What a hardship license is and who can get one
An Arkansas hardship license (officially called a hardship driver's license) lets you drive during a suspension when you have a genuine need — usually work, school, medical care, or court-ordered obligations. You cannot drive for any reason you want; the state limits you to specific purposes listed on your license.
You can request one if your license is suspended for certain reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, or a suspended license from another state. You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is for a DUI, reckless driving, or a serious safety violation. The Arkansas Office of Driver Services decides whether your reason counts as genuine hardship.
A hardship license is not a full license. It is a restricted permit that shows police which routes and times you are allowed to drive. Driving outside those restrictions — or driving for a purpose not listed — can result in arrest and additional charges.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license in Arkansas is a restricted permit that lets you drive only for specific approved purposes during a suspension, not a full license.
- You must have a genuine hardship reason (work, school, medical care, or court obligations) and cannot get one for suspensions related to DUI or serious safety violations.
- You request one through the Arkansas Office of Driver Services by submitting a written request with proof of your hardship and documents supporting your reason.
- The approval process takes one to three weeks, and you must pay a fee (amount varies by county) when your hardship license is issued.
- You can only drive the routes and during the times listed on your permit; driving outside those limits is illegal and can result in additional charges.
When you can and cannot request a hardship license
Arkansas allows hardship licenses for suspensions caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, or a license suspended in another state. If your suspension falls into one of these categories, you have grounds to request one.
You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is for DUI (driving under the influence), reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, or any conviction involving alcohol or drugs. You also cannot get one if you have been declared a habitual traffic offender. If you are unsure why your license was suspended, contact the Arkansas Office of Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to confirm the reason before you submit a request.
Even if your suspension reason qualifies, the state must believe your hardship is real. Saying you need to drive to work is stronger than saying you want to visit friends. The office looks at whether the purpose is essential to your daily life or legal obligations, not convenient.
Documents you need to gather before requesting
Before you contact the Arkansas Office of Driver Services, collect proof of your hardship reason. The exact documents depend on why you are requesting the license, but the office will ask for at least one of the following:
- For work: a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work schedule, and that you need to drive to perform your duties. The letter should be dated and signed by a manager or HR representative.
- For school: an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school or university showing your name, program, and class times.
- For medical care: a doctor's letter stating the type of care you need, how often you need it, and the location of the medical facility. This can include treatment for yourself or a dependent family member.
- For court-ordered obligations: a copy of the court order, probation paperwork, or child support agreement showing the requirement and any important date.
You will also need your current Arkansas ID card or a copy of your suspended license, proof of your address (utility bill or lease), and proof that you have paid any outstanding fines or child support (if that was the reason for suspension). If you are requesting one because of a suspension from another state, bring documentation from that state showing the suspension reason and status.
How to submit your hardship license request
You request a hardship license by mail or in person at your local Arkansas Office of Driver Services office. There is no online process form for hardship licenses.
By mail: Write a letter to the Arkansas Office of Driver Services explaining your hardship reason in detail. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, current address, and phone number. Attach copies (not originals) of all supporting documents. Mail the letter and documents to: Arkansas Office of Driver Services, Attn: Hardship License Request, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Keep a copy for your records.
In person: Visit your county's Office of Driver Services office with your letter, supporting documents, and ID. Staff can review your request on the spot and tell you whether your reason is likely to be approved. You can find your local office location on the Arkansas Office of Driver Services website. Bring originals and copies of all documents; the office will keep the copies and return your originals.
Processing takes one to three weeks by mail, or sometimes the same day if you explore in person and your documents are complete. The office will contact you by phone or mail to tell you whether your request was approved. If approved, you will be told when and where to pick up your hardship license and what fee to pay.
What your hardship license allows and what it does not
Your hardship license will list the specific purposes you can drive for — for example, "work only, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m." or "school and medical appointments." You can only drive during those times and for those reasons. You cannot drive for any other purpose, even if it seems similar or urgent.
The license also specifies which routes you can use. Some hardship licenses restrict you to direct routes between home and work, or home and school. You cannot take detours, stop at stores, or drive anywhere outside the approved routes, even briefly. Police can stop you and check your hardship license at any time.
If you are caught driving outside the approved times, routes, or purposes, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which carries fines and possible jail time. A violation can also result in your hardship license being revoked and your suspension being extended. Follow the restrictions exactly as written.
Fees and how long approval takes
The fee for a hardship license varies by county in Arkansas, typically ranging from $20 to $50. You pay the fee when you pick up your hardship license, not when you submit your request. Some counties may charge an additional processing fee. Ask the office what the total cost will be when they contact you about approval.
Processing time is usually one to three weeks if you submit by mail. If you explore in person and your documents are complete and clear, you may receive approval the same day or within a few days. If the office needs more information or clarification about your hardship reason, they will contact you and processing will take longer.
Your hardship license is valid for the length of your suspension, or until the reason for suspension is resolved (for example, when you pay off fines or child support). Once your suspension ends, your hardship license expires and you can explore for a regular license renewal.
What to do if your request is denied
If the Arkansas Office of Driver Services denies your hardship license request, they will tell you the reason. Common reasons for denial include: the hardship reason does not meet the state's definition of genuine hardship, your documents do not clearly support your claim, or your suspension is for a reason that does not allow hardship licenses (such as DUI).
You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documents or a more detailed explanation of your hardship. Write a new letter addressing the reason for denial and attach any new evidence. Mail it to the same address as your original request, marked "Reconsideration Request." The office will review it again, usually within two to three weeks.
If reconsideration is also denied, you can contact the Arkansas Office of Driver Services directly at 501-682-7060 to ask about your options. In some cases, you may be able to request a hearing before a hearing officer, though this is not may provide. Ask the office what your next steps are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the grocery store or gas station on my hardship license?
Only if those stops are listed as approved purposes on your license. Most hardship licenses restrict you to direct routes between home and work or home and school. Stopping anywhere else, even briefly, is a violation. If you need to run errands, ask the office whether you can add "essential errands" to your approved purposes when you request the license.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving on my hardship license?
Give the officer your hardship license along with your ID. The officer will check that you are driving during approved times, on an approved route, and for an approved purpose. If everything matches, you can continue. If you are outside the restrictions, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.
Can I get a hardship license if I owe back child support?
Yes, if your license was suspended specifically for failure to pay child support. You will need to provide a copy of the child support order and proof that you are making payments or have a payment plan in place. The office may require proof from the child support enforcement office that you are current on payments.
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license is valid for the duration of your suspension. Once your suspension ends — because you paid fines, resolved the child support issue, or the suspension period expires — your hardship license expires. You will then need to explore for a regular license renewal through the normal process.
Can I appeal a hardship license denial?
You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documents or a clearer explanation of your hardship. If that is also denied, contact the Arkansas Office of Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to ask whether you can request a hearing. The availability of a hearing depends on the reason for denial and your specific situation.