What a hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Florida lets you drive to specific places—work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs—while your regular license is suspended. You cannot use it for any other reason. The state calls this a Business Purpose Only (BPO) license, and it exists because losing all driving privileges can make it impossible to keep a job or get to treatment.
You can request a hardship license if your suspension is for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, a DUI conviction, a habitual traffic offender designation, or a medical suspension. You cannot get one if you are suspended for refusing a breath test, driving with a suspended license, or certain criminal convictions. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) decides whether to grant it based on your reason for suspension and your driving history.
The hardship license is not automatic. You have to request it, show that you have a genuine need to drive, and sometimes complete requirements like substance abuse education or paying a portion of what you owe.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license lets you drive only to work, school, medical care, court-ordered programs, and the license office itself—nowhere else.
- You request one through the DHSMV by mail or in person, and you must show proof of your need to drive and your current address.
- The type of suspension you have determines what else you must do: pay a reinstatement fee, complete a substance abuse course, or show proof of child support payments.
- Processing takes two to four weeks by mail; in-person requests at a driver license office may be faster.
- A hardship license is temporary and valid only while your suspension is active—once your suspension ends, you must renew your regular license.
Reasons your license was suspended and what each requires
Florida suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one has its own rules for getting a hardship license. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan with the court before DHSMV will consider your request. If you were suspended for unpaid child support, you need a letter from the Department of Revenue showing you are current on payments or have an approved payment arrangement.
A DUI suspension is more complex. If this is your first DUI, you must complete a substance abuse education course (usually eight hours) and pay a reinstatement fee of $250 to $500, depending on whether you refused a breath test. If you have multiple DUIs, you may also need an evaluation and treatment program. A habitual traffic offender suspension requires you to pay a reinstatement fee and show proof of insurance before you can even request a hardship license.
Medical suspensions—when a doctor reports you as unsafe to drive—require a letter from a physician stating you are now safe to drive. Some suspensions, like those for refusing a breath test or driving with a suspended license, do not allow hardship licenses at all. Check your suspension notice to see which category applies to you.
How to request a hardship license by mail
To request by mail, you need the form DHSMV 71-001.1 (process for Business Purpose Only License), which you can read from the DHSMV website or request by calling 1-888-769-2778. Fill out the form completely, including your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. You must explain why you need to drive—be specific about your job location, work hours, and how far it is from your home.
Attach proof of your need: a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work schedule, and that you cannot work from home, or a school enrollment letter if you are a student. Include proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your suspension was for unpaid fines, include proof of payment or a court letter showing your payment plan. If it was for child support, include the Department of Revenue letter. If it was a DUI, include proof of completion of the substance abuse course and proof of the reinstatement fee payment.
Mail the completed form and all documents to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Keep a copy for your records. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks. You will receive a letter saying whether your request was granted or denied.
Requesting a hardship license in person at a driver license office
You can also request a hardship license at any Florida driver license office. Bring the same documents you would mail: the completed DHSMV 71-001.1 form, proof of your need to drive, proof of your current address, and any documents related to your suspension (payment proof, course completion, child support letter, or medical clearance). Bring your current ID or passport for identification.
Some offices can process your request on the spot and issue a temporary hardship license that day, though this varies by location. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers same-day processing. If they do, you may get your license when ready; if not, you will receive a letter in the mail within two to four weeks. In-person requests are often faster than mail, especially if the office can verify your documents right away.
What you can and cannot do with a hardship license
A hardship license is restricted to specific purposes. You can drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered substance abuse treatment or counseling, and the DHSMV office to handle license business. You cannot drive for any other reason: no grocery shopping, no visiting friends, no errands, no pleasure driving. If you are stopped and cannot explain why you are driving, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.
The license will show the restrictions printed on it. Some offices also issue a card that lists the specific addresses you are allowed to drive to (your workplace and home, for example). Keep this card with you when you drive. The hardship license is valid only while your suspension is in effect. Once your suspension period ends, you must renew your regular license through the normal process.
Fees and how long a hardship license lasts
The fee for a hardship license varies depending on your suspension reason. For most suspensions, the fee is $75 to $150. If your suspension was for a DUI, you pay a reinstatement fee of $250 to $500 in addition to the hardship license fee. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines before the hardship license is issued. Child support suspensions require proof of payment or an arrangement, not an additional fee.
A hardship license is valid for the duration of your suspension. If your suspension is for one year, your hardship license lasts one year. If it is for three years, your hardship license lasts three years. When your suspension period ends, your regular driving privileges are restored automatically—you do not need to do anything else. However, you must renew your license through the normal process if it has expired.
What happens if you violate the restrictions
Driving outside the allowed purposes is a criminal offense in Florida. You can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which carries fines of $250 to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for a second offense within five years. You may also face jail time. Your hardship license can be revoked when ready, and your suspension period can be extended.
Police can stop you if they have reason to believe you are violating the restrictions. If you are stopped, be honest about where you are going. If you cannot provide a legitimate reason, you will likely be cited. Keep documentation with you—a work schedule, a medical appointment card, or a school ID—to prove your driving is within the allowed purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if I have multiple suspensions?
If you have more than one active suspension, you must address all of them before DHSMV will issue a hardship license. For example, if you are suspended for both unpaid child support and a DUI, you must show proof of child support payments and DUI course completion. Contact DHSMV to find out what you owe for each suspension.
What if my request for a hardship license is denied?
DHSMV will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include insufficient proof of need, incomplete documents, or a suspension type that does not allow hardship licenses. You can reapply once you have addressed the issue—for example, by getting a better letter from your employer or completing a required course. You can also request a hearing to appeal the denial.
Do I need insurance to get a hardship license?
Insurance is not required to request a hardship license, but you must have it to legally drive. Florida law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If you are stopped and cannot show proof of insurance, you will be cited even if your hardship license is valid.
Can I drive to the grocery store or run errands with a hardship license?
No. A hardship license covers only work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs, and the license office. Grocery shopping and personal errands are not allowed. Violating this restriction can result in criminal charges and extension of your suspension.
What do I do when my suspension ends?
Your regular driving privileges are restored automatically when your suspension period ends. You do not need to explore for anything. However, if your license has expired, you must renew it through the normal process at a driver license office or online through the DHSMV website.