What a hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in Massachusetts lets you drive during a suspension when you meet specific conditions — usually work, school, or medical needs. It is not a full license. You can only drive to and from the places listed on your license, during the hours the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) approves, and you must carry the hardship license document with you every time you drive.
You can request a hardship license if your license is suspended for certain reasons: unpaid child support, failure to pay a traffic fine, failure to appear in court, or a drug-related offense. You cannot get one if your suspension is for a DUI, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points. The RMV decides whether your reason for needing to drive is serious enough.
The hardship license is temporary. It lasts only as long as your suspension, and it ends the moment you resolve the underlying problem — paying the child support, paying the fine, or appearing in court.
Key Takeaways
- You request a hardship license from the RMV in writing or in person, explaining why you need to drive and listing the specific places you must go.
- The RMV will only approve hardship driving for work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs — not for general errands or social activities.
- You must bring proof of your need: a letter from your employer, school enrollment documents, medical records, or court paperwork.
- The RMV typically responds within one to two weeks, and you can drive only during the hours and to the locations they list on your hardship license.
- Your hardship license ends when ready when you pay what you owe, appear in court, or otherwise resolve the reason for your suspension.
How to request a hardship license in writing
The most common way to request a hardship license is by mail. Write a letter to the RMV explaining your suspension, why you need to drive, and where you need to go. Be specific: include the name and address of your workplace or school, the days and hours you need to drive, and the route you will take. The RMV uses this information to decide whether your need is genuine and whether the driving is truly necessary.
Include proof of your need with your letter. If you need to drive to work, include a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, your work schedule, and that you are required to be there in person. If you need to drive to school, include an enrollment letter or class schedule. If you need to drive for medical treatment, include a letter from your doctor explaining the treatment and how often you need it. If you are required to attend a court-ordered program, include the court order or program documentation.
Mail your letter and documents to the RMV at the address listed on your suspension notice. Keep a copy for your records. The RMV will mail you a response, usually within one to two weeks. If approved, your hardship license will arrive by mail.
Requesting a hardship license in person at an RMV office
You can also request a hardship license by visiting an RMV branch in person. Bring the same documentation you would mail: your suspension notice, proof of your need, and a written statement explaining where you need to drive and when. Some RMV offices can process your request on the spot, though this depends on how busy the office is and whether your paperwork is complete.
Find your nearest RMV office on the Massachusetts RMV website. Many offices now require you to book an appointment online before you visit. Bring your ID and all supporting documents. If the RMV approves your request that day, you may receive your hardship license before you leave. If they need more information, they will tell you what to send and how long it will take.
What the RMV looks for when deciding
The RMV approves hardship licenses only for reasons it considers essential. Work is the most commonly approved reason, especially if your job requires you to drive and you would lose your income without it. School is approved if you are enrolled full-time or part-time and cannot reach campus by public transportation. Medical treatment is approved if you need regular appointments that are not available near your home or by transit.
The RMV will deny your request if your need is not essential. Driving to the gym, to social events, to run errands, or to visit friends will not be approved. If you can reach your destination by public transportation, the RMV may deny your request or limit your driving to times when transit is not available. If your workplace or school is within walking distance or a short bus ride, the RMV may ask why you cannot use that option instead.
Be honest about your circumstances. If you exaggerate your need or provide false documentation, the RMV can deny your request and may pursue additional penalties.
Restrictions on your hardship license
Your hardship license will list specific locations you can drive to and from. You cannot deviate from this list. If your hardship license says you can drive to work at 123 Main Street and to your doctor at 456 Oak Avenue, you cannot stop at the grocery store on the way, even if it is on your route.
Your hardship license will also list the days and hours you can drive. If it says you can drive Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you cannot drive on weekends or after 6 p.m., even if you have a legitimate reason. You must carry your hardship license document with you every time you drive. If you are stopped by police and cannot show it, you will be treated as driving with a suspended license.
Violating the terms of your hardship license — driving outside the approved hours, to unapproved locations, or without the document — can result in additional criminal charges and a longer suspension.
What happens when your suspension ends
Your hardship license is valid only while your suspension is in effect. The moment you resolve the underlying issue — you pay the child support, you pay the fine, you appear in court — your suspension ends and your hardship license becomes invalid. You cannot drive under it anymore, even if the RMV has not yet notified you that your suspension is over.
Once your suspension is lifted, you can explore to reinstate your full license. The process and any fees depend on the reason for your suspension. Contact the RMV to find out what you need to do to get your regular license back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to places other than the ones listed if it is an emergency?
No. Your hardship license is valid only for the specific locations and hours the RMV approved. Even in an emergency, driving outside those terms is a violation. If you face a genuine emergency, contact the RMV to ask about modifying your hardship license, but do not assume you can drive outside your approved route.
How long does it take to get a hardship license?
By mail, expect one to two weeks from the time the RMV receives your letter. In person at an RMV office, you may get an answer the same day if your paperwork is complete, or the RMV may need additional time to review your request. Check your suspension notice for the RMV office address or contact information.
What if the RMV denies my hardship license request?
You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documentation or a new letter explaining your circumstances in more detail. You can also contact the RMV directly to ask why your request was denied and what information might change their decision. Some people reapply after their circumstances change.
Do I need a lawyer to request a hardship license?
No. You can request one yourself by mail or in person. A lawyer is not required, though you may choose to consult one if your suspension involves a court case or if you are unsure about your options.
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for a DUI?
No. Massachusetts law does not allow hardship licenses for DUI suspensions. If your license was suspended for a DUI, you must wait out the full suspension period before you can reinstate your license.