What an Arkansas hardship license does and who can request one
An Arkansas hardship license lets you drive for specific purposes when your regular license is suspended or revoked. You cannot use it for any reason you want — only for the activities listed on the document itself, like driving to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. The state issues it through the Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division.
You can request a hardship license if your suspension or revocation happened because of a DWI conviction, accumulating too many points, or failing to pay traffic fines. You cannot get one if your license was suspended for medical reasons or if you never had a valid license to begin with. The hardship license is temporary — it lasts only as long as your suspension or revocation period, and you must follow the permitted purposes exactly.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license in Arkansas lets you drive only for specific purposes listed on the document, such as work, school, or medical treatment.
- You must wait a minimum period before you can request one — usually 30 days into a suspension for points or DWI, though this varies by reason.
- You will need to submit a written request to the Driver Services Division, along with proof of your hardship and documentation of the permitted purpose.
- The state charges a fee to issue the hardship license, and you must carry it at all times when driving.
Waiting periods before you can request a hardship license
Arkansas requires you to wait before requesting a hardship license, and the length depends on why your license was suspended. For a suspension due to accumulating points, you must wait 30 days. For a DWI-related suspension, the waiting period is also typically 30 days, though some circumstances may differ.
If your suspension is for failure to pay traffic fines or child support, you may be able to request a hardship license sooner, but you will need to show that you have made a payment arrangement or taken steps to resolve the debt. Contact the Driver Services Division directly to confirm the waiting period for your specific situation, because the rules depend on the exact reason for your suspension.
Documents and information you need to gather
Before you contact the Driver Services Division, collect the paperwork that shows your hardship and the reason you need to drive. You will need your current identification, your suspended license, and proof of the purpose for which you want to drive — such as a letter from your employer on company letterhead, a school enrollment document, or an appointment letter from a medical provider or court-ordered program.
You should also have your Social Security number and your driver's license number ready. If you are requesting the hardship license because of a DWI, you may need to show proof that you have completed or are enrolled in a required alcohol education program. The Driver Services Division can tell you exactly which documents explore to your situation when you contact them.
How to submit your hardship license request
You must submit your request in writing to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division. You can mail your request to the address provided on the Driver Services website, or you may be able to submit it in person at a local Driver Services office. Call the Driver Services Division at the phone number on their website to ask whether your local office accepts in-person requests and what their current hours are.
Include a cover letter with your request that explains why you need the hardship license and what purposes you want it for. Be specific — for example, "I need to drive to my workplace at [company name] on [days and times]" or "I need to drive to medical appointments at [clinic or hospital name]." Attach copies of all supporting documents. Do not send original documents; send copies only, because the state will not return them.
What happens after you submit your request
The Driver Services Division will review your request and the documents you provided. If everything is in order and you have waited the required period, they will notify you that your hardship license is ready. You will need to go to a Driver Services office in person to pick it up and pay the fee. The fee amount varies, so ask when they notify you of approval.
If your request is denied, the Driver Services Division will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include not waiting long enough, not providing enough proof of hardship, or requesting purposes that do not meet the state's definition of hardship. If you believe the denial was wrong, you can request a hearing before a hearing officer. The letter will explain how to do this.
Restrictions and rules while you have a hardship license
Your hardship license lists the specific purposes you are allowed to drive for. You can only drive during the times and for the reasons listed on the document. If you drive for any other purpose, you are breaking the law and can face additional penalties, including criminal charges. The hardship license does not give you the right to drive anywhere — it is a limited permission for specific needs.
You must carry your hardship license with you every time you drive, along with proof of insurance. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you must show both documents. Some hardship licenses require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which tests your breath before the engine will start. If this applies to you, the Driver Services Division will tell you during the approval process.
What to do if your hardship license is denied or expires
If the Driver Services Division denies your request, you have the right to request a hearing. The denial letter will include instructions for how to file. You will appear before a hearing officer who will review your case and decide whether to overturn the denial. Bring all the documents you originally submitted, plus any new evidence that supports your hardship claim.
Your hardship license expires when your suspension or revocation period ends. If you want to drive after that date, you will need to restore your regular license. The process for restoration depends on the reason your license was suspended — you may need to pay a restoration fee, complete a required program, or both. Contact the Driver Services Division to find out what you need to do for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive anywhere I want with a hardship license?
No. You can only drive for the specific purposes listed on your hardship license document. Driving for any other reason is illegal and can result in additional criminal charges and penalties. Always check your license to see exactly what purposes are permitted.
How long does it take to get approved for a hardship license?
The Driver Services Division does not publish a standard processing time. After you submit your request, contact them to ask about the status. Approval typically takes several weeks, but this varies depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are complete.
Do I have to pay a fee for the hardship license?
Yes. Arkansas charges a fee to issue a hardship license. The amount varies, so ask the Driver Services Division what the current fee is when you contact them about your request. You will pay the fee when you pick up your license in person.
What if I need to drive for a purpose that is not on my hardship license?
You cannot legally drive for that purpose. If you need to add a new purpose, you must submit a new request to the Driver Services Division with supporting documents for the new purpose. Do not drive for unpermitted reasons while waiting for approval.
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for medical reasons?
No. Arkansas does not issue hardship licenses for medical suspensions. If your license was suspended for a medical reason, you will need to follow the state's medical review process and get clearance from a doctor before you can drive again.