What a hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Oregon lets you drive during a suspension for limited purposes — usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — when you can show that losing all driving privileges creates genuine hardship. It is not a full license. You can only drive for the specific reasons the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) approves, and only during the hours they set. If you are caught driving outside those boundaries, you face additional penalties.
Oregon calls this a Conditional Driving Permit. You can request one if your license is suspended for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving under the influence (DUI), or accumulating too many points. You cannot get one if your suspension is for medical reasons — for instance, if a doctor reported you as unsafe to drive — or if you are under 16.
The state does not automatically give you one. You have to show ODOT that you have a real need to drive and that you have taken steps to address whatever caused the suspension in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- A Conditional Driving Permit lets you drive only for approved purposes like work or medical care, not for personal errands or socializing.
- You must request one from ODOT in writing or in person; the state will not offer it to you automatically.
- You need to show proof of hardship and proof that you have started addressing the reason for your suspension — such as paying fines, completing a DUI program, or attending traffic school.
- Processing takes roughly two to four weeks, and you will need to pay a fee that varies depending on your suspension reason.
- If your suspension is for a DUI, you will also need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before ODOT will issue the permit.
Steps to request a Conditional Driving Permit
Start by contacting the ODOT Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office. You can reach them at 503-945-5000 or visit an office in person. The main office is in Salem, but ODOT has satellite locations in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
Tell them your suspension reason and ask for the hardship permit request form. ODOT will give you a form specific to your situation — the form for a DUI suspension is different from the form for unpaid fines, for example. You can also read forms from the ODOT website under "Driver Suspensions and Revocations."
Fill out the form completely. You will need to describe the hardship — for instance, "I am the sole provider for my family and my job requires me to drive to three client sites daily" or "I attend community college full-time and have no public transportation to campus." Vague statements do not work. Be specific about what you cannot do without a license.
Attach proof of your hardship and proof that you are addressing the suspension cause. What counts as proof depends on why you were suspended.
What documents to include with your request
The documents you need depend on your suspension reason. For unpaid fines or failure to appear, bring proof that you have paid the fines or resolved the court case — a receipt from the court, a letter from the court, or a payment confirmation. ODOT will not issue a permit until this is handled.
For DUI suspensions, you must have already enrolled in or completed a DUI program approved by Oregon. Bring proof of enrollment or completion. You will also need to have an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle you plan to drive. Bring proof of installation from the device provider. Without the device, ODOT will not issue the permit.
For accumulating too many points, bring proof that you have completed a defensive driving course. Oregon recognizes courses offered by the National Safety Council and other approved providers. You can find the approved list on the ODOT website.
For all suspension reasons, bring proof of your hardship. This can be a letter from your employer stating that your job requires driving, a letter from a school confirming your enrollment, medical records showing you need to drive to treatment, or a court order requiring you to attend a program. Bring your current ID or passport as well.
The ignition interlock requirement for DUI suspensions
If you were suspended for DUI, Oregon requires an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you drive on the Conditional Driving Permit. This device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must have it installed before ODOT will issue the permit.
You pay for the device yourself. Installation typically costs $100 to $200, and monthly monitoring fees run $50 to $100 depending on the provider. Oregon has several approved providers; ODOT can give you a list. You choose the provider and schedule the installation.
Once installed, bring the proof of installation to ODOT with your hardship permit request. The device must stay in your vehicle for the entire length of your suspension, even after the permit expires.
Fees and processing time
ODOT charges a fee to issue a Conditional Driving Permit. The fee varies by suspension reason and typically ranges from $50 to $100. You pay when you submit your request or when you pick up the permit, depending on whether you explore by mail or in person.
Processing usually takes two to four weeks from the date ODOT receives your complete request. If your paperwork is incomplete or ODOT needs clarification, they will contact you and the timeline will extend. Once approved, you can pick up the permit at an ODOT office or have it mailed to you.
What you can and cannot do with a Conditional Driving Permit
Your permit will list the specific purposes you are allowed to drive for — for example, "work only, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m." or "medical appointments and court-ordered DUI program, any day, any time." You can only drive for those purposes during those hours. Driving for any other reason — even a quick trip to the grocery store if it is not listed — is a violation.
You can only drive the vehicle listed on your permit. If you need to drive a different car, you must request a new permit or an amendment. Keep your permit with you whenever you drive, just as you would a regular license. Police can stop you and check that your driving matches your permit restrictions.
The permit is temporary. It lasts until your suspension ends. When your suspension period is over, you can explore to reinstate your full license through ODOT.
What happens if you violate the permit
Driving outside your permit restrictions — for instance, driving to a friend's house when your permit only allows work and medical appointments — is a separate violation. You can be cited, fined, and your permit can be revoked. A revocation means you lose all driving privileges again, even for the approved purposes.
If you are stopped and the officer finds that you are driving for an unapproved reason, be honest about it. Lying to an officer compounds the problem. The violation will be reported to ODOT and may affect your ability to reinstate your license later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if I owe child support or have unpaid taxes?
Oregon can suspend your license for unpaid child support or certain tax debts. You can request a Conditional Driving Permit for these suspensions the same way you would for other reasons — by showing hardship and proof that you are addressing the debt. Contact ODOT to find out what proof they need from you.
What if ODOT denies my hardship permit request?
ODOT will tell you why they denied it. Common reasons are that you did not show genuine hardship, you have not paid fines or completed required programs, or your request was incomplete. You can reapply once you have addressed the issue — for instance, by paying fines or enrolling in a DUI program. You can also ask ODOT to reconsider if you believe their decision was wrong.
Do I need a lawyer to request a hardship license?
No. The request process is straightforward and you can do it yourself. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case or if you are unsure about your situation, talking to a lawyer first can help clarify what you need to do.
Can I use a hardship license to drive in other states?
No. A Conditional Driving Permit is valid only in Oregon. If you cross state lines, you are driving without a valid license, which is illegal.
How long does a hardship license last?
It lasts until your suspension period ends. The length of your suspension depends on the reason — DUI suspensions are typically one year or longer, while suspensions for unpaid fines may be shorter. ODOT will tell you when your suspension ends and when you can explore to reinstate your full license.