New Hampshire does issue hardship licenses, but only after your regular license has been suspended
A hardship license in New Hampshire is a restricted driving permit that lets you continue driving for essential purposes — work, medical appointments, school — while your license is suspended. You cannot get one before a suspension takes effect. The license is issued by the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, and it comes with strict rules about where and when you can drive.
The state calls this a "work permit" in some contexts, but the process and restrictions are the same. You will need to show genuine hardship — not just inconvenience — and you must have a valid reason the court or DMV will accept. The permit does not restore your full driving privileges; it is a narrow exception to a suspension, not a replacement license.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire issues hardship licenses only after your license has been suspended, not before.
- You must petition the court that suspended your license, or the DMV if the suspension came from a medical information.
- Approved reasons include work, school, medical treatment, and court-ordered programs — but not general errands or social activities.
- The hardship license comes with restrictions on where, when, and why you can drive, and violating those restrictions can result in additional penalties.
- Processing takes several weeks, and you may need to attend a hearing where you explain your hardship to a judge or hearing officer.
Why your license was suspended in the first place
New Hampshire suspends licenses for several reasons: DUI or DWI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to pay fines or appear in court, medical conditions that make driving unsafe, or failure to maintain auto insurance. The reason matters because it determines who you petition and what evidence you need to present.
If your suspension came from a DUI or DWI, you are petitioning a criminal court. If it came from points or insurance issues, you are petitioning the DMV. If it came from a medical information, you may need a doctor's letter saying you are now safe to drive. Knowing which agency suspended your license is your first step — your suspension notice should say.
How to petition for a hardship license
Contact the court or DMV that issued your suspension and ask for the hardship license petition form. For DUI or criminal suspensions, call the district court in the county where you were convicted. For administrative suspensions (points, insurance, medical), contact the New Hampshire DMV directly at 603-271-2371.
The petition must include your name, license number, the reason for the suspension, and a detailed explanation of the hardship you face without driving. Be specific: "I need to drive to my job at [company name] on [days and times]" is stronger than "I need to work." Include your employer's name and address, your work schedule, and confirmation that no public transportation or carpool exists. If you need to attend medical appointments or court-ordered programs, include dates and locations.
You will also need to show that you have a valid reason to be on the road — not just that driving would be convenient. The court or DMV will not grant a hardship license for shopping, socializing, or general errands. Approved reasons are almost always employment, school attendance, medical treatment, or completion of a court-ordered program like substance abuse counseling.
What happens after you submit your petition
The court or DMV will review your petition and may schedule a hearing. You may be asked to appear in person or may receive a decision by mail. If the suspension came from a DUI, a judge will decide. If it came from administrative reasons, a hearing officer or DMV official will decide. Either way, you should be prepared to explain your hardship and answer questions about alternatives — why you cannot use public transportation, carpool, or take time off work.
Bring documentation: a letter from your employer confirming your job and schedule, proof of enrollment if you are attending school, appointment letters from doctors or counselors, and proof that you have maintained auto insurance. If you were suspended for a medical reason, bring a letter from your doctor stating that you are now safe to drive.
The decision usually comes within two to four weeks. If approved, you will receive a hardship license with specific restrictions printed on it. Read those restrictions carefully — they are not suggestions. Driving outside the permitted times, locations, or purposes is a violation and can result in additional charges.
What a hardship license allows and does not allow
A hardship license is not a regular license. It will specify the days and times you can drive, the route you must take (sometimes), and the purposes for which you can drive. A typical hardship license might say: "Valid Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., for employment at [address] only." You cannot use it to run errands, visit friends, or drive on weekends unless the license explicitly permits it.
If you are stopped by police, you must produce the hardship license along with your regular suspended license. Driving outside the terms of the hardship license — for example, driving on a Saturday when it is only valid weekdays — is a separate violation and can result in additional fines, points, or suspension of the hardship license itself.
Some hardship licenses include a provision allowing you to drive to and from the specified location only, with no stops in between. Others may allow a short detour for gas or a meal. The license document will make this clear. If you are unsure, call the court or DMV and ask before you drive.
If your petition is denied
If the court or DMV denies your petition, you have the right to request a hearing or appeal, depending on which agency made the decision. For court-ordered suspensions, you can ask the judge to reconsider. For DMV suspensions, you can request a formal hearing before a hearing officer. The denial letter should explain how to appeal and the important date for doing so.
A common reason for denial is insufficient hardship — the court or DMV believes you have other options, such as public transportation or a carpool. If this happens, you can reapply after circumstances change, such as if public transportation becomes unavailable or your job changes. Keep records of your attempts to find alternatives; these strengthen a future petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license before my suspension starts?
No. New Hampshire only issues hardship licenses after a suspension is in effect. You must wait for the suspension to take effect, then petition the court or DMV. This is why it is important to act quickly once you receive a suspension notice.
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license lasts as long as your suspension does, unless it is revoked for violation. If your suspension is for one year, your hardship license is valid for one year. When the suspension ends, the hardship license ends as well.
What if I lose my job while I have a hardship license?
Notify the court or DMV when ready. Your hardship license is no longer valid because the reason for it no longer exists. Continuing to drive on an invalid hardship license is a violation. You may be able to petition for a new hardship license based on a different reason, such as school or medical treatment, if one applies.
Can I drive to the DMV or court to handle my license suspension?
Not without a hardship license. If you do not yet have one, you cannot legally drive to petition for one. You will need to use public transportation, ask someone to drive you, or handle the petition by mail or phone. Many courts and the DMV accept petitions by mail.
What if I violate the terms of my hardship license?
Driving outside the permitted times, locations, or purposes is a separate violation. You can be charged with driving with a suspended license, fined, and have your hardship license revoked. The original suspension remains in effect, and you will have no driving privileges at all until the suspension ends.