How to Get a Hardship License in Indiana When Your License Is Suspended

What a hardship license does in Indiana

A hardship license in Indiana is a restricted driving permit that lets you drive to specific places—usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs—when your regular license has been suspended. It is not a full license. You can only drive the routes and for the purposes the court or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) approves, and you must carry the hardship license document with you every time you drive.

The state issues hardship licenses under two different circumstances: when your license is suspended for unpaid traffic tickets or child support debt, or when it is suspended for alcohol or drug-related violations. The process and rules differ depending on which type of suspension you have.

Key Takeaways

Indiana issues hardship licenses only for specific purposes like work, school, or medical care, and you must follow the approved routes and times.
For non-alcohol suspensions (unpaid tickets or child support), you petition the BMV directly; for alcohol-related suspensions, you petition the court that suspended your license.
You must show the court or BMV that losing your license causes genuine hardship—losing your job, being unable to reach medical treatment, or losing custody of your children are strong reasons.
The hardship license is not automatic; the judge or BMV examiner decides whether to grant it based on your specific situation and whether you have paid any fines or made arrangements to pay them.
You will pay a fee to the BMV when your hardship license is issued, and you must carry it at all times while driving.

Suspensions for unpaid tickets or child support

If your license was suspended because you did not pay traffic fines or because of unpaid child support, you can request a hardship license from the BMV. You do not need to go to court for this type of suspension. Start by contacting your local BMV branch to ask about the hardship license process and to find out the exact amount owed.

The BMV will ask you to show that you have a genuine need to drive. This means you need to explain in writing or in person why losing your license creates a real hardship. Common reasons include: you will lose your job if you cannot drive to work, you are the only person who can take a child to school or medical appointments, you need to drive to medical treatment that is not available by public transportation, or you are required to drive to a court-ordered program like community service or substance abuse treatment.

Before the BMV will issue a hardship license, you typically must either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan with the BMV or the court. Some BMV examiners will issue a hardship license while you are making payments, but this depends on the circumstances and the examiner's judgment. Bring proof of your income, your work schedule, and any documents that show why you need to drive—a job offer letter, a school enrollment form, or a medical appointment card.

Suspensions for alcohol or drug violations

If your license was suspended because of a DUI, OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), or drug-related driving offense, you must petition the court that suspended your license, not the BMV. The court has the power to decide whether you can drive at all during your suspension period.

You will need to file a written petition with the court clerk asking for a hardship license. In the petition, explain why you need to drive and what hardship you will face without one. The court may require you to attend a hearing where you can speak to a judge. Bring the same types of documents as you would for a BMV hardship request: proof of employment, your work schedule, medical records if you need to drive to treatment, and any other evidence that shows genuine hardship.

For alcohol or drug-related suspensions, the court may also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before issuing a hardship license. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You pay for the device and its monthly monitoring fee yourself. Some courts will not issue a hardship license at all for certain violations, particularly if this is not your first offense.

What you need to bring and what it costs

Bring your current ID (even if it is suspended), proof of your address, your Social Security number, and proof of insurance. You will also need documents that support your hardship claim: a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and work schedule, a school enrollment letter if you need to drive to school, medical records or appointment letters if you need to drive to treatment, or court documents if you are required to attend a program.

The BMV charges a fee to issue a hardship license. The fee varies but is typically between $20 and $50. If you are requesting a hardship license from the court (for alcohol or drug violations), the court may also charge a filing fee, which varies by county. Some courts waive fees for people with very low income if you ask.

Restrictions on a hardship license

A hardship license comes with strict limits. You can only drive to the places the BMV or court approves—usually your workplace, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs. You cannot use it for any other purpose, including shopping, visiting friends, or running errands. If you are caught driving outside the approved routes or times, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a criminal offense in Indiana.

Some hardship licenses are restricted to certain hours. For example, you might only be allowed to drive during daylight hours or between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. You must carry your hardship license document with you every time you drive. If you are pulled over and cannot produce it, you can be cited for driving without a license.

How long a hardship license lasts

The length of time you can hold a hardship license depends on the reason for your suspension. For unpaid tickets or child support, the hardship license usually lasts as long as your suspension does—which could be several months to a year or more, depending on when you pay what you owe. Once you pay the full amount or complete your payment plan, your regular license is restored and you no longer need the hardship license.

For alcohol or drug-related suspensions, the hardship license may last for part of your suspension period, but not the entire period. For example, if your license is suspended for one year, the court might allow you to drive on a hardship license for the last six months. The court decides the timing based on your offense and your record.

What happens if you violate the hardship license terms

Driving outside the approved routes, times, or purposes is a violation of your hardship license. If you are stopped by police and found to be driving in violation of the restrictions, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a Class B misdemeanor in Indiana. This charge can result in a fine, jail time, and further suspension of your driving privileges.

If you violate the terms of your hardship license, the BMV or court can revoke it when ready, leaving you with no legal way to drive. This can also delay the restoration of your regular license. Keep a copy of your hardship license restrictions in your vehicle and review them before every trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license if I have never had one before?

Yes. There is no requirement that you have held a hardship license in the past. The BMV or court will evaluate your current situation and decide whether you meet the hardship standard. Having a clean driving record before the suspension may help your case, but it is not required.

What if the BMV or court denies my hardship license request?

If your request is denied, you can ask for a hearing before a judge or BMV examiner to present your case in person. You can also resubmit your request if your circumstances change—for example, if you get a job or if you pay part of what you owe. Some people are denied the first time and approved on a second request.

Can I drive to places other than work if I have a hardship license?

Only if the BMV or court specifically approved those places in writing. Most hardship licenses list the approved destinations. If you need to add a new location—such as a new job or a medical appointment—contact the BMV or court to request an amendment to your hardship license before you drive there.

Do I have to pay for an ignition interlock device?

Yes, if the court requires one as a condition of your hardship license. You pay for the device installation and the monthly monitoring fee out of your own pocket. The cost is typically $50 to $100 per month, depending on the provider. Some courts may reduce or waive this requirement in cases of extreme financial hardship.

What is the difference between a hardship license and a work permit?

In Indiana, a hardship license and a work permit are the same thing. Both allow you to drive for specific purposes during a suspension. The terms are used interchangeably by the BMV and courts.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.