A License F endorsement is a restriction on your driver's license, not a credential or upgrade
A License F endorsement is a notation added to your driver's license by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that restricts when and how you can drive. It does not give you permission to do something new — it limits what you are already licensed to do. The specific restrictions depend on your state, but most commonly an F endorsement means you can only drive during daylight hours, only within a certain distance from your home, or only for specific purposes like work or medical appointments.
You do not request an F endorsement yourself. It is imposed by the DMV, usually after a traffic violation, a medical report about your vision or physical ability, or a court order. Once it appears on your license, law enforcement can cite you for violating the restriction — for example, driving at night when your F endorsement prohibits it — even if you have not broken any other traffic law.
Key Takeaways
- An F endorsement is a driving restriction placed on your license by the DMV, typically limiting when, where, or why you can drive.
- The DMV usually adds an F endorsement after a vision test failure, a medical condition report, or a court order related to a traffic offense.
- Violating the terms of an F endorsement — such as driving at night when prohibited — is a separate traffic violation and can result in a citation.
- You can request removal of an F endorsement by meeting the condition that triggered it, such as passing a vision test or providing updated medical clearance.
Why the DMV adds an F endorsement to your license
The most common reason for an F endorsement is a failed vision screening at the DMV. If your eyesight does not meet the standard for unrestricted driving — typically 20/40 vision in at least one eye — the DMV may restrict you to daylight driving only, since vision problems are often worse in low light. Some states use an F endorsement for this; others use different codes.
A second reason is a medical report. If your doctor reports to the DMV that you have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or hearing loss — the DMV may add restrictions. These might limit you to driving only within a certain radius of your home, only on local roads, or only for essential trips.
A third reason is a court order. If you are convicted of certain traffic offenses — particularly those involving alcohol or drugs — a judge may order the DMV to restrict your license. An F endorsement in this case might require you to drive only to and from work, or only with a licensed adult in the car.
What restrictions an F endorsement typically includes
The exact wording on your license will spell out the restriction. Common F endorsement restrictions include:
- Daylight hours only (sunrise to sunset, or a specific time range like 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Within a specified distance from your home address (for example, within 25 miles)
- Local roads only, no highways or interstate driving
- For work, school, or medical purposes only
- With corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) at all times
- With an adaptive device (such as hand controls for a vehicle)
Your license will list the specific restriction. If you are unsure what yours says, contact your state DMV or request a copy of your driving record, which will include all endorsements and restrictions.
How to remove an F endorsement from your license
To remove an F endorsement, you must address the reason it was placed on your license. If it was added because of a failed vision test, you can schedule a new vision screening with the DMV. If you now pass the test, the DMV will remove the restriction. Some states allow you to bring a letter from your eye doctor stating that your vision meets the standard; others require you to take the test at the DMV itself.
If the endorsement was based on a medical condition, you will need to provide updated medical documentation from your doctor stating that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely. The DMV will review this letter and decide whether to remove the restriction. You may also be required to take a driving test or a written test on the rules of the road.
If the endorsement was ordered by a court, you will need to follow the terms of that order. For example, if the court said the restriction would be lifted after one year of safe driving, you will need to wait that period and then request removal from the DMV. Some court-ordered restrictions are permanent unless the court itself modifies the order.
What happens if you drive in violation of an F endorsement
Driving outside the terms of your F endorsement — for example, driving at night when your restriction says daylight only — is a traffic violation. A police officer who stops you can cite you for violating the endorsement restriction, separate from any other traffic offense you may have committed. This citation can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and potentially a license suspension.
The violation also becomes part of your driving history, which can affect your insurance rates and may be considered if you later ask the DMV to remove the endorsement. Courts and the DMV view violations of restrictions as evidence that you are not yet ready for unrestricted driving.
F endorsements versus other license restrictions and codes
Different states use different letters and codes for different restrictions. Some states use F for vision-related restrictions, while others use it for medical conditions or court orders. A few states do not use F at all. The only way to know what your specific endorsement means is to read the text printed on your license or contact your state DMV.
Other common endorsement letters include M (motorcycle), H (hazardous materials), and P (passenger vehicle). These are different from F — they grant permission to operate certain vehicle types, rather than restricting your driving. Do not assume that an F endorsement means the same thing in another state; always check your own state's DMV website or handbook for the definition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an F endorsement if I have a passenger?
That depends on what your specific restriction says. If your F endorsement restricts you to daylight hours, you can drive with passengers during those hours. If it restricts you to work-related trips only, a passenger does not change that limit. Read the exact text on your license or contact your DMV to confirm what your restriction allows.
Will an F endorsement affect my car insurance?
Most insurance companies do not charge extra for an F endorsement itself, since it is a safety measure imposed by the state. However, if the endorsement resulted from a violation or medical issue that is also reported to your insurer, that may affect your rates. Contact your insurance company to ask how your specific endorsement is treated.
How long does an F endorsement stay on my license?
It stays until you remove it. If it was based on a vision or medical issue, you can remove it by meeting the condition — passing a vision test or providing medical clearance. If it was court-ordered, it stays for the period the court specified. Some endorsements are permanent unless the underlying condition changes.
Can I get a commercial driver's license if I have an F endorsement?
No. A commercial driver's license (CDL) requires unrestricted driving privileges. You would need to remove the F endorsement first by meeting the condition that triggered it, then explore for a CDL through your state's DMV.
What if I disagree with the F endorsement the DMV placed on my license?
You can request a hearing with your state DMV to challenge the endorsement. The process and timeline vary by state. Contact your DMV's administrative office or check your state's DMV website for instructions on how to request a hearing and what evidence you can present.