New Hampshire does offer hardship licenses, but only after your license has been suspended for specific reasons
A hardship license in New Hampshire is a limited driving permit that lets you drive to essential places — work, school, medical appointments, court — while your license is suspended. You cannot get one before a suspension takes effect. The state issues hardship licenses only if your suspension was caused by a DUI conviction, unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, or failure to maintain car insurance. If your suspension came from points accumulation or a medical issue, New Hampshire does not offer a hardship license as an option.
The process starts with the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to show that driving is necessary for your livelihood or to meet court-ordered obligations. The DMV will review your request and decide whether to grant one, and if approved, the license comes with strict conditions about where and when you can drive.
Key Takeaways
- Hardship licenses in New Hampshire are only available if your suspension was caused by a DUI, unpaid child support, unpaid fines, or lack of insurance.
- You must explore to the New Hampshire DMV after your suspension has already begun — you cannot prevent a suspension by requesting a hardship license first.
- The hardship license restricts you to essential trips like work, school, medical care, and court appearances.
- You will need to provide proof of why driving is necessary, such as a job letter or court documents related to child support.
When you can request a hardship license
Timing matters. You can only request a hardship license after the DMV has formally suspended your license. If you know a suspension is coming — for example, after a DUI conviction or if you have unpaid child support — you cannot file for a hardship license before the suspension takes effect. You must wait until the suspension order is in place.
The exception is a suspension for unpaid traffic fines or failure to maintain insurance. In those cases, you may be able to resolve the underlying issue (pay the fine, get insurance) and have the suspension lifted entirely, which is faster than waiting for a hardship license decision. Check with the DMV about your specific situation before deciding which route to take.
What you need to bring to the DMV
The DMV requires documentation that proves both your identity and your need to drive. Bring your current ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your New Hampshire address. You will also need to show why driving is essential to your situation.
If you are requesting a hardship license because of work, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, your work schedule, and that your position requires you to drive or that you have no other way to reach your workplace. If the request is related to a court order — such as child support — bring a copy of the order itself. For medical reasons, bring documentation from a doctor or medical facility. The DMV will also ask you to describe the specific places you need to drive to (your workplace address, your child's school, a medical clinic) and how often you need to make each trip.
how the process works at the New Hampshire DMV
You will explore in person at a DMV office. New Hampshire has several locations; you can find the one nearest you on the state DMV website. Call ahead or check online to confirm current hours, as some offices have limited schedules.
When you arrive, tell the staff member you are requesting a hardship license. They will give you the process form and review your documentation on the spot. If anything is missing, they will tell you what else you need to bring back. The DMV does not accept applications by mail for hardship licenses — you must appear in person.
There is a fee for a hardship license, though the amount varies depending on the reason for your suspension and how long the license will be valid. Ask the DMV staff what the current fee is when you explore.
What happens after you explore
The DMV will review your process and supporting documents. The decision typically takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if the DMV needs to verify information with your employer or the court. You will be notified by mail whether your request was approved or denied.
If approved, your hardship license will specify exactly which trips you are allowed to make. It will list your workplace address, any medical facilities, your child's school, or court locations — whatever you documented as necessary. You must carry the hardship license with you whenever you drive, and you can only drive to the places listed on it. Driving anywhere else, or driving outside the permitted hours, can result in additional charges and the loss of the hardship license.
If denied, the letter will explain why. Common reasons include insufficient proof of need, a prior violation of hardship license conditions, or a information that public transportation or carpooling is a reasonable alternative. You may be able to reapply if your circumstances change or if you can provide stronger documentation.
Restrictions on a hardship license
A hardship license is not a regular license. It comes with conditions you must follow exactly. You can only drive during specific hours — usually during daylight or during your work commute — and only to the places listed on the license. You cannot make detours, run errands, or drive for any reason other than what was approved.
If you are pulled over, you must show both your hardship license and your regular suspended license. Violating the terms of a hardship license — such as driving somewhere not on the permit or driving at a prohibited time — can result in criminal charges and the when ready cancellation of the hardship license. This can also extend your suspension period.
Alternatives if you cannot get a hardship license
If your suspension does not may have access to for a hardship license, or if your request is denied, you have other options. Some people use rideshare services, public transportation, or carpool arrangements to get to work and essential appointments. If your suspension is for unpaid fines or child support, paying what you owe will lift the suspension entirely.
If your suspension is related to a DUI, you may be able to work with a DUI attorney to explore other legal options, such as a work permit or a motion to modify the suspension. An attorney can also help you understand whether you have grounds to appeal a denied hardship license request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for too many points?
No. New Hampshire does not offer hardship licenses for suspensions based on point accumulation. Your only option is to wait out the suspension period or take a defensive driving course if the DMV offers one, which may reduce the length of your suspension.
How long does a hardship license last?
The duration depends on the reason for your suspension. A hardship license for a DUI suspension typically lasts until your full suspension period ends. For other reasons, the DMV may issue a hardship license for a shorter period and require you to reapply. Ask the DMV how long your specific hardship license will be valid.
Can I drive to places not listed on my hardship license in an emergency?
No. The hardship license is strict about where you can drive. If you have a genuine emergency, call 911. Driving somewhere not on your permit, even for an emergency, violates the license terms and can result in criminal charges.
What if my job location changes while I have a hardship license?
You will need to return to the DMV and request an amendment to your hardship license. Bring a new letter from your employer showing your new work address. Do not drive to the new location until the DMV has updated your hardship license.