A DPS is the written statement your doctor submits to prove your medical condition supports a hardship license
DPS stands for Doctor's Proof of Severity (or sometimes Physician's Statement of Severity, depending on your state). It is a formal medical document that your doctor completes and signs, stating that you have a medical, physical, or mental health condition that makes it genuinely difficult for you to use public transportation or arrange alternative rides.
The DPS is not a general medical record or a note saying you are sick. It is a specific form that addresses why you need to drive despite your condition — not why you have the condition itself. Your state's DMV or licensing authority provides the form, and your doctor fills it out based on what they know about your health and your daily functioning.
Without a DPS, most states will not issue a hardship license. It is the evidence that separates a genuine hardship claim from someone who straightforward wants to keep driving privileges. The form goes directly to the DMV; you do not submit it yourself.
Key Takeaways
- A DPS is a medical form your doctor completes to document that your condition makes using public transportation or getting rides genuinely difficult.
- Your state's DMV provides the specific DPS form; your doctor cannot use a generic letter or your regular medical records instead.
- The form must address your functional limitations — how your condition affects your ability to travel, not just what diagnosis you have.
- You typically need the DPS before you submit your hardship license request, though some states allow you to submit it within a set timeframe after.
- Different states have different DPS requirements, so confirm the exact form and what your doctor must certify before you schedule the appointment.
What information the DPS must contain
The DPS form asks your doctor to confirm specific details about your condition and how it affects your ability to travel. Most forms require your doctor to state the diagnosis, the date the condition began, and whether it is permanent or temporary. If it is temporary, your doctor must estimate how long the hardship will last.
The critical section is the one about functional limitations. Your doctor must explain why you cannot use a bus, train, or ride-sharing service — not just that you have a medical condition. For example, a DPS might state that you cannot stand for more than five minutes, cannot navigate stairs, or have severe anxiety in crowded spaces. The form connects the condition to the specific barrier that makes driving necessary.
Some states also ask whether your doctor believes the condition will improve, whether you are receiving treatment, and whether you are able to drive safely despite the condition. A few states require your doctor to confirm that you have no other transportation options available to you, though this is less common.
How to get your doctor to complete the DPS
Start by contacting your primary care doctor, specialist, or the medical provider who knows your condition best. Call their office and ask whether they have completed a DPS form before and whether they are willing to do so for you. Some practices have staff who handle these forms regularly; others may need more time or may charge a fee.
Request the DPS form from your state's DMV website or office. read it, print it, and bring it to your appointment or mail it to your doctor's office in advance. Include a cover letter that explains you are requesting a hardship license and need the form completed. Do not assume your doctor has the form or knows what it is.
Schedule an appointment if you do not have one already. Your doctor will need to examine you or review your medical record to complete the form honestly. They cannot sign a DPS based on a phone call or without current knowledge of your condition. Be prepared to discuss how your condition affects your daily travel and why you need to drive.
Once your doctor signs the form, ask them to mail it directly to your state's DMV licensing office or give it to you in a sealed envelope. Some states require the doctor to submit it directly; others allow you to include it with your hardship license request. Confirm the submission method with your DMV before you leave the doctor's office.
State-by-state differences in DPS requirements
Not all states use the term DPS, and the form itself varies. Some states call it a Physician's Statement, a Medical Certification, or a Doctor's Affidavit. A few states have multiple forms depending on the type of hardship — one for medical conditions, another for caregiving, another for work-related hardship.
The timeframe also differs. Some states require the DPS to be dated within the last 30 days; others accept forms dated within 90 days. A few states allow you to submit the DPS up to 30 days after you file your hardship license request, which gives you time to schedule a doctor's appointment. Check your state's DMV website for the exact form name, the acceptable date range, and the submission important date.
A small number of states do not require a DPS at all for certain types of hardship licenses — for example, if you are a caregiver for a family member with a severe condition, some states may accept a notarized statement instead. However, most states with hardship license programs do require medical documentation, and the DPS is the standard form.
Common mistakes when submitting a DPS
The most frequent error is submitting a generic medical letter instead of the official DPS form. Your doctor's letter explaining your condition is not the same as a completed DPS. The form is structured to address the specific questions the DMV needs answered, and a letter does not cover those points. Always use the official form your state provides.
Another mistake is having your doctor sign a DPS that is too old. If your state requires the form to be dated within 30 days and you submit one dated 45 days ago, the DMV will reject it. Check the date requirement before you ask your doctor to complete the form, and plan to have it signed close to the time you submit your hardship license request.
Some applicants also fail to have their doctor address the functional limitations section clearly. A DPS that straightforward restates your diagnosis without explaining why you cannot use public transportation is incomplete. Before your appointment, write down the specific ways your condition affects your ability to travel, and make sure your doctor documents those details in the form.
Finally, do not assume your doctor will know where to send the form. Confirm whether the DMV requires the doctor to mail it directly or whether you can include it with your process. If the form is supposed to go directly to the DMV and your doctor gives it to you instead, the DMV may not receive it, and your process will be incomplete.
What happens after you submit the DPS
Once the DMV receives your DPS, a licensing officer will review it along with the rest of your hardship license process. They are looking for evidence that your doctor has certified a genuine medical or functional barrier to using other transportation. If the DPS is complete and supports your hardship claim, the DMV will move forward with processing your request.
If the DPS is incomplete or does not clearly connect your condition to your transportation need, the DMV will contact you and ask for clarification or a new form. This can delay your process by several weeks. Some states allow you to resubmit a revised DPS; others require you to start the process over.
If the DMV denies your hardship license request, the DPS is usually the reason. The DMV may determine that your condition does not meet the state's threshold for hardship, or that your doctor's statement does not adequately support the claim. You have the right to request a hearing or appeal in most states, and you can submit additional medical documentation at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my therapist or nurse practitioner sign the DPS instead of my doctor?
It depends on your state. Some states accept DPS forms signed by any licensed medical provider, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and mental health professionals. Others require a signature from an MD or DO only. Check your state's DMV website or call the hardship license office to confirm who is authorized to sign the form in your state.
What if I do not have a regular doctor?
You will need to see a doctor or other licensed medical provider to obtain a DPS. If you do not have a primary care doctor, contact a community health center, urgent care clinic, or your state's health department for a referral. Some clinics offer same-day or walk-in appointments. Be honest about why you need the appointment — you are seeking medical documentation for a hardship license, not a full physical exam.
Can I get a DPS if my condition is temporary?
Yes. Your doctor can complete a DPS for a temporary condition and estimate how long the hardship will last. The DMV will issue a hardship license with an expiration date that matches your doctor's estimate. When the license expires, you can renew it if your condition persists, or you can return to a standard license if you have recovered.
Will my doctor charge me to complete the DPS?
Many doctors do not charge for completing a DPS if you are an established patient and the form takes only a few minutes. However, some practices charge a small fee — typically $10 to $50 — for paperwork completion. Call your doctor's office and ask about the fee before you schedule an appointment.
What if my doctor refuses to sign the DPS?
Your doctor has the right to refuse to sign a form they do not believe is medically accurate. If your doctor will not sign the DPS, you can seek a second opinion from another provider. However, you cannot force a doctor to sign a form against their professional judgment. If multiple doctors decline to sign, the DMV will likely deny your hardship license request.