What a hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in Missouri is a restricted driving permit that 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 when and where you can use it. Missouri calls this a "limited driving privilege."
You become may be able to access for a hardship license only after your license has been suspended. The most common reason is a DWI conviction, but suspensions also happen after accumulating too many points, failing to pay traffic fines, or not showing up for court. You cannot get one before a suspension takes effect — only after it has already started.
Not every suspension qualifies. Some are too short to matter (a few weeks), and some are permanent until you meet specific conditions like completing a DWI program. The Missouri Department of Revenue decides whether your reason counts as a genuine hardship.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license only works after your license is already suspended, and you must show the state a real need like work, school, or medical treatment.
- You request one through the Missouri Department of Revenue by mail or in person, not through a court, and you need documents proving both the suspension and the hardship.
- The state charges a fee (the amount varies by the reason for suspension) and may require you to install an ignition interlock device if the suspension was for DWI.
- A hardship license has strict limits: you can drive only to the places you listed, only during the hours you stated, and only for the purposes you described.
- Violating the restrictions — driving somewhere not on your permit or at a time you were not supposed to — results in criminal charges and a longer suspension.
Reasons Missouri recognizes as hardship
Missouri accepts hardship requests for work, school, medical care, and court-ordered programs. "Work" means your job itself, not errands on the way to work. "School" means classes you are enrolled in, not dropping off a child. "Medical care" means treatment for yourself or a dependent, with a doctor's note. "Court-ordered programs" means DWI classes, probation check-ins, or other conditions the court imposed.
The state does not accept hardship requests for general errands, childcare, shopping, or social activities. You cannot use a hardship license to drive to the grocery store, pick up children from school, or visit family — even if those trips feel necessary to you. The standard is narrow: the state has to believe you cannot function in society without this specific driving.
If your suspension is for a DWI, you have an additional hurdle. Missouri requires you to install an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer wired to your car's ignition) before the state will issue a hardship license. This is not optional. You pay for the device yourself, usually $60 to $100 per month, and you cannot remove it early.
Documents you need to bring or mail
Start by gathering proof of your suspension. This is your suspension notice from the Missouri Department of Revenue — the letter that told you your license was suspended and why. If you do not have it, you can request a copy from the Department of Revenue by calling 573-526-2407 or visiting a local office.
Next, collect proof of your hardship. For work, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, the dates and hours you work, and that your employment depends on driving. For school, bring an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school or college. For medical care, bring a doctor's letter stating the treatment you need, how often, and the location. For court-ordered programs, bring the court order itself or a letter from the program confirming your enrollment.
You will also need a valid photo ID (your suspended license counts), proof of Missouri residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of insurance. If your suspension was for DWI, bring proof that you have installed the ignition interlock device — the installer gives you a certificate.
How to request a hardship license
You can request a hardship license by mail or in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office. There is no online form. To request by mail, send your documents to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Include a cover letter stating your name, your driver's license number, the reason for your suspension, and the hardship you are requesting (work, school, medical, or court-ordered). Keep copies of everything you send.
To request in person, find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the state website and bring all your documents. Staff can tell you on the spot whether your request is complete. If something is missing, they will tell you what to add and mail back. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks; in-person requests may be processed faster, but the state does not may provide same-day approval.
You will pay a fee. The amount depends on the reason for your suspension — DWI suspensions cost more than point-based suspensions. As of now, DWI-related hardship licenses cost around $100 to $200, but this varies. Call the Department of Revenue to confirm the exact fee before you mail your request, so you can include a check.
What the hardship license allows and restricts
When the state approves your hardship license, it will specify exactly where you can drive and when. If you requested it for work, your permit might say "Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., direct route between home and [employer address]." You cannot deviate. You cannot stop at a gas station, run into a store, or take a different route, even if it is faster.
The permit lists specific addresses — your home, your workplace, your school, your doctor's office, or your court-ordered program location. You can drive only between those places. If you need to add a location later (a new job, a different doctor), you must request an amendment from the Department of Revenue; you cannot straightforward start driving there.
If your suspension was for DWI, the ignition interlock device will log every time you drive. The state can review this log to confirm you are following your restrictions. Driving outside your permitted times or locations is a violation and can result in criminal charges and a longer suspension.
What happens if you violate your hardship license
Violating the terms of your hardship license — driving somewhere not listed, driving at a time you were not permitted, or driving for a reason other than the one you stated — is a crime in Missouri. You can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a misdemeanor. A conviction can mean jail time, fines, and an even longer suspension.
Police can pull you over if they have reason to believe you are violating your restrictions. If you are stopped, they will check your hardship license against your location and the time of day. If something does not match, you will be cited. Even a minor violation — driving one block outside your permitted route — counts.
If you are convicted of violating your hardship license, the state will revoke it when ready. You will be back to a full suspension with no driving allowed. Your original suspension period may also be extended.
How long a hardship license lasts
A hardship license is valid only for the length of your suspension. If your suspension is one year, your hardship license lasts one year. When the suspension ends, the hardship license ends automatically — you do not need to return it or do anything else. Your regular license becomes valid again (assuming you have not accumulated new violations).
If your suspension is indefinite (meaning it has no end date until you meet certain conditions), your hardship license is also indefinite. For example, if you were suspended for a DWI and the suspension will not end until you complete a DWI program, your hardship license lasts until you finish that program and the state lifts the suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if I have never had a license suspended before?
No. A hardship license only exists because your license is already suspended. You cannot get one preemptively. Once your suspension takes effect, then you can request one.
What if my employer says they cannot write a letter for me?
The state requires written proof from your employer. If your employer will not provide a letter, you cannot use work as your hardship reason. You would need a different reason — school, medical care, or a court-ordered program — with the required documentation for that reason instead.
Can I use a hardship license to drive to the store or run errands?
No. A hardship license is restricted to the specific purposes you listed — work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs. Grocery shopping, errands, and other activities are not recognized hardships. You can drive only to the addresses you stated and only for the reason you stated.
Do I have to install an ignition interlock device even if I was not convicted of DWI?
Only if your suspension was for DWI. If your suspension was for points, failure to pay fines, or another reason, you do not need an ignition interlock device. The device is required only for DWI-related suspensions.
What if I move to a new address while my hardship license is active?
You must request an amendment to your hardship license to update your home address. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your new address and bring proof of residency. Driving from an address not listed on your permit is a violation.