The physical card and what's printed on it
A Massachusetts hardship license is a standard-sized plastic ID card that looks almost identical to a regular Massachusetts driver's license. It has the same dimensions, the same layout, and your photograph in the same position. The key difference is a single word printed on the front: the word "HARDSHIP" appears below your name or in the upper right area of the card, depending on when it was issued.
The card includes your full name, date of birth, address, signature, and a color photograph taken at the RMV. Your license number is the same as any other Massachusetts license. The expiration date is also printed on the front, usually set for the same renewal cycle as a standard license, though some hardship licenses expire sooner depending on the court order that granted it.
The back of the card lists your restrictions in plain language. These restrictions vary by person — you might see "Work only" or "Work and medical treatment" or "School, work, and medical treatment." The back also includes the standard organ donor information and emergency contact fields that appear on all Massachusetts licenses.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license has the word "HARDSHIP" printed on the front, making it visually distinct from a standard license at a glance.
- The restrictions that explore to you are printed on the back of the card in plain language, so you and any officer who stops you can see them when ready.
- The card itself is the same size and shape as a regular Massachusetts license, so it fits in your wallet the same way.
- Your license number and expiration date appear on the front just like a regular license, but the expiration may be sooner depending on your court order.
Why the "HARDSHIP" marking matters to police
The word "HARDSHIP" on your license tells a police officer when ready that you are driving under a court order with specific restrictions. Without that marking, an officer would have no way to know you are not supposed to be driving to the grocery store or to pick up your child from school — they would see a valid license and let you go.
When an officer stops you, they will see the restrictions on the back of your card. If you are driving outside those restrictions — for example, driving to a restaurant when your license says "Work only" — the officer can cite you for violating the terms of your hardship license. This is a separate violation from driving with a suspended license, and it can result in fines, points on your record, or loss of the hardship license itself.
The marking also protects you in one sense: it creates a clear paper trail showing that you obtained permission from the court to drive for specific purposes. If you are stopped and can show your hardship license with the restrictions printed on it, you have documentation that you are following a court order, not straightforward ignoring a suspension.
What the restrictions section looks like
The back of your hardship license lists your restrictions in a section labeled "RESTRICTIONS" or "CONDITIONS." The restrictions are written in everyday language, not legal jargon. Common restrictions include:
- Work only
- Work and medical treatment
- School, work, and medical treatment
- Court-ordered programs (such as substance abuse treatment)
- Specific hours (such as "6 a.m. to 6 p.m. only")
- Specific routes (such as "Direct route to work only")
Some hardship licenses also include a restriction on the type of vehicle you can drive, such as "Manual transmission only" if an automatic transmission was part of the reason for your suspension. Others may restrict you to driving only during daylight hours or only on certain roads.
The restrictions are printed in a font large enough to read without a magnifying glass, so both you and an officer can see them clearly. If your restrictions are complex or include specific addresses or routes, the RMV may print them on a separate document that comes with your license, rather than trying to fit everything on the back of the card itself.
How your hardship license differs from a regular license at the RMV
When you hand your hardship license to a cashier, a police officer, or an RMV employee, they will when ready see the "HARDSHIP" designation. This tells them that your driving privileges are limited and that you are operating under a court order. A regular Massachusetts license has no such marking.
The RMV database also flags your record as a hardship license holder. If you are stopped by police, the officer can run your license number and see that you are driving under a hardship order. This means the officer will check your restrictions against where you are and what time it is. If you are in violation, the officer will know when ready.
When you renew your hardship license, the RMV will ask whether your hardship circumstances still explore. If your suspension has ended or if the court has lifted the hardship order, you can request a standard license. If the hardship still applies, you will receive a new card with the same "HARDSHIP" marking and the same or updated restrictions.
What happens if you lose or damage your hardship license
If your hardship license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must replace it at the RMV. You cannot straightforward print a copy or use a photograph of it — the physical card is what matters. Driving without your hardship license in your possession, even if you have a valid hardship order from the court, can result in a citation for driving without a license.
To replace a lost or damaged hardship license, visit your local RMV branch with your court order and identification. The replacement process is the same as replacing a regular license, and you will receive a new card with the same "HARDSHIP" marking and restrictions. There is a replacement fee, which varies but is typically $25 to $50.
If your hardship license is damaged but still readable, some RMV branches will replace it for free or at a reduced fee. Call your local branch before you visit to ask about their policy on damaged cards.
Recognizing a valid hardship license versus a fake or expired one
A valid Massachusetts hardship license has several security features that make it difficult to counterfeit. The card is made of durable plastic with a hologram or security stripe. The photograph is printed directly onto the card and is difficult to alter. The "HARDSHIP" marking is part of the card's design, not a sticker or stamp that can be added or removed.
Check the expiration date on the front of the card. If the date has passed, your hardship license is no longer valid, and you cannot legally drive — even for the purposes listed on your restrictions. Driving with an expired hardship license is the same as driving with a suspended license.
If you are unsure whether a hardship license is valid, you can call the Massachusetts RMV at 857-368-8000 or visit their website to verify the license number. Police officers have access to the RMV database and can verify a license when ready during a traffic stop.
How your hardship license appears in court or at the RMV
If you are cited for violating your hardship license restrictions, you will need to bring your hardship license to court. The judge will look at the restrictions printed on the back and compare them to where you were driving and what time it was. If you were in violation, the judge may impose a fine, add points to your record, or revoke your hardship license entirely.
At the RMV, your hardship license is treated as a valid form of identification for most purposes — renewing your registration, updating your address, or obtaining other documents. However, if you are explore for a commercial driver's license or a hazmat endorsement, a hardship license will not be sufficient, and you will need to wait until your suspension ends and you obtain a standard license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my hardship license as a form of ID to buy alcohol or enter a bar?
Yes. A hardship license is a valid Massachusetts ID for age verification and other identification purposes. The "HARDSHIP" marking refers only to your driving privileges, not to your identity or age. Bartenders and store clerks will accept it the same way they accept a regular license.
What if I'm stopped by police and I don't have my hardship license with me?
You can be cited for driving without a license, even though you have a valid hardship order from the court. You must carry your hardship license with you whenever you drive. If you forget it at home, you are not legally permitted to drive, even to the places your restrictions allow.
Does the "HARDSHIP" marking stay on my license forever?
No. Once your suspension ends or the court lifts your hardship order, you can request a standard Massachusetts license without the "HARDSHIP" marking. You will need to visit the RMV with proof that your suspension has ended, such as a letter from the court or the RMV. The new license will look like any other Massachusetts license.
Can I drive to places not listed on my restrictions if it's an emergency?
No. Your hardship license restrictions are absolute, even in an emergency. If you are restricted to "Work only" and you drive to the hospital, you are violating your hardship license terms and can be cited. If you face a genuine emergency, contact your lawyer or the court that issued your hardship order to request a temporary modification.
Will my hardship license show up on a background check?
A hardship license itself will not appear on a criminal background check, but the underlying suspension or offense that led to the hardship license may appear, depending on what caused the suspension. Employers and landlords who run background checks will see your driving record, which includes suspensions and the reason for them.