permit. The most common suspensions that do may have access to are: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a traffic court date, failure to pay child support, medical suspensions (usually for seizures or other conditions that affect driving safety), and certain alcohol-related offenses like a DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test.
Suspensions that do not may have access to for a hardship permit include those ordered as part of a criminal sentence, suspensions for reckless driving or habitual traffic violations, and suspensions for driving with a suspended license. If you are unsure why your license was suspended, you can check your status on the Indiana BMV website or call the BMV at 317-232-2050.
Even if your suspension type qualifies, the BMV still has discretion to deny your request if you have a poor driving record or if the hardship you describe does not seem genuine. Being honest about your situation and providing strong documentation makes approval more likely.
Documents you need to bring or mail
The Indiana BMV requires you to submit a written request for a hardship permit along with supporting documents. You will need to provide proof that you have a genuine financial or personal hardship — not just inconvenience. Pay stubs from your employer, utility bills, medical bills, or a letter from your employer stating that you need to drive to work are all acceptable forms of proof.
You will also need to list the specific places you need to drive to: your workplace address, your child's school address, your doctor's office, your lawyer's office, or any court you must attend. The more specific you are, the better. Write down the street address, not just the city. The BMV will use this list to set the conditions of your permit.
Bring or include your driver's license (if you still have it), your Social Security number, and your current address. If you are explore by mail, make copies of everything and keep the originals for your records. Mail your request to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
how the process works in person at an Indiana BMV branch
explore in person is faster than mailing. Find your nearest BMV branch on the Indiana BMV website and go during their business hours. Bring your original documents: your suspended license, proof of hardship (pay stubs or bills), and a written list of the places you need to drive to. Some branches allow you to fill out the request form on site; others require you to bring it completed.
Tell the BMV employee that you are requesting a hardship permit and explain your situation briefly. They will review your documents, ask questions about your hardship, and tell you whether they can process your request that day or whether you need to come back. If approved, you will receive your permit within one to two weeks by mail. If denied, you can ask why and whether you can reapply with additional documentation.
Processing times vary by branch. Some issue permits the same day; others take up to two weeks. Call ahead to ask how long the wait is at your branch and whether you need an appointment.
how the process works by mail
If you cannot visit a BMV branch, you can mail your request. Write a letter explaining your hardship and why you need to drive. Include copies of your proof of hardship (pay stubs, bills, or employer letter), a list of the specific addresses you need to drive to, and copies of your driver's license and Social Security card.
Mail everything to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Include your phone number and email address so the BMV can contact you if they need more information. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks, and the BMV will mail your permit to your address on file if approved.
Keep copies of everything you send. If the BMV denies your request, you will want to know what documents you submitted and why they were not enough. You can reapply after 30 days with additional or stronger documentation.
What you can and cannot do with a hardship license
Your hardship permit lists the specific places you are allowed to drive to. You can drive only to those locations and back home. You cannot make stops along the way, take detours, or drive anywhere else, even if it seems like a short trip. Driving outside the permitted routes is illegal and can result in arrest, additional fines, and an extension of your suspension.
The permit is valid only during the hours the BMV specifies — usually during daylight hours or during your work shift. You must carry the permit with you every time you drive. If you are pulled over and cannot show it, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license.
You must follow all traffic laws while driving on your hardship permit. A traffic violation, accident, or another suspension during this time can result in the permit being revoked and your suspension being extended.
How long a hardship license lasts and when it ends
A hardship permit is temporary and lasts only as long as your suspension. If your suspension is for 90 days, your permit is valid for 90 days. If your suspension is for one year, your permit is valid for one year. When your suspension period ends, your permit automatically expires and your full driving privileges are restored — assuming you have resolved the reason for the suspension (paid your fines, appeared in court, paid child support, or completed a DUI program).
If you do not resolve the underlying issue before your suspension ends, your license will remain suspended and you will need to request a new hardship permit. For example, if your suspension was for unpaid fines and you still have not paid them when the suspension period ends, your license will be suspended again.
The BMV can revoke your hardship permit at any time if you violate the conditions — driving outside the permitted routes, driving at prohibited hours, or committing a traffic violation. If revoked, you will be driving illegally and can be arrested.
What happens if you drive without a hardship license or violate its conditions
Driving with a suspended license in Indiana is a crime. If you are caught driving without your hardship permit, or driving outside the routes and hours it allows, you can be arrested, fined up to $500, and have your license suspended for an additional period. A second or third offense carries higher fines and possible jail time.
If you are arrested for driving with a suspended license, you will have a criminal record. This can affect your ability to find work, housing, or insurance. It is not worth the risk. If you need to drive somewhere not on your permit, contact the BMV and ask whether you can add that location or request a temporary exception.
If your hardship permit is revoked, you lose the right to drive for any reason until your suspension ends and you have resolved the underlying issue. Plan your trips carefully and stick to the routes and hours your permit allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for a DUI conviction?
It depends on the type of DUI suspension. If your license was suspended for refusing a breath test or for a DUI conviction, Indiana may issue a hardship permit, but only after a waiting period. For a first refusal, you must wait 30 days before requesting one. For a DUI conviction, you may be may be able to access after 30 days as well, but you will need to show proof that you have completed or are enrolled in a DUI education program. Contact the BMV to confirm your may be able to access.
What if I need to drive somewhere not on my hardship permit?
Contact the Indiana BMV and explain the situation. You can request that the BMV add a location to your permit or issue a temporary exception. The BMV may grant this if the need is genuine and temporary. Do not drive to an unapproved location without permission — it is illegal and can result in arrest.
Can I get a hardship license if I owe child support?
Yes. If your license was suspended for failure to pay child support, you can request a hardship permit. You will need to show proof of your hardship and explain why you need to drive. The BMV may also require proof that you have made a payment arrangement with the child support enforcement agency or that you are making regular payments.
How long does it take to get approved?
If you explore in person at a BMV branch, you may receive a decision the same day or within one to two weeks. If you mail your request, processing takes two to four weeks. The BMV will contact you if they need more information, which can delay approval. Calling your local BMV branch ahead of time can give you a better idea of their current processing time.
What if the BMV denies my request?
The BMV will tell you why your request was denied. Common reasons include insufficient proof of hardship, a poor driving record, or a suspension type that does not may have access to. You can reapply after 30 days with additional documentation or a stronger explanation of your hardship. If you believe the denial was unfair, you can request a hearing with the BMV.