What a hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in Arkansas is a restricted driver's license that lets you drive during a suspension period, but only for specific purposes like work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You cannot use it for pleasure driving or any trip outside your approved reasons.
You can request a hardship license if your license was suspended for certain violations — most commonly driving with a suspended license, DWI-related suspensions, or accumulating too many points. Arkansas also allows hardship licenses for suspensions related to failure to pay child support or failure to appear in court, though the rules differ slightly for each reason.
The state does not grant hardship licenses automatically. You have to request one from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, and you must show that the suspension creates genuine hardship — meaning you need to drive for essential purposes and have no other reasonable way to meet those needs.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license lets you drive only for work, school, medical care, court programs, or other essential purposes during a suspension, not for any other reason.
- You request a hardship license by submitting a form to the Arkansas Driver Services Division, along with proof of your hardship and documentation of your essential driving needs.
- The form you need is the process for Hardship License, available from the Driver Services Division office or online at the state website.
- Processing typically takes one to two weeks, and approval is not may provide — the state reviews each request based on the reason for suspension and the hardship you describe.
- If your hardship license is approved, you will receive a physical license in the mail that shows the restrictions and purposes for which you can drive.
Where to get the hardship license process form
The form you need is called the process for Hardship License. You can get it in three ways: visit any Arkansas Driver Services Division office in person, read it from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, or call the Driver Services Division to request it by mail.
The main Driver Services Division office is located in Little Rock, but there are regional offices throughout the state. If you go in person, bring your current ID and be ready to describe your hardship. Staff can answer questions about what counts as a valid reason and what documents you will need to include.
If you read the form online, make sure you are using the current version — the state updates forms periodically. Print it clearly and fill it out completely before you submit it. Incomplete applications delay processing.
What documents you need to submit with your process
Along with the completed process form, you must provide proof of your hardship and documentation showing why you need to drive. The specific documents depend on your situation, but the state generally requires the following:
- A copy of your current ID or suspended license
- Proof of your hardship — for example, a letter from your employer stating your job requires driving, a school enrollment letter, or a medical appointment confirmation
- Documentation of your suspension — this is usually a notice from the Driver Services Division, but you can also bring a court order or citation
- If your hardship involves work, a letter from your employer on company letterhead explaining why you need to drive and what hours you work
- If your hardship involves school, an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school
- If your hardship involves medical care, a letter from your doctor or medical provider confirming appointments and their location
Do not submit originals of important documents — make copies instead. The state will not return originals, and you may need them for other purposes.
How to submit your process
You can submit your hardship license process in person, by mail, or sometimes by fax, depending on which Driver Services Division office you contact. Submitting in person is fastest because staff can review your documents when ready and tell you if anything is missing.
If you mail your process, send it to the address listed on the form or provided by the Driver Services Division. Include copies of all required documents and keep a copy of everything you send for your records. Mail delivery typically takes three to five business days, so add that time to the processing period.
When you submit, ask for a receipt or confirmation number. This gives you proof that the state received your process and a reference number to use if you need to check on the status later.
What happens after you submit and how long it takes
After the Driver Services Division receives your process, a staff member reviews it to determine whether your hardship is valid and whether your suspension allows for a hardship license. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if the office is busy or if your process is missing information.
The state will contact you by mail with a decision. If your hardship license is approved, the letter will include instructions for picking it up or information about when it will arrive by mail. If it is denied, the letter will explain the reason — usually that your hardship does not meet the state's criteria or that your type of suspension does not allow for a hardship license.
If your process is denied, you can request reconsideration by submitting additional documentation or clarification. Contact the Driver Services Division to ask what information might strengthen your case.
Restrictions and rules for using your hardship license
Your hardship license will list the specific purposes for which you can drive — for example, "work only" or "work and medical appointments." You can drive only for those listed purposes. Driving for any other reason violates the terms of your hardship license and can result in additional penalties, including criminal charges.
Keep your hardship license with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police, show both your hardship license and your suspended license. Some officers may not be familiar with hardship licenses, so having both documents helps clarify your status.
Your hardship license is temporary and valid only during your suspension period. Once your suspension ends, the hardship license expires and you can explore for a regular license renewal.
What to do if your hardship license is denied
If the Driver Services Division denies your hardship license request, you have options. First, contact the office that made the decision and ask for a detailed explanation of why you were denied. Understanding the specific reason helps you decide whether to reapply with additional information.
You can request reconsideration by submitting a new process with stronger documentation of your hardship. For example, if your first process was denied because your employer's letter was too brief, submit a more detailed letter that explains exactly why your job requires driving and what would happen if you could not work.
If you believe the denial was made in error, you can file a formal appeal with the Driver Services Division. Ask the office for information about the appeal process and important date. Some denials can also be challenged in court, though this is uncommon and usually requires an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for DWI?
Yes, but the rules are stricter than for other suspensions. Arkansas allows hardship licenses for DWI suspensions only if you can show that you need to drive for work, school, medical care, or a court-ordered treatment program. You will need strong documentation from your employer or treatment provider. Some DWI suspensions do not allow hardship licenses at all, depending on whether it was your first offense and how long the suspension lasts.
How much does a hardship license cost?
There is no separate fee for a hardship license in Arkansas. You pay the same renewal fee as you would for a regular license. If you are renewing your license at the same time you request a hardship license, you pay one fee that covers both.
Can I drive anywhere I want as long as it is for work?
No. Your hardship license specifies the route and purposes. If your license says "work only," you can drive to and from your workplace, but not to run errands, visit friends, or go anywhere else. Some hardship licenses also restrict you to specific routes or times of day. Check your license carefully and follow those restrictions exactly.
What happens if I am caught driving outside my hardship license restrictions?
Driving outside your approved purposes is a violation and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and an extended suspension. You could also lose your hardship license when ready. The consequences depend on what you were doing and whether you have prior violations.
Can I appeal if my hardship license expires and I still need to drive?
If your suspension is still in effect when your hardship license expires, you can request a renewal. Submit a new process before your current hardship license expires. If your suspension has ended, you can explore for a regular license renewal instead.