What a Colorado hardship license does and who can get one
A Colorado hardship license is a restricted driving permit that lets you operate a vehicle for specific purposes when your regular license has been suspended. It does not restore your full driving privileges — it allows you to drive only to work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered treatment, or other activities a judge or the Department of Revenue determines are necessary. You cannot use it for social trips, errands, or any driving outside the approved purposes.
Colorado law allows hardship licenses for suspensions caused by DUI convictions, excessive points, unpaid traffic fines, or failure to maintain required insurance. The process and your chances of receiving one depend on which reason led to your suspension and how long you have already been without a license.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license lets you drive only for court-approved purposes like work or medical treatment, not for any reason you choose.
- You must request one from the Colorado Department of Revenue or through the court that handled your case, depending on the type of suspension.
- DUI-related suspensions have stricter rules and usually require proof of an ignition interlock device, substance abuse treatment, or both.
- The Department of Revenue charges a fee to issue a hardship license, and you must show proof of insurance and a valid reason for each trip you plan to make.
- Processing typically takes two to four weeks after you submit your request and all required documents.
How suspension type determines your hardship license options
Colorado separates hardship license requests into two main categories: those tied to DUI convictions and those tied to other reasons like points accumulation or unpaid tickets. DUI-related suspensions are handled more strictly and often require an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before the Department of Revenue will issue a hardship license.
For non-DUI suspensions — such as those from accumulating too many points, failing to pay fines, or not maintaining insurance — you can request a hardship license directly from the Colorado Department of Revenue. These requests are generally approved more quickly if you can show a genuine need and have corrected the underlying problem (such as paying overdue fines or obtaining insurance).
If your suspension came from a DUI conviction, you will likely need to work through the court system first. The court may impose conditions such as completing a substance abuse treatment program or installing an ignition interlock device before you can even request a hardship license from the Department of Revenue.
Steps to request a hardship license from the Department of Revenue
Start by contacting the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver Services Section, either online through their website or by phone. You will need to provide your driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and the date the suspension began. The Department of Revenue staff can tell you whether you are currently may be able to access and what documents you must submit.
Gather proof of insurance (a current policy showing your name and vehicle), proof of employment or enrollment (a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead), and a written statement explaining why you need to drive and which specific trips you plan to make. If your suspension was for unpaid fines, bring proof of payment. If it was for lack of insurance, bring proof that you now have coverage.
Submit your request and documents by mail or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Include the hardship license request form (available on the Department of Revenue website) and pay the required fee, which varies depending on the type of suspension. After submission, expect a decision within two to four weeks.
Ignition interlock requirements for DUI-related suspensions
If your suspension stems from a DUI conviction, Colorado law may require you to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you drive. This device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The requirement applies even if you are requesting a hardship license, and in many cases you must have the device installed and certified before the Department of Revenue will issue the hardship license.
The court handling your DUI case will specify whether an ignition interlock is required and for how long. You are responsible for paying the installation and monthly monitoring fees, which typically range from $60 to $100 per month depending on the service provider. Colorado maintains a list of approved ignition interlock providers on the Department of Revenue website.
Once installed, you must have the device serviced and monitored according to the court's order. Any violation — such as attempting to start the vehicle with alcohol in your system or missing a scheduled service appointment — will be reported to the court and can result in the hardship license being revoked.
What you must prove about your need to drive
The Department of Revenue or court will want concrete evidence that you have a genuine reason to drive. A letter from your employer stating your job duties, work schedule, and that you cannot perform your role without driving is the strongest form of proof. The letter should come from a manager or human resources department on company letterhead and include contact information.
If you need to drive for school, bring an enrollment verification letter from the school showing your course schedule and any requirement that you attend in person. For medical reasons, bring a letter from your doctor stating the treatment or appointment you must attend and how often. If you are court-ordered to attend treatment or counseling, bring documentation from the program showing your enrollment and attendance schedule.
The Department of Revenue may also ask you to list specific routes and times you plan to drive. Be realistic and specific — saying you need to drive "whenever necessary" will not be approved. Instead, list your work address and hours, your school or treatment location and schedule, and any regular medical appointments.
Conditions and restrictions that come with a hardship license
A hardship license is not a regular license. You can drive only during the hours and for the purposes listed on the permit. If your hardship license says you can drive to work between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., you cannot use it at 7 p.m. or for any other reason. Violating these restrictions can result in additional criminal charges and when ready revocation of the hardship license.
You must carry proof of insurance at all times, just as with a regular license. You must also carry a copy of your hardship license and the court order or Department of Revenue approval that authorized it. Police can stop you and ask to see both documents. If you cannot produce them, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.
The hardship license is temporary. It remains valid only as long as your suspension is in effect and only for the purposes originally approved. If your circumstances change — for example, you lose your job or finish treatment — you should notify the Department of Revenue, as your hardship license may no longer be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the grocery store or run errands with a hardship license?
No. A hardship license covers only the specific purposes listed on the permit — typically work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered treatment. Grocery shopping, social visits, and personal errands are not permitted. Driving for unapproved reasons can result in criminal charges and loss of the hardship license.
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license remains valid only for the duration of your suspension. Once your suspension period ends and your regular license is reinstated, the hardship license is no longer needed. If your suspension is for a set number of months, your hardship license will expire at the same time.
What happens if I am pulled over while driving on a hardship license?
You must show the officer your hardship license and proof of insurance. If you are driving outside the approved times or purposes, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which carries criminal penalties. If you are driving within the approved parameters, the officer should allow you to continue.
Do I need an ignition interlock device if my suspension is not DUI-related?
No. Ignition interlock devices are required only for DUI-related suspensions. If your suspension is from points, unpaid fines, or lack of insurance, you do not need an interlock device to obtain a hardship license, though you must have valid insurance on any vehicle you drive.
Can I appeal if my hardship license request is denied?
Yes. If the Department of Revenue denies your request, you can request a hearing before a hearing officer. You will have the opportunity to present additional evidence about your need to drive. Contact the Department of Revenue for instructions on filing an appeal within the required timeframe.