Georgia does issue hardship licenses, but only after your regular license has been suspended
A hardship license in Georgia is a restricted driving permit that lets you drive to specific places — usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — while your regular license is suspended. You cannot get one before a suspension takes effect. You can only request one after the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) has already suspended your license, and only if the suspension was for certain reasons.
The most common reason people get hardship licenses in Georgia is a DUI or drug-related conviction. You can also request one if your license was suspended for accumulating too many traffic violations, failing to pay traffic fines, or failing to appear in court. If your suspension was for medical reasons — like failing a vision test — you cannot get a hardship license; you would need to pass the test again instead.
The process takes about two to three weeks from the time you submit your request, though this varies depending on how quickly DDS processes your paperwork and whether you need a hearing.
Key Takeaways
- You can only request a hardship license after your Georgia license has already been suspended — not before.
- Hardship licenses are available for DUI suspensions, traffic violation accumulations, failure to pay fines, and failure to appear in court, but not for medical suspensions.
- You must show that losing your license would cause serious hardship to your job, school, or family care responsibilities.
- The hardship license restricts you to specific trips and purposes, and you must carry proof of the suspension and the hardship license together when driving.
- If your suspension was for a DUI, you must install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before DDS will issue the hardship license.
Who can request a hardship license in Georgia
Georgia law allows you to request a hardship license only if your suspension falls into one of these categories: a DUI or drug-related offense, accumulation of traffic violations (usually 15 points in 24 months), failure to pay traffic fines, or failure to appear in court. You must also show that the suspension would cause serious hardship — meaning you would lose your job, be unable to attend school, or be unable to care for a family member who depends on you.
You cannot request a hardship license if your suspension was for medical reasons, such as failing a vision or hearing test. In that case, you must pass the required test again before your license can be reinstated. You also cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is still pending — you must wait until DDS officially suspends your license first.
What you need before you request a hardship license
Gather these documents before you contact DDS or go to a driver services office. You will need your current Georgia driver's license (or the suspension notice if you no longer have the physical card), proof of the hardship — such as a letter from your employer stating your job depends on driving, or a school enrollment letter — and proof of insurance for any vehicle you plan to drive.
If your suspension was for a DUI, you must also have proof that you have installed an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. This is a breathalyzer-like device that prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. DDS will not issue a hardship license for a DUI suspension without this proof. The device costs between $70 and $150 to install, plus a monthly monitoring fee of $50 to $100, depending on the provider.
You will also need to know the specific reason your license was suspended — DDS will ask for this when you request the hardship license. If you are unsure, you can check your suspension status on the DDS website or call their customer service line.
How to request a hardship license from DDS
You have two options: request by mail or in person at a DDS office. To request by mail, read the process for Hardship License form from the Georgia DDS website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with copies of your proof of hardship and proof of insurance. Include a check or money order for the current fee (typically $25 to $50, but this varies).
To request in person, visit any Georgia DDS office with your driver's license, proof of hardship, proof of insurance, and payment. Bring the original documents, not copies. The staff will review your request on the spot and tell you whether you need a hearing. If your case is straightforward — for example, you have a clear letter from your employer and proof of the suspension — you may be approved without a hearing and receive your hardship license within two to three weeks.
If DDS believes you have not shown sufficient hardship, or if there are questions about your case, they will schedule a hearing. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location. At the hearing, you will present your evidence to a DDS hearing officer, who will decide whether to grant the hardship license. This process adds one to two weeks to the timeline.
What a Georgia hardship license allows and restricts
A hardship license is not a regular license. It restricts your driving to specific purposes that you listed in your request. Common approved purposes are driving to and from work, driving to school or court-ordered programs, driving to medical appointments, and driving to care for a family member. You cannot use a hardship license to run errands, visit friends, or drive for any other reason.
You must carry both your hardship license and the suspension notice together whenever you drive. If a police officer stops you and you cannot produce both documents, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, even though you have the hardship license. The hardship license is typically valid for the length of your suspension, though DDS may issue it for a shorter period if your case requires review.
If you are caught driving outside the approved purposes — for example, driving to a restaurant when your hardship license only covers work and medical appointments — your hardship license will be revoked when ready, and you will be back to a fully suspended license.
What happens if your hardship license request is denied
If DDS denies your request, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial are insufficient proof of hardship, failure to install an ignition interlock device (for DUI suspensions), or a information that you can meet your needs through other means, such as public transportation or carpooling.
You have the right to request a hearing if your request is denied. The notice will explain how to request one. At the hearing, you can present additional evidence or testimony about why you need the hardship license. If you are denied again after the hearing, your only option is to wait out the suspension period, which varies depending on the reason for the suspension.
For a first DUI suspension, the suspension period is typically 120 days. For accumulation of traffic violations, it depends on how many points you have. For failure to pay fines or failure to appear, the suspension lasts until you resolve the underlying issue — paying the fine or appearing in court.
Ignition interlock requirements for DUI suspensions
If your suspension was for a DUI or drug-related offense, Georgia requires you to install an ignition interlock device before you can get a hardship license. This device is connected to your vehicle's ignition system and requires you to blow into a mouthpiece before the engine will start. If the device detects alcohol, the car will not start.
You must use an approved vendor — DDS maintains a list of certified providers on its website. You cannot use any interlock device; it must be from an approved company. Once installed, you must visit the provider monthly for calibration and monitoring. The device records all attempts to start the vehicle, and DDS reviews these records. If you fail a breath test or miss a monitoring appointment, DDS will be notified and may revoke your hardship license.
The interlock requirement stays in place for the entire suspension period and sometimes longer, depending on your sentence. Even after your license is reinstated, you may be required to keep the device installed for several additional months. The total cost — installation, monthly monitoring, and removal — typically ranges from $800 to $2,000 over the course of a year-long suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while I am waiting for my DUI court date?
No. You can only request a hardship license after DDS has officially suspended your license. If you have been arrested for DUI but not yet convicted, your license may not be suspended yet. Once you are convicted or DDS receives notice of the arrest, the suspension takes effect, and then you can request a hardship license.
What if I do not have a job but need to drive to school?
School attendance is a valid hardship reason. You will need to provide proof of enrollment, such as a current class schedule or a letter from the school registrar. DDS will approve driving to and from school and to any required school-related appointments.
Can I drive someone else's car on my hardship license?
Yes, but only if that vehicle has an ignition interlock device installed (if your suspension was for DUI). The hardship license is tied to you, not to a specific vehicle, so you can drive any car. However, if the vehicle does not have the required interlock device, you cannot legally drive it.
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license is valid for the duration of your suspension, though DDS may issue it for a shorter period if your case requires periodic review. Once your suspension period ends and your license is reinstated, the hardship license is no longer valid. You will receive a new regular license from DDS.
What if I move out of state while my hardship license is active?
A Georgia hardship license is only valid in Georgia. If you move, you must notify DDS when ready. Depending on your situation, you may be able to transfer your case to your new state or wait out the suspension. Driving with a Georgia hardship license outside Georgia, or driving in Georgia after moving, can result in additional charges.