What a Tennessee hardship process does and who can file one
A Tennessee hardship license (officially called a Restricted Driver License) lets you drive for specific purposes when your regular license is suspended or revoked. You can request one through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH) if your suspension or revocation was for a DUI, reckless driving, or other traffic violations — not for medical reasons or failure to pay child support.
The hardship license is not automatic. You must submit a written request to TDSH that explains why you need to drive and what activities are essential to your life or work. The department reviews your driving record, the reason for your suspension, and the details of your request before deciding whether to grant it. If approved, the license comes with strict conditions: you can drive only for the purposes listed in your approval letter, only during certain hours, and only in certain counties.
You cannot request a hardship license if your suspension is for refusing a breath test, if you are a habitual traffic offender, or if you have multiple DUI convictions within a certain timeframe. Check your suspension notice or call the TDSH Driver Services office to confirm you are may be able to access before spending time on the process.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license in Tennessee allows you to drive only for essential purposes listed in your approval letter, such as work, school, or medical treatment.
- You must submit a written request to TDSH that explains your need and includes details about your job, household, and transportation situation.
- TDSH will review your driving record and the reason for your suspension before approving or denying your request; approval is not may provide.
- If approved, your hardship license will specify which counties you can drive in, what hours you can drive, and what purposes are allowed.
- You cannot request a hardship license if you refused a breath test, are a habitual traffic offender, or have certain DUI convictions on your record.
Who is ineligible for a Tennessee hardship license
Tennessee law bars certain drivers from receiving a hardship license no matter what reason they provide. If you refused to take a breath test or blood test during a DUI stop, you are ineligible. If you have been declared a habitual traffic offender (three serious violations within five years), you cannot get a hardship license. If you have two or more DUI convictions within ten years, or a felony DUI conviction, you are also barred.
Suspensions for failure to pay child support, failure to pay traffic fines, or medical reasons (such as seizures) do not may have access to for hardship licenses. If your suspension is for one of these reasons, a hardship license is not an option. Your suspension notice will state the reason for your suspension; if you are unsure whether your reason qualifies, contact the TDSH Driver Services office at 615-251-8000 before preparing your request.
Documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you write your hardship request. You will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and the date your suspension began. Have a copy of your suspension notice handy — it contains the legal reason for your suspension and any court order details. You will also need the name and phone number of your employer (if you are working), your job title, and the address of your workplace.
If you are requesting permission to drive for school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs, have the name and address of that institution or program. If you have dependents who rely on you for transportation, write down their ages and any special needs. If you use public transportation but it does not serve your area or your work schedule, note that as well. The more specific and documented your need, the stronger your request.
You do not need to submit documents with your initial request — TDSH will ask for them if your request moves forward — but having them ready will help you write a clear, detailed letter.
How to submit your hardship request to TDSH
Write a letter to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requesting a Restricted Driver License. Address it to:
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Services Division 1150 Foster Avenue Nashville, TN 37210
Your letter must include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the date your suspension began. Explain in clear, specific language why you need to drive. Do not write "I need my license back" or "I have a job." Instead, write: "I work full-time as a warehouse manager at [company name] located at [address]. I work Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Public transportation does not serve this location, and I have no other way to reach work." Include the same level of detail for every purpose you are requesting.
If you have dependents, explain their ages and any care needs. If you are enrolled in a court-ordered DUI education program, include the name and address of the program and the dates you must attend. Keep your letter to one page if possible. Sign and date it, then mail it to the address above. Do not email or fax; TDSH requires a mailed letter.
What happens after you submit your request
TDSH will review your letter and your driving record. This process typically takes four to six weeks. You will not receive a confirmation that your letter arrived. If TDSH needs more information, they will contact you by mail at the address on your driver's license. If you have moved, update your address with TDSH before submitting your request.
TDSH will either approve your request, deny it, or ask for more information. If approved, you will receive a letter stating the purposes for which you can drive, the counties where you can drive, and any time restrictions (for example, "6 a.m. to 6 p.m. only"). You will then go to a TDSH Driver Services office to have your hardship license issued. Bring your approval letter and a valid form of identification. There is a fee for the hardship license; the amount varies but is typically under $50.
If your request is denied, TDSH will send you a letter explaining the reason. You may request reconsideration by sending a new letter with additional information, but there is no formal appeal process. Some drivers reapply after their circumstances change — for example, if they complete a DUI education program or change jobs.
Restrictions and rules for driving on a hardship license
Your hardship license is not a regular license. You can drive only for the specific purposes listed in your approval letter. If your approval says you can drive to work and to a medical appointment, you cannot use it to drive to the grocery store, to visit friends, or to run errands. Driving outside the approved purposes is a violation and can result in additional charges.
You must also obey any time and geographic restrictions. If your approval limits you to driving between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., you cannot drive at night. If it limits you to certain counties, you cannot cross county lines. Keep your approval letter with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police, show them your hardship license and approval letter. If you cannot produce the letter, you may be cited for driving with a suspended license.
Your hardship license is valid only while your suspension is in effect. Once your suspension period ends, your regular license is restored and your hardship license is no longer valid. If your circumstances change — you lose your job, move, or no longer need to drive for the approved purposes — contact TDSH to update or cancel your hardship license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the grocery store or run errands on a hardship license?
No. You can drive only for the purposes listed in your approval letter. If your letter says you can drive to work and to medical appointments, those are your only two allowed purposes. Driving for any other reason is a violation. Some counties or judges may allow limited errand-driving as part of your approval, but this is not standard.
What if I lose my job after my hardship license is approved?
Contact TDSH when ready. Your approval was based on your employment, and losing that job changes your circumstances. You may be able to request a modification to your hardship license for a different purpose, such as school or job training. If you cannot identify a new essential purpose, your hardship license may be revoked.
How long does a hardship license last?
Your hardship license is valid for the duration of your suspension. Once your suspension period ends, your regular license is automatically restored and your hardship license expires. If your suspension is for one year, your hardship license lasts up to one year. TDSH will notify you when your suspension period ends.
Can I get a hardship license if I refused a breath test?
No. Tennessee law specifically bars drivers who refused a breath or blood test from receiving a hardship license, even if the refusal was your first offense. This is a hard bar with no exceptions.
What if TDSH denies my request?
You can submit a new request with additional information or changed circumstances. There is no formal appeal, but reapplying is allowed. Some drivers wait until they complete a required DUI program or education course before reapplying, as this shows progress and may strengthen a second request.