What a hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Massachusetts lets you drive during a suspension when you have a genuine need — usually work, medical care, or court-ordered programs. It is not a full license. You can only drive to and from the specific places listed on the license, during the hours the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) approves.
You can request a hardship license if your license is suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or certain insurance violations. You cannot get one if your suspension is for a DUI, reckless driving, or a serious criminal offense. The RMV decides whether your reason counts as genuine hardship based on what you submit.
The process takes place entirely through the RMV. There is no separate agency or online portal — you file a petition with the RMV, and an RMV hearing officer reviews it. If approved, you receive a physical hardship license in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license restricts you to driving only to and from specific locations the RMV approves, such as your workplace or a medical facility.
- You must file a petition with the RMV that explains your hardship and includes proof of your need, such as a job letter or medical documentation.
- Suspensions for DUI, reckless driving, or criminal convictions do not may have access to for hardship licenses under Massachusetts law.
- The RMV hearing officer may approve, deny, or approve with conditions — such as requiring an ignition interlock device or limiting your driving hours.
- Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the RMV receives your complete petition.
Reasons the RMV will consider as hardship
The RMV looks for reasons that show you cannot reasonably live or function without driving. Work is the most common approved reason — you need a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, your work schedule, and that you cannot perform your job using public transportation. The letter should be dated and signed by a manager or HR representative.
Medical hardship covers ongoing treatment you cannot reach by other means. This requires a letter from your doctor or clinic on official letterhead stating the type of treatment, how often you need it, and the address of the facility. Court-ordered programs — such as probation, counseling, or substance abuse treatment — also count. Bring documentation from the court or the program showing the requirement and the schedule.
Caring for a dependent who needs regular medical care or transportation is sometimes approved, but you will need proof of the dependent's condition and the appointment schedule. The RMV is stricter with this category than with work or medical reasons. Childcare alone does not usually may have access to unless combined with work or medical need.
Documents you need to gather before filing
Start by getting proof of your hardship. If it is work-related, contact your employer's HR department or manager and ask them to write a letter on company letterhead. If it is medical, call your doctor's office or clinic and ask them to send a letter to you. If it is a court-ordered program, contact the program coordinator or your probation officer and ask for a letter or certificate of enrollment.
You will also need your driver's license (even though it is suspended, you still have the physical card) and your Social Security number. Have your current address ready. If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Gather any court documents related to your suspension. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you may need the court notice showing the amount owed. If you were suspended for failure to appear, bring the court summons. The RMV will have these records, but having copies speeds up the process.
How to file your petition with the RMV
You can file in person at any RMV branch or by mail. Filing in person is faster — you can submit your petition and sometimes get a decision the same day or within a few days. Filing by mail takes longer because the RMV has to schedule a hearing, which can add one to two weeks.
To file in person, go to your nearest RMV service center during business hours. Bring all your documents: your driver's license, proof of hardship (the letters from your employer, doctor, or program), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Tell the clerk you want to file a hardship license petition. They will give you a form to complete — it is usually a one-page petition asking why you need the license and what places you need to drive to.
To file by mail, contact the RMV's Customer Service Center at 617-351-4500 to request the hardship petition form, or read it from the RMV website. Fill it out completely, include copies (not originals) of all your supporting documents, and mail it to the address on the form. Include a cover letter with your name, license number, and phone number so the RMV can contact you to schedule a hearing.
What happens after you file
If you filed in person, an RMV hearing officer may review your petition on the spot. They will ask you questions about your hardship and may ask to see your documents. They will tell you whether you are approved, denied, or approved with conditions. If approved, you typically receive your hardship license in the mail within one to two weeks.
If you filed by mail or if the officer needs more time to decide, the RMV will schedule a hearing and send you a notice with the date and time. Hearings are usually held at an RMV branch and last 10 to 15 minutes. You can attend in person or by phone — the notice will say which option is available. Bring all your original documents to the hearing.
At the hearing, the officer will ask you to explain your hardship and may ask follow-up questions. Be specific about where you need to drive and why. For example, instead of saying "I need to go to work," say "I work at [company name] at [address] from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and there is no public transportation to that location." The officer will make a decision and tell you the outcome before you leave, or mail it to you within a few days.
Conditions the RMV may place on your hardship license
Approval is not always unconditional. The RMV may restrict your driving to specific hours, require you to carry proof of your hardship (such as a work schedule) while driving, or limit the routes you can take. Some hardship licenses include a condition that you must install an ignition interlock device — a breath-testing device connected to your ignition — though this is more common for certain suspension reasons.
If your suspension was for unpaid fines, the RMV may require proof that you have made a payment plan with the court before approving your hardship license. If it was for failure to appear, you may need to show that you have resolved the court case. Read the conditions on your hardship license carefully. Violating them — such as driving outside your approved hours or to an unapproved location — can result in additional penalties and loss of the hardship license.
What to do if your petition is denied
If the RMV denies your petition, they will send you a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include insufficient proof of hardship, a hardship that the RMV does not consider genuine (such as social activities or shopping), or a suspension type that does not may have access to for hardship licenses.
You have the right to request a hearing if you were denied without one, or to appeal a hearing decision. Contact the RMV's Customer Service Center at 617-351-4500 to ask about the appeal process. You can also request a new hearing if your circumstances have changed — for example, if you now have a job letter when you did not before. There is no fee to request a hearing or appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license lasts for the duration of your suspension, or until the RMV revokes it. If your suspension was for two years, your hardship license is valid for two years (with the restrictions in place). If you resolve the reason for your suspension — such as paying off your fines — your suspension ends and you can explore to get your regular license back.
Can I drive anywhere I want on a hardship license?
No. You can only drive to and from the specific locations the RMV approves. These are usually your workplace, a medical facility, a court or probation office, or a treatment program. Driving anywhere else violates the terms of your hardship license and can result in additional charges and loss of the license.
Do I have to pay a fee to get a hardship license?
There is no fee to file a petition or attend a hearing. If your hardship license is approved, there is no fee to receive it. However, if your suspension was for unpaid fines, you may need to pay part of those fines or set up a payment plan before the RMV approves your petition.
What if I lose my job after I get a hardship license?
Your hardship license becomes invalid if the reason for it no longer exists. If you lose your job, contact the RMV when ready and tell them. Your hardship license will be revoked. If you find a new job, you can file a new petition with a letter from your new employer.
Can I get a hardship license if I owe child support?
Massachusetts suspends licenses for unpaid child support, and you can petition for a hardship license for this type of suspension. You will need to show genuine hardship — usually work or medical care — and the RMV may require proof that you are making payments toward your child support obligation before approving the petition.