What Missouri calls a hardship license and who can get one
Missouri does not use the term "hardship license." Instead, the state offers a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), which allows you to drive for specific purposes when your license has been suspended or revoked. The RDP is not automatic — you must request it from the Missouri Department of Revenue, and approval depends on why your license was suspended and how long the suspension lasts.
You can request an RDP if your license was suspended for certain violations, including driving with a suspended or revoked license, failure to pay traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points. You cannot get an RDP if your suspension is for a DWI-related offense during the first 30 days of suspension, or if you are a habitual traffic offender.
The RDP allows you to drive only for work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs, or other purposes the Department of Revenue deems necessary. You cannot use it for any other reason, and you must carry the permit with you whenever you drive.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) is the state's version of a hardship license and requires a separate request to the Department of Revenue.
- You must wait at least 30 days into a suspension before requesting an RDP, except for certain non-DWI suspensions where you may request one when ready.
- The RDP limits you to driving for work, school, medical care, court programs, and other essential purposes — not personal errands or social activities.
- You will need to pay a fee, provide proof of insurance, and sometimes show proof of the hardship reason (such as an employment letter or school enrollment).
- Driving outside the permitted purposes or without the RDP in your possession is a separate offense and can result in additional penalties.
When you can request an RDP and timing rules
The timing of your request depends on the reason for your suspension. For most suspensions — including those for unpaid fines, failure to appear, or point accumulation — you can request an RDP when ready, even on the first day of suspension. For DWI-related suspensions, you must wait at least 30 days before the Department of Revenue will consider your request.
There is no important date to request an RDP during your suspension period, but the sooner you request it, the sooner you can begin driving for permitted purposes. If your suspension is for a fixed period (for example, 90 days), your RDP will expire when the suspension ends, unless you renew it.
If your license is revoked rather than suspended, the rules are stricter. You cannot get an RDP during a revocation period unless the Department of Revenue grants you a hearing and determines that you meet specific criteria. Revocations are typically longer and more serious than suspensions.
Documents and information you need to submit
To request an RDP, you will need to complete the process for Restricted Driving Permit (Form DOR 108), available from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or at any license office. You will also need to provide your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and the reason you believe an RDP is necessary.
You must provide proof of current auto insurance that meets Missouri's minimum liability requirements (25/50/25). Your insurance company can issue a proof-of-insurance card or letter; bring the original or a certified copy. If you do not have insurance, you cannot get an RDP.
Depending on your reason for requesting the RDP, you may need to provide supporting documents. If you are requesting it for work, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you need to drive for your job. If you are requesting it for school, bring proof of enrollment. If you are requesting it for medical reasons, bring a letter from your doctor or medical provider. The Department of Revenue will tell you what documents are required when you submit your process.
How to submit your process
You can request an RDP in three ways: by mail, in person at a Missouri license office, or online through the Department of Revenue's website. The online option is the fastest if your suspension is not DWI-related.
If you explore by mail, send your completed Form DOR 108, proof of insurance, any supporting documents, and the process fee to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the RDP mailed back to you. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
If you explore in person, visit any Missouri license office with your completed process, proof of insurance, supporting documents, and payment. You can find your nearest office on the Department of Revenue website. In-person applications are usually processed the same day or within a few business days.
If you explore online, go to the Department of Revenue's website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will upload images of your proof of insurance and supporting documents. Online applications are processed within 1 to 3 business days for non-DWI suspensions.
The RDP fee and what it covers
The fee for a Restricted Driving Permit in Missouri is $20. This is a one-time fee per RDP request; if your RDP expires and you need another one, you will pay the fee again. The fee does not cover your insurance or any other costs.
The $20 fee covers the cost of issuing and mailing the permit to you. If you explore in person, you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the license office. If you explore by mail, include a check or money order payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue. If you explore online, you will pay by debit or credit card.
The RDP itself is valid for the duration of your suspension, or for one year, whichever is shorter. If your suspension is lifted before the RDP expires, the RDP becomes invalid. If your suspension continues past one year, you will need to request a new RDP and pay the fee again.
Restrictions on where and when you can drive
An RDP is not a regular driver's license. It restricts you to driving only for the purposes listed on the permit. The most common permitted purposes are commuting to and from work, attending school or college, attending court-ordered programs (such as DWI education or community service), and driving to medical appointments or pharmacies.
You cannot use an RDP to drive for personal errands, social activities, shopping, or any purpose not listed on the permit. If a police officer stops you and you are driving outside the permitted purposes, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which carries additional penalties including fines and possible jail time.
Some RDPs also include restrictions on the time of day you can drive. For example, if your permit is for work only, you may be restricted to driving during your work hours plus a reasonable travel window. Check your permit carefully to see if time restrictions explore.
What happens if you drive outside the RDP restrictions
Driving outside the permitted purposes on your RDP is treated as driving with a suspended license. The penalty depends on how many times you have been convicted of driving with a suspended license. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $500. A second offense within 5 years is a Class A misdemeanor, with up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
You must carry your RDP with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped and cannot produce it, you can be cited for driving without a valid license, even if the RDP is valid. Keep the physical permit in your vehicle or on your person at all times.
If you are stopped and the officer determines you were driving for a permitted purpose, the RDP will protect you from a driving-with-suspended-license charge. However, you can still be cited for other violations, such as speeding or failing to signal. The RDP only covers the suspension itself, not other traffic laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an RDP if my license was suspended for a DWI?
Yes, but you must wait at least 30 days from the start of the suspension before you can request one. DWI suspensions are typically longer than other suspensions, and the Department of Revenue may impose stricter restrictions on where and when you can drive. You will still need proof of insurance and may need to show proof of employment or another hardship reason.
What if I don't have a job or school to drive to?
The Department of Revenue considers other reasons for an RDP, including medical appointments, court-ordered programs, and community service. If you have a medical condition that requires regular treatment, bring a letter from your doctor. If you are in a court-ordered program, bring documentation from the court or the program provider. The Department of Revenue will decide whether your reason meets the threshold for an RDP.
Can I renew my RDP before it expires?
No. An RDP is valid for the duration of your suspension or one year, whichever is shorter. You cannot renew it early. If your suspension is lifted before the RDP expires, the permit becomes invalid when ready. If your suspension continues past the RDP expiration date, you will need to submit a new process and pay the $20 fee again.
What if I move to a different state while my RDP is active?
Your Missouri RDP is valid only in Missouri. If you move out of state, the permit becomes invalid, and you cannot drive in any other state on it. You will need to contact the Department of Revenue to cancel the RDP and may need to address your suspension status in your new state of residence.
Can I appeal if my RDP request is denied?
Yes. If the Department of Revenue denies your request, you have the right to request a hearing before a hearing officer. You must request the hearing in writing within 30 days of the denial. The hearing officer will review your case and the reason for the denial. Bring any additional documentation that supports your hardship claim, such as employment letters, medical records, or proof of enrollment.