What a New Hampshire hardship license does and who can request one
A New Hampshire hardship license (officially called a work permit) lets you drive to specific places during a suspension — typically your job, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs. It does not restore your full driving privileges. You can only drive the routes and during the times the DMV approves on your permit.
You can request a hardship license if your license was suspended for a DUI conviction, unpaid fines or child support, a medical suspension, or accumulation of points. You cannot get one if your suspension is for a criminal conviction unrelated to driving (such as a felony), a lifetime revocation, or a suspension imposed by a court as part of sentencing.
New Hampshire does not use the term "hardship license" — the state calls this a work permit. The process and restrictions are the same, but using the correct name when you contact the DMV will speed up your request.
Key Takeaways
- A New Hampshire work permit allows driving only to pre-approved locations and during approved hours, not general driving.
- You must request the permit in writing or in person at a DMV office; there is no online request option.
- The DMV requires proof of hardship (job letter, school enrollment, medical appointment documentation) before approval.
- Processing takes two to four weeks; you cannot drive under a work permit until the DMV mails it to you.
- Work permits are temporary and tied to the length of your suspension; they end when your suspension ends.
Documents you need to bring or submit
Gather these documents before you contact the DMV. Having them ready speeds up the request process and reduces the chance of delays.
Proof of hardship: Bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, start date, and work schedule. If you are in school, bring an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school. If the hardship is medical, bring a letter from your doctor or healthcare provider stating the appointment frequency and why it is necessary. If you are attending a court-ordered program (such as a DUI education class), bring documentation from the program provider.
Your current license or ID: Bring your suspended license or a state ID card. If you do not have either, bring a birth certificate or passport.
Proof of residence: Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your current address.
Your suspension notice: Bring the paperwork from the DMV or court that imposed the suspension. This shows the reason for suspension and the end date.
How to request a work permit in person or by mail
New Hampshire does not process work permit requests online. You must submit your request either in person at a DMV office or by mail.
In-person request: Visit any New Hampshire DMV office during business hours. Bring all documents listed above. Tell the staff member you are requesting a work permit due to suspension. They will review your documents on the spot and tell you whether your request can move forward. If approved, you will receive the permit by mail within two to four weeks.
By mail: Write a letter to the New Hampshire DMV stating your name, license number, the reason for your suspension, and the hardship that requires driving (job, school, medical, or court program). Attach copies of all supporting documents. Mail the letter and copies to: New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305. Keep a copy for your records. Processing by mail takes three to four weeks.
Do not send original documents by mail. The DMV will not return them. Send copies only.
Restrictions and limitations on your work permit
A work permit is not a license. It is a temporary document that allows driving only under specific conditions. Violating the permit's restrictions — driving to an unapproved location, driving outside approved hours, or driving with a passenger not listed on the permit — can result in a new criminal charge and when ready revocation of the permit.
The DMV will specify on your permit the exact routes you can drive, the times you can drive them, and the days of the week. For example, your permit might say "Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., direct route between home and workplace at 123 Main Street." You cannot deviate from this route to stop for gas, food, or errands.
You must carry your work permit with you at all times while driving. If you are stopped by police, show both your suspended license and your work permit. Driving without the permit in your vehicle is a violation.
Timeline from request to approval
The DMV does not issue work permits when ready. Plan for a two- to four-week wait from the date you submit your request.
If you submit in person, the DMV staff will tell you on the same day whether your request meets the basic requirements. You will not receive the permit that day — it will be mailed to you. If documents are missing or incomplete, the DMV will tell you what is needed and you can resubmit.
If you submit by mail, the DMV will review your request and contact you by phone or mail if additional information is needed. Once approved, the permit is mailed to your address on file. Do not assume you have been approved if you have not received the permit in the mail.
You cannot legally drive under a work permit until it arrives. Driving before the permit is issued, even if you have submitted a request, is driving with a suspended license and is a criminal offense.
Suspension reasons that affect work permit approval
The reason for your suspension affects whether the DMV will approve a work permit and what restrictions will explore.
DUI suspension: You can request a work permit for a DUI suspension. The DMV will approve it if you show proof of employment or school enrollment. Some DUI suspensions require an ignition interlock device on your vehicle; if so, the permit will note this requirement.
Point accumulation suspension: If your license was suspended for too many points, you can request a work permit for employment or school. Medical hardship is less commonly approved for point suspensions unless you can show ongoing medical treatment.
Unpaid fines or child support: Work permits for financial suspensions are rarely approved. The DMV may require proof that you have set up a payment plan or that the debt has been resolved before considering a permit request.
Medical suspension: If your license was suspended due to a medical condition, a work permit is usually not approved. The suspension exists because the DMV determined you are not safe to drive. You would need medical clearance from the DMV's medical review unit before a permit would be considered.
What happens when your suspension ends
Your work permit expires automatically when your suspension period ends. You do not need to return it or notify the DMV.
Once your suspension ends, you must reapply for a regular license. In New Hampshire, this means visiting a DMV office, passing a vision test, and paying a reinstatement fee (currently $125 for a five-year license, though this amount may vary). You do not need to retake the written or road test unless the DMV requires it as part of your specific suspension terms.
If your suspension was for a DUI, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before your license is reinstated. The DMV will inform you of this requirement when your suspension period is ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to places not listed on my work permit if it is an emergency?
No. A work permit is a legal document with specific conditions. Driving outside those conditions is driving with a suspended license, even in an emergency. If you have a genuine emergency, contact the police non-emergency line and explain the situation; they can advise you on your options.
What if my job location or schedule changes while I have a work permit?
You must request a new work permit with updated employment documentation. Contact the DMV in person or by mail with a new letter from your employer showing the new location and schedule. The old permit becomes invalid once the new one is issued.
Do I need an ignition interlock device to use a work permit?
Only if your suspension was for a DUI and the court or DMV ordered one. The work permit will state whether an interlock is required. If it is, you cannot drive without it installed, even on approved routes.
Can I get a work permit if my license was suspended in another state?
New Hampshire will not issue a work permit for a suspension imposed by another state. You must contact the state that suspended your license and request a permit from them, or wait until the suspension ends.
How much does a work permit cost?
New Hampshire does not charge a fee for a work permit. There is no cost to request one or to receive it.