What a hardship license does and who can request one
A hardship license in Indiana is a restricted driving permit that lets you drive for specific purposes when your regular license is suspended. It does not restore your full driving privileges — you can only drive to work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs, or other activities the court approves. The license is issued by the court that suspended your original license, not by the BMV.
You can request a hardship license if your suspension is for a traffic violation, unpaid traffic fines, or a suspended license due to accumulating points. You cannot get one if your suspension is for a DUI or drug-related offense, or if you are a habitual traffic violator. The court decides whether to grant it based on your circumstances and whether you have a genuine need to drive.
The process starts with the court, not the BMV. You will need to file a petition with the court that issued your suspension, attend a hearing, and show why you need to drive during the suspension period. If approved, the court issues an order that you then take to the BMV to get the restricted license printed.
Key Takeaways
- You request a hardship license from the court that suspended your license, not from the BMV, by filing a written petition.
- The court will only approve a hardship license for specific purposes like work, school, or medical treatment — not for general driving.
- You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is for DUI, drug-related offenses, or if you are classified as a habitual traffic violator.
- After the court approves your petition, you take the court order to your local BMV branch to receive the restricted license.
- The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from filing to receiving your restricted license.
Finding the correct court and filing your petition
The court you need to contact is the one that suspended your license. If you received a traffic ticket, that ticket shows which court issued the suspension. If you are unsure, call your local county clerk's office or the traffic court in the county where the violation occurred — they can tell you which court has your case.
Once you identify the court, contact the traffic division or clerk's office and ask for the hardship license petition form. Some courts have the form online; others will mail it or let you pick it up in person. The form asks for your name, driver's license number, the reason for the suspension, and the specific purposes you need to drive for (work address, school address, medical facility, etc.).
Fill out the petition completely and include supporting documents. These typically include proof of employment (a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job duties and work schedule), proof of school enrollment if applicable, and proof of any court-ordered programs you must attend. The more specific you are about why you need to drive and where you need to go, the stronger your case.
File the petition with the court clerk. Some courts accept filings by mail; others require you to file in person. Ask the clerk whether there is a filing fee — most courts charge between $25 and $50. Keep a copy of everything you file for your records.
Attending the court hearing
After you file, the court will schedule a hearing. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location. Attend the hearing in person — missing it will result in a denial. Dress professionally and arrive early.
At the hearing, the judge will ask you about your suspension, why you need to drive, and whether you have a genuine hardship. Be honest and specific. Explain your job, your work schedule, and why you cannot use public transportation or carpool. If you attend school or a court-ordered program, explain that. If you have medical appointments you cannot reschedule, mention that.
The judge may ask whether you have paid any outstanding fines or completed any requirements related to your suspension. If you have, bring proof. If you have not, be prepared to explain why. The judge will then decide whether to grant or deny your petition. You will usually receive the decision at the hearing or by mail within a few days.
Taking the court order to the BMV
If the court approves your petition, you will receive a signed order. This order is your authorization to get a hardship license. Take it to any BMV branch in Indiana along with your identification and proof of insurance. You do not need to bring your suspended license.
The BMV will issue your restricted license on the spot. The license will list the purposes you are allowed to drive for and the times of day you can drive (for example, "work only, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday"). You must follow these restrictions exactly. Driving outside the approved purposes or times is a violation and can result in additional charges.
Keep your hardship license with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police, show both the hardship license and your proof of insurance. The officer can verify the restrictions and confirm you are driving legally.
How long a hardship license lasts
A hardship license is temporary and lasts only as long as your suspension. If your suspension is for six months, your hardship license expires after six months. If your suspension is for one year, the hardship license expires after one year. The court order will state the expiration date.
When your suspension ends, your regular license is automatically restored — you do not need to do anything. Your hardship license becomes invalid at that point. If you need to drive after the suspension ends, you can use your regular license.
If your circumstances change during the suspension period and you no longer need the hardship license, you can return it to the BMV. This does not shorten your suspension; it straightforward means you choose not to use the restricted driving privilege.
What happens if the court denies your petition
If the judge denies your hardship license request, you have limited options. You can request a new hearing if your circumstances have changed significantly — for example, if you lost your job and now have a different work situation, or if you have completed a court-ordered program. Contact the court clerk to ask about filing a second petition.
You can also explore other transportation options during your suspension. Some employers offer flexible schedules or remote work. Some areas have public transportation or ride-sharing services. Some people arrange carpools with coworkers or family members. These are not ideal, but they are legal alternatives if a hardship license is not available to you.
If you believe the judge made an error or acted unfairly, you may have the right to appeal. This is a complex legal process and usually requires an attorney. Contact a local legal aid organization or a traffic attorney to discuss whether an appeal makes sense in your situation.
Common reasons the court denies hardship licenses
Courts deny hardship license requests most often when the petitioner cannot show a genuine hardship. Saying "I need to drive to the store" or "I want to visit friends" is not enough. The court looks for essential purposes: employment, education, medical treatment, or court-ordered obligations.
A second common reason is incomplete or missing documentation. If you claim you work at a specific job but do not provide a letter from your employer, the judge has no way to verify your claim. Bring every document you can gather — the more proof you have, the stronger your case.
Courts also deny requests when the petitioner has a pattern of traffic violations or has ignored previous court orders. If you have multiple suspensions or have failed to pay fines in the past, the judge may view you as a risk and decline to grant the hardship license. Being honest about your history and showing that you are taking steps to improve (paying fines, completing programs) can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to places other than work if I get a hardship license?
The court decides what purposes you can drive for. You can request multiple purposes in your petition — work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs are all common. The judge will approve only the purposes they believe are necessary. You cannot drive for other reasons, even if they seem important to you.
What if my employer will not write a letter supporting my hardship license request?
A letter from your employer is strong evidence, but not always required. You can bring other proof of employment: recent pay stubs, a contract, tax documents, or a statement from a coworker or supervisor. Bring whatever documentation you have. If you are self-employed, bring business records or tax returns. The court wants to see that your job is real and that you need to drive to do it.
Do I have to pay fines before I can get a hardship license?
Not necessarily. If your suspension is for unpaid fines, the court may require you to set up a payment plan or pay at least part of the fines before approving the hardship license. Ask the court clerk what the requirements are for your specific case. If you cannot pay when ready, explain your financial situation to the judge — they may work with you on a plan.
Can I get a hardship license if I was suspended for too many points?
Yes, if your suspension is for accumulating too many traffic violation points. You cannot get one if your suspension is for DUI, drug-related offenses, or if you have been declared a habitual traffic violator. Ask the court clerk which category your suspension falls into if you are unsure.
How much does a hardship license cost?
The court filing fee is typically $25 to $50, depending on the county. The BMV charges a small fee to issue the restricted license itself, usually $10 to $20. Some courts waive fees for people with financial hardship — ask the clerk whether you can request a fee waiver when you file your petition.