explore at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

In Fort Lauderdale, you request a hardship license (also called a business purposes license) through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), not through a local office. You cannot walk into a Fort Lauderdale DMV and leave with a hardship license the same day — the request goes through a formal review process that takes several weeks.

The DHSMV processes hardship license requests statewide from its central office in Tallahassee. You submit your paperwork by mail or through the DHSMV website, and a hearing officer reviews your case. If approved, you receive a restricted license in the mail. If denied, you have the right to request a formal hearing before a judge.

Fort Lauderdale residents can visit a local DHSMV office to get help preparing your paperwork or to ask questions about the process, but the actual process goes to the state office, not the local branch.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit your hardship license request to the DHSMV central office in Tallahassee by mail or online, not to a Fort Lauderdale branch office.
  • The DHSMV requires a sworn statement explaining your hardship, proof of your suspension or revocation, and documentation of the specific need (work, medical, school, or court-ordered).
  • A hearing officer reviews your request and decides within 30 to 60 days; you do not attend a hearing unless your request is denied.
  • If you are denied, you can request a formal hearing before an administrative law judge, which gives you a chance to present evidence in person or by phone.
  • A hardship license is not a full license — it restricts where and when you can drive, and violating those restrictions can result in when ready suspension.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you contact the DHSMV or visit a local office. Missing paperwork is the most common reason requests are delayed or denied.

You need a sworn statement (notarized affidavit) explaining why you need to drive. This is not a casual letter — it must be signed in front of a notary public and must describe the specific hardship: loss of employment if you cannot drive to work, medical treatment you cannot reach by other means, school attendance, or a court order requiring you to drive. The statement should include dates and explain why public transportation or other alternatives do not work for you.

You also need proof of your suspension or revocation. Request a copy of your driving record from the DHSMV if you do not have the original suspension notice. You need documentation of the reason for your hardship — a letter from your employer confirming your job and work location, a medical provider's letter stating you need to drive for treatment, a school enrollment letter, or a court order. Finally, bring a valid form of identification and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days).

Where to Get a Notarized Affidavit in Fort Lauderdale

Your hardship statement must be notarized. You cannot straightforward write a letter and sign it — a notary public must witness your signature and stamp the document. This costs between $5 and $15 per signature in most cases.

Fort Lauderdale has many notary options. Banks often notarize documents for account holders at no charge; call your bank first. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and Staples all offer notary services for a small fee. You can also search for independent notaries online — search "notary public near me" or check the Florida Notary Public Directory on the DHSMV website. Some attorneys' offices notarize documents for a fee. You do not need to use a notary in Fort Lauderdale specifically; any Florida notary public can notarize your affidavit.

How to Submit Your Request to the DHSMV

You have two options: mail your paperwork or submit it online through the DHSMV website.

By mail: Send your completed hardship license request form (Form HSMV 14-015), your notarized affidavit, proof of suspension or revocation, supporting documentation, and copies of your ID and proof of residency to the DHSMV at P.O. Box 5775, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5775. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the office received your package. Processing takes 30 to 60 days from the date the DHSMV receives your paperwork.

Online: Visit the DHSMV website and look for the hardship license request portal. You upload scanned copies of all documents, including your notarized affidavit. The process is faster than mail — you receive confirmation when ready that your request was received. Processing time is the same, but you avoid postal delays.

Do not submit original documents by mail; send copies only. Keep the originals for yourself and for a potential hearing if your request is denied.

What Happens After You Submit

After the DHSMV receives your request, a hearing officer assigned to your case reviews all your paperwork. You do not attend a hearing at this stage — the officer decides based on the documents you submitted. The officer looks at whether your hardship is genuine, whether you have exhausted other options, and whether your suspension or revocation was lawful.

You will receive a written decision by mail within 30 to 60 days. If approved, your hardship license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. The license shows the restrictions — for example, "work purposes only, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday" or "medical treatment only." You must obey these restrictions exactly. Driving outside the permitted times or locations is a violation and can result in when ready suspension and criminal charges.

If the DHSMV denies your request, the denial letter explains the reason and tells you how to request a formal hearing. You have 30 days from the date of the denial to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. At a formal hearing, you can present evidence, answer questions, and have an attorney represent you if you choose.

Fort Lauderdale DHSMV Office Locations for In-Person Help

While you cannot explore for a hardship license in person at a local office, you can visit a Fort Lauderdale DHSMV office to ask questions, get forms, or have staff review your paperwork before you submit it. This can catch errors early and speed up processing.

The main DHSMV office serving Fort Lauderdale is located at 1000 Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064 (just north of Fort Lauderdale). Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but call ahead to confirm. You can also visit the DHSMV website to find other branch offices in Broward County and to check current hours.

Bring all your documents with you if you visit in person. Staff can tell you if anything is missing or incorrectly filled out before you mail or upload your request. This is especially helpful if you are unsure how to word your hardship statement or what counts as acceptable supporting documentation.

Common Reasons Hardship License Requests Are Denied

The DHSMV denies hardship license requests when the hardship does not meet the legal standard or when the paperwork is incomplete. Understanding these reasons can help you avoid them.

The most common reason is that the hardship is not genuine or is not serious enough. For example, if you lost your license for a DUI and claim you need to drive to work, but you live in an area with public transportation that reaches your workplace, the DHSMV may deny the request. The officer must believe that you have no reasonable alternative. If you claim a medical hardship but do not provide a letter from a doctor stating you cannot use other transportation, your request will likely be denied.

Incomplete paperwork is the second most common reason. Missing notarization, no proof of suspension, no supporting documentation, or a vague affidavit that does not explain the specific hardship all result in denial. Some requests are denied because the applicant does not meet the legal criteria for a hardship license — for example, if your license was suspended for unpaid child support, a hardship license may not be available in your situation. Check the DHSMV website or call to confirm you are may be able to access before you spend time and money preparing your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a hardship license after I explore?

The DHSMV typically takes 30 to 60 days to review your request and mail you a decision. If approved, the license arrives one to two weeks later. If denied and you request a formal hearing, the hearing usually occurs within 30 to 60 days after your request, and the judge's decision comes within two weeks after that. Total time from process to a final decision can be three to four months if you have to go to a hearing.

Can I drive while my hardship license request is being reviewed?

No. Your suspension or revocation remains in effect while the DHSMV reviews your request. Driving during this time is illegal and can result in additional criminal charges. You must wait for approval and receipt of your hardship license before you drive.

What if I was denied a hardship license and I request a hearing — do I have to appear in person?

No. You can request a hearing by phone or video conference. You do not have to travel to Tallahassee or appear in a courtroom. The administrative law judge will conduct the hearing remotely, and you can present your case and answer questions from your home or attorney's office.

Can I use a hardship license to drive anywhere, or are there restrictions?

A hardship license always has restrictions. The DHSMV specifies where you can drive (work, medical appointments, school, court-ordered location only), what days and times you can drive, and sometimes what routes you must take. Violating these restrictions is a crime and can result in when ready suspension and arrest. Read your license carefully and follow the restrictions exactly.

What if my hardship changes after I get the license — can I update it?

Yes. If your circumstances change significantly (you change jobs, your medical condition improves, you complete court-ordered requirements), you can request a modification of your hardship license. Contact the DHSMV to ask about the process. If your hardship ends, your license will eventually expire, and you will need to renew your full license through the normal process once your suspension or revocation period ends.