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 for specific reasons — usually work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs. You cannot use it for any other purpose. The state issues it through the Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division, and it requires a court order from the circuit court in your county.
You can request a hardship license if your license is suspended for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DWI conviction. You cannot get one if your suspension is for medical reasons (like failing a vision test) or if you were caught driving with a suspended license. The court decides whether your reason for driving is important enough to grant one.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a petition in circuit court in your county, not with the Driver Services Division directly.
- The court will only grant a hardship license if you show the suspension causes genuine hardship — work loss, inability to reach medical care, or court-ordered treatment.
- You need proof of your hardship (job letter, medical records, court documents) and proof you have paid any fines or court costs owed.
- The process takes several weeks because the court must review your petition and schedule a hearing or make a decision on paper.
Gathering documents before you file
Before you go to the courthouse, collect proof of your hardship and proof of payment. For work-related hardship, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you need to drive to keep your job, the dates you work, and what would happen if you lost the position. For medical hardship, bring records from your doctor or hospital showing the treatment you need and why you cannot reach it by other means.
If your suspension is tied to unpaid fines or child support, bring proof that you have paid what you owe or have a payment plan in place. If you are suspended for a DWI, bring documentation of any court-ordered treatment (counseling, substance abuse classes) that you must attend. The court will not grant a hardship license to someone who has not started paying their obligations.
You will also need a copy of your current suspension notice from the Driver Services Division. If you do not have one, you can request it by calling the division at 501-682-7060 or visiting their office in Little Rock. Bring a photo ID and be ready to pay a small fee for a replacement notice.
Filing your petition in circuit court
Go to the circuit court clerk's office in the county where you live. Tell the clerk you want to file a petition for a hardship license. The clerk will give you a form or tell you what to include in a written petition. You will need to state your name, driver's license number, the reason for your suspension, why the suspension causes hardship, and what you need the license for.
Attach copies of all your supporting documents — the employer letter, medical records, proof of payment, or court documents. Do not send originals; courts keep copies. Pay the filing fee, which varies by county but is usually between $100 and $200. Ask the clerk when the court will review your petition and whether you need to appear in person or if the judge will decide on paper.
Some counties allow you to mail your petition and documents to the clerk's office if you cannot go in person, but calling ahead to confirm the process for your specific county saves time. The clerk's phone number is listed on the county courthouse website.
What happens after you file
The judge will review your petition and the documents you submitted. If the judge believes your hardship is genuine and you have met your obligations, they will sign an order granting the hardship license. If the judge has questions or doubts, they may schedule a hearing where you explain your situation in person. This hearing usually happens within two to four weeks of filing.
Once the judge signs the order, you will receive a copy. Take this order to the Driver Services Division office or mail it to them with a completed process for Hardship License (Form DL-43H). The address for mailing is on the form, which you can read from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website or pick up at any Driver Services office.
The Driver Services Division will then issue your hardship license, usually within one to two weeks. Your hardship license will show the restrictions — for example, "work only" or "medical treatment only" — and you must follow those restrictions exactly. Driving outside the permitted purpose is a violation and can result in additional charges.
Restrictions and how long the license lasts
A hardship license is not a regular license. It permits you to drive only for the specific purpose the court approved. If the court approved it for work, you can drive to and from your job and to court-ordered programs, but not to the grocery store, to visit friends, or for any other reason. Police can stop you and ask where you are going, and you must be able to explain why you are driving.
The hardship license lasts as long as your suspension is in effect, unless the court sets a shorter time limit. If your suspension ends, your regular license is automatically restored and you no longer need the hardship license. If your circumstances change — you lose your job or no longer need medical treatment — you should notify the court, as your hardship license may no longer be necessary.
What to do if the court denies your petition
If the judge denies your petition, you will receive a written order explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include failure to show genuine hardship, unpaid fines or court costs, or a pattern of driving violations. You can file a new petition after your circumstances change — for example, after you pay outstanding fines or find a job that requires driving.
You can also ask the judge to reconsider if you have new evidence. Some courts allow you to file a motion for reconsideration within a set time frame (usually 10 to 30 days). Contact the circuit court clerk to ask about your county's rules and whether you can submit additional documents without a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to places other than work if I have a work-only hardship license?
No. A work-only hardship license restricts you to driving to and from your job and to court-ordered programs. Driving to other locations, even briefly, violates the restriction and can result in additional criminal charges. The court may also revoke the license.
How much does it cost to get a hardship license?
The court filing fee ranges from $100 to $200 depending on your county. The Driver Services Division charges a fee for the license itself, usually $20 to $30. Some courts waive or reduce fees if you show financial hardship, so ask the clerk about fee waivers when you file.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer to help me file?
You do not need a lawyer to file a hardship license petition. The circuit court clerk can explain the process and what documents you need. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver based on financial hardship. Legal aid organizations in Arkansas may also help; contact your local legal aid office through the Arkansas Justice Center.
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for a DWI?
Yes, but only if you are enrolled in or have completed a court-ordered DWI treatment program. You must bring proof of enrollment or completion to the court. The hardship license will likely restrict you to driving to work, school, medical appointments, and the treatment program itself.
How long does the whole process take?
From filing to receiving your hardship license usually takes four to eight weeks. The court review takes two to four weeks, and the Driver Services Division takes one to two weeks to issue the license after the court order arrives. If the judge schedules a hearing, the timeline may be longer.