Contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is the only state agency that issues hardship licenses in Florida. You cannot get one from a county tax collector, a local police department, or any other body — DHSMV handles the entire process, from the initial request through approval or denial.

DHSMV has a dedicated hardship license unit that reviews your case. You can reach them by phone at 850-617-3000 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. This line handles questions about the hardship license program, what documents you need, and the status of a pending request.

If you prefer to handle this in person, you can visit any DHSMV office in Florida. The office closest to you will have staff trained on hardship license procedures. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov — use the office locator tool and filter for "License and Permit Services."

Key Takeaways

  • Call DHSMV at 850-617-3000 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, to ask questions about hardship license requirements and check the status of your request.
  • You must submit your hardship license request to DHSMV in writing; phone calls cannot start the process, but they can clarify what documents to include.
  • Visit any DHSMV office in person if you want to submit your request face-to-face or need help gathering the right paperwork.
  • If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you may need to contact the court or the Department of Revenue first to resolve the underlying issue before DHSMV can issue a hardship license.

What to Prepare Before You Call

DHSMV staff can answer questions about the hardship license program, but they will need specific information from you to help. Before you call, have your driver's license number ready, your date of birth, and the reason your license was suspended or revoked. If you have already started the process, have any reference or case number DHSMV gave you.

You should also know what type of hardship you are claiming — work-related, medical, educational, or family care. DHSMV will ask you to describe how losing your driving privilege affects your daily life and why you cannot use public transportation or carpool. The more specific you can be about your situation, the better the staff member can tell you whether a hardship license is an option for you.

If your suspension is tied to unpaid fines, child support, or a criminal conviction, ask DHSMV whether you need to resolve that issue first. Some suspensions cannot be lifted until you pay what you owe or complete a required program. The staff member can tell you which agency to contact next.

How to Submit Your Hardship License Request

A phone call to DHSMV does not start your hardship license request. You must submit a written process. DHSMV accepts requests by mail, in person at any DHSMV office, or through the mail-in form available on the DHSMV website.

The form you need is HSMV 14-015, process for Hardship License. You can read it from flhsmv.gov or pick up a copy at any DHSMV office. The form asks for your personal information, your driver's license number, the reason for your suspension or revocation, and a detailed explanation of the hardship you face.

Mail your completed form to DHSMV at the address listed on the form itself — it varies by region. If you submit by mail, include copies (not originals) of any supporting documents: a letter from your employer confirming you need to drive for work, a medical statement if your hardship is health-related, proof of enrollment if it is school-related, or documentation of a family care situation. DHSMV will contact you if they need additional information.

When to Contact DHSMV After You Submit

After you mail or submit your hardship license request, DHSMV typically takes 30 to 60 days to review it. You can call 850-617-3000 to check the status of your request, but only after at least two weeks have passed. Have your case number or driver's license number ready when you call.

If DHSMV denies your request, they will send you a written notice explaining why. The notice will include information about your right to request a hearing. If you believe DHSMV made an error or your circumstances have changed, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The notice will tell you how to file that request and the important date — usually 30 days from the date of the denial.

If DHSMV approves your hardship license, they will mail it to you. The hardship license is valid for the period DHSMV specifies — usually one year — and it restricts where and when you can drive. Read the restrictions carefully; driving outside those limits can result in additional penalties.

When Your Suspension Is Tied to Unpaid Fines or Child Support

If your license was suspended because you owe traffic fines, the court that issued the fine must clear the suspension before DHSMV can issue a hardship license. Contact the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you received the ticket. You can find the court's phone number on your citation or online through the Florida court system website.

If your suspension is due to unpaid child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-622-5437. They handle child support suspensions and can tell you what you owe and what options exist to resolve it. Once you have paid or made an arrangement with the Department of Revenue, they will notify DHSMV, and you can then request a hardship license.

Do not skip this step. DHSMV cannot issue a hardship license while a fine or child support suspension is active, even if you have a legitimate hardship. Resolving the underlying debt or obligation must come first.

Other Resources and Contacts

If you need help understanding your suspension or what led to it, you can also contact the Florida Highway Patrol at 850-617-3000 (same number as DHSMV) or visit any local police department's non-emergency line. They can explain why your license was suspended and point you toward the right agency to contact.

If you are unsure whether a hardship license is the right option for your situation, you can also speak with a legal aid attorney. Florida Legal Services offers free legal help to low-income residents and can review your case. Call 1-800-555-2123 to see if you may have access to and to discuss your options.

Keep records of every call you make and every document you submit. Write down the date, time, the name of the person you spoke with, and what they told you. If DHSMV denies your request and you decide to request a hearing, these notes will help you prepare your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call DHSMV on the weekend or after 5 p.m.?

No. DHSMV's hardship license line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time only. If you call outside those hours, you will reach a voicemail system. Leave your name, number, and a brief message, and a staff member will call you back during business hours, though response times vary.

What if I do not have a mailing address or cannot get to an DHSMV office?

You can submit your hardship license request by mail to any DHSMV regional office. If you do not have a permanent address, use a friend's or family member's address, a shelter address, or a post office box. DHSMV will mail your decision to that address. If you cannot visit an office in person, mailing your request is your best option.

How long does it take to hear back from DHSMV after I submit my request?

DHSMV typically takes 30 to 60 days to review a hardship license request. This timeline can vary depending on how complete your process is and how busy the office is. You can call after two weeks to check the status, but do not expect a decision before 30 days have passed.

What if I was denied a hardship license and want to appeal?

DHSMV's denial letter will explain your right to request a hearing and the important date to file — usually 30 days. You can request a hearing by mail or in person at any DHSMV office. At the hearing, an administrative law judge will review your case and DHSMV's decision. You can represent yourself or bring an attorney.

Can I drive on a hardship license outside of Florida?

No. A Florida hardship license is valid only in Florida and only under the restrictions listed on the license itself. Driving outside Florida or outside the permitted times and locations can result in criminal charges and additional license suspension.