What a New Hampshire hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in New Hampshire is a restricted driving permit that lets you operate a vehicle for specific purposes when your regular license has been suspended or revoked. It does not restore your full driving privileges — it only allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs, or other essential activities the state approves.
You can request a hardship license if your suspension or revocation was due to a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or failing to pay traffic fines or child support. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) decides whether to grant one based on your circumstances and the reason for your suspension.
A hardship license is not automatic. You must show the DMV that you have a genuine need to drive and that you understand the terms of the restriction. The state wants evidence that you have a job, school enrollment, or medical treatment that requires you to drive — not just a general desire to get back on the road.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license lets you drive only for approved purposes like work, school, or medical care while your regular license is suspended or revoked.
- You must request one from the New Hampshire DMV in writing or in person, and you need to show proof of your need to drive and your current address.
- The DMV will review your driving history, the reason for your suspension, and whether you have completed any required programs before deciding.
- If approved, your hardship license will have specific restrictions printed on it, and driving outside those restrictions can result in additional penalties.
- The cost and processing time vary depending on the reason for your suspension and whether you have completed court-ordered requirements.
Reasons your license may be suspended or revoked in New Hampshire
New Hampshire suspends or revokes licenses for several reasons, and the reason matters when you request a hardship license. A DUI conviction triggers an automatic suspension — first offense is typically three months to one year, depending on whether you refused a breath test. Multiple DUI convictions result in longer suspensions and make hardship licenses harder to obtain.
Accumulating too many points on your driving record also leads to suspension. In New Hampshire, you lose your license if you get 12 or more points within a 12-month period, 18 or more points within 24 months, or 24 or more points within 36 months. Each traffic violation adds points — speeding adds 2 to 4 points, reckless driving adds 6 points, and so on.
Administrative suspensions happen when you fail to pay traffic fines, child support, or court costs. You can also lose your license if you fail to appear in court for a traffic violation or if you do not complete a required driver improvement program. The DMV will not consider a hardship license request until you have addressed the underlying reason for the suspension.
How to request a hardship license from the New Hampshire DMV
You can request a hardship license by visiting a New Hampshire DMV office in person or by mailing a written request to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The DMV office locations are listed on the state website, and you can find the mailing address on the same page. If you mail your request, include a letter explaining why you need to drive and what activities you need the license for.
Bring or include proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need to show proof of your need to drive — a job offer letter, school enrollment confirmation, or a medical appointment letter from a doctor. If your suspension was due to a DUI, you may need to show proof that you have completed or are enrolled in a substance abuse program.
The DMV will also review your driving record to see if you have any other violations or suspensions pending. If you owe fines or have unpaid child support, you must resolve those before the DMV will grant a hardship license. Some DMV offices allow you to pay outstanding fines at the time you request the hardship license, so ask when you visit or call ahead.
What the DMV looks for when reviewing your request
The DMV examines your entire driving history, not just the violation that caused your suspension. If you have multiple suspensions, prior DUI convictions, or a pattern of traffic violations, your request is less likely to be approved. The state wants to see that you are taking responsibility for your driving and that granting a hardship license will not put public safety at risk.
For DUI-related suspensions, the DMV checks whether you have completed a substance abuse assessment and any required treatment or counseling. Many DUI suspensions include a mandatory program you must finish before you can even request a hardship license. If you have not completed it, the DMV will deny your request and tell you when you can reapply.
The DMV also considers whether your stated need to drive is genuine and necessary. A job that requires you to commute is a strong reason. School enrollment, medical treatment, and court-ordered programs also count. Driving to run errands, visit friends, or attend social events will not support a hardship license request.
Restrictions and conditions on a hardship license
If the DMV approves your hardship license, it will specify exactly what you are allowed to do. Your license card will list the approved purposes — for example, "employment only" or "employment and medical treatment." You can only drive during the hours and for the purposes listed. Driving outside those restrictions is a violation and can result in additional fines, license suspension, or criminal charges.
Most hardship licenses come with time restrictions as well. You may be allowed to drive only during daylight hours or only on weekdays. Some are limited to driving directly to and from work, with no stops in between. If you need to drive to a medical appointment on a day you normally work, you cannot use your hardship license to do so unless medical treatment is listed as an approved purpose.
You must carry your hardship license at all times when driving, just as you would a regular license. If you are stopped by police, show them your hardship license and be prepared to explain where you are going. If an officer believes you are driving outside your restrictions, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, which carries serious penalties.
How long a hardship license lasts and when it expires
The duration of a hardship license depends on the reason for your suspension and the terms set by the DMV. For a point-based suspension, a hardship license typically lasts until your regular suspension period ends. For a DUI suspension, it may last for a set period — often 30 days to several months — and then you must reapply if you still need it.
Your hardship license will have an expiration date printed on it. When it expires, you cannot drive even for approved purposes unless you request and receive a renewal. If your suspension period has ended by the time your hardship license expires, you can explore to have your regular license reinstated. If your suspension is still in effect, you can request a new hardship license by following the same process again.
If you complete your suspension period early — for example, by finishing a required program ahead of schedule — you may be able to request early reinstatement of your regular license instead of renewing your hardship license. Contact the DMV to ask whether you are may be able to access.
Costs and processing time for a hardship license
New Hampshire charges a fee for a hardship license, though the exact amount varies depending on the reason for your suspension and the length of the license. The fee is typically between $50 and $100, but you should confirm the current fee by calling your local DMV office or checking the state website. Some offices accept cash, check, or card; others may have different payment options, so ask when you explore.
Processing time also varies. If you explore in person at a DMV office, you may receive a decision the same day or within a few days. If you mail your request, allow at least two to three weeks for the DMV to review it and send you a response. During busy periods, processing can take longer. If your request is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why and telling you when you can reapply.
If you need your hardship license urgently — for example, because you start a new job soon — visit a DMV office in person rather than mailing your request. Bring all required documents so the DMV can make a decision quickly. If your request is approved on the spot, you may be able to drive home with a temporary permit while your official hardship license is printed and mailed to you.
What happens if you violate the terms of your hardship license
Driving outside the restrictions on your hardship license is treated as driving with a suspended license, which is a criminal offense in New Hampshire. You can be arrested, fined, and have your hardship license revoked when ready. If you are convicted, you will have a criminal record, and your regular suspension will be extended.
Common violations include driving for purposes not listed on your license, driving outside approved hours, or driving to a location other than the one you stated in your request. For example, if your hardship license says you can drive to work only, and you stop at a store on the way home, you are in violation. If you are stopped and the officer determines you are outside your approved purpose, you can be cited.
If your hardship license is revoked due to a violation, you will have to wait a set period before you can request another one. The DMV may also require you to complete additional programs or meet other conditions before you are allowed to reapply. It is important to understand your restrictions fully and follow them exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if I have multiple suspensions?
It depends on the reason for each suspension and whether you have addressed the underlying issues. If you have unpaid fines or child support, you must resolve those first. If you have multiple DUI convictions, the DMV is less likely to approve a hardship license, but it is not automatic disqualification. Contact the DMV to discuss your specific situation.
Do I need a lawyer to request a hardship license?
You do not need a lawyer, and many people request hardship licenses on their own. However, if your suspension was due to a DUI or if you have a complex driving history, talking to a lawyer first can help you understand your options and prepare a stronger request. Some legal aid organizations in New Hampshire offer free or low-cost consultations.
What if the DMV denies my hardship license request?
The DMV will send you a letter explaining the reason for the denial and telling you when you can reapply. Common reasons include incomplete documents, failure to complete a required program, or unpaid fines. Address the issue the DMV identified, wait the required time, and submit a new request with updated information.
Can I drive to places other than work if my hardship license says employment only?
No. Your hardship license is restricted to the purposes listed on it. If it says employment only, you can drive only to and from work. Driving to a store, doctor, or friend's house is a violation. If you need to drive for other purposes, you must request a new hardship license that includes those purposes.
How do I know when my suspension period ends so I can explore for reinstatement?
The DMV will tell you the end date of your suspension in the letter notifying you of the suspension. You can also call the DMV or check your driving record online through the state website. Once your suspension period ends, you can explore to have your regular license reinstated, which is different from requesting a hardship license.