What a hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in Arkansas is a restricted driving permit that lets you drive when your regular license has been suspended. It does not restore your full driving privileges — it limits where and when you can drive, usually to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You can only get one if your suspension is for a specific reason, and you must show the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) that driving is necessary for your daily life.
Arkansas issues hardship licenses for suspensions caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain car insurance, or conviction of certain driving offenses. The state does not issue them for suspensions related to drug convictions or certain serious traffic violations. Your reason for suspension determines what paperwork you need and which office handles your request.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license lets you drive to work, school, medical care, and court-ordered programs only — not for personal errands or social trips.
- You must contact the DFA's Driver Services Division in Little Rock or your local county clerk's office to request one, depending on why your license was suspended.
- You will need proof of financial hardship, a valid reason for driving, and documentation of where you need to go (employer letter, school enrollment, medical records).
- The DFA charges a fee for the hardship license, and you must carry proof of insurance and the hardship license itself whenever you drive.
- Violating the restrictions on a hardship license — driving somewhere not permitted — results in when ready revocation and additional penalties.
Determine why your license was suspended
Before you contact the DFA, you need to know the exact reason your license is suspended. The state suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one has different rules for getting a hardship license. Call the DFA Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 or visit the office in person at 1900 West 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 to confirm your suspension reason.
Write down the suspension reason and the date it started. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you may need to pay part of what you owe before the DFA will consider your request. If it is for failure to maintain insurance, you will need to show proof that you now have active coverage. Ask the DFA representative whether your suspension type qualifies for a hardship license at all — some do not.
Gather documentation of financial hardship and driving need
The DFA requires you to prove that losing your license creates a genuine hardship. This means showing that you cannot reasonably get to work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs without driving. Bring recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and work schedule, or enrollment documents from a school or training program.
If you need to drive for medical reasons, bring a letter from your doctor or medical provider stating the treatment you require and how often you need to attend appointments. If you are required to attend a DUI program, substance abuse treatment, or probation meetings, bring documentation from that program. The DFA also accepts letters from social services agencies confirming that you receive benefits and need transportation to maintain them.
Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease) and a valid form of identification. If you have already paid any fines or child support arrears related to your suspension, bring receipts showing the payment date and amount. The DFA uses all of this to decide whether your hardship is real and whether driving is truly necessary.
Contact the DFA or your county clerk to request the hardship license
You can request a hardship license in person at the DFA Driver Services Division office in Little Rock, or at your county clerk's office if your county participates in the program. Not all counties handle hardship license requests, so call ahead to confirm. The DFA office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and does not require an appointment, but wait times can be long during midday hours.
Bring all your documentation with you. Tell the DFA representative that you are requesting a hardship license and explain your situation briefly — focus on why you need to drive and what will happen if you cannot. The representative will review your documents, ask questions about your work or school schedule, and tell you whether you meet the requirements. If you do, they will explain the restrictions that will be printed on your hardship license and collect the fee.
The DFA charges a fee for issuing a hardship license, though the exact amount varies. Ask the representative for the current fee when you call or visit. Some counties may charge an additional processing fee. You will receive your hardship license on the spot or within a few business days, depending on the office's workload.
Understand the restrictions on your hardship license
Your hardship license will list specific places you are permitted to drive to: your workplace, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You can only drive during the hours necessary to reach those places and return home. You cannot use the hardship license to run errands, visit friends, go to restaurants, shop, or drive anywhere else, even if the trip is brief.
The DFA may also restrict the roads you can use — for example, limiting you to main highways and prohibiting use of certain routes. Your hardship license will show these restrictions clearly. You must carry your hardship license and proof of insurance with you every time you drive. If a police officer stops you and your driving does not match the restrictions on your license, you can be cited for violating the hardship license terms.
Violating the restrictions results in when ready revocation of your hardship license and may lead to additional criminal charges. The DFA can also extend your original suspension period. If you need to drive somewhere not listed on your license, contact the DFA before you go — in some cases, they can add temporary permission for a specific trip, such as a one-time medical appointment in another city.
Maintain your hardship license and work toward full reinstatement
A hardship license is temporary. It remains valid only as long as your original suspension is in effect. Once you have satisfied the reason for your suspension — paid your fines, paid child support arrears, maintained insurance for the required period, or completed a court-ordered program — you can request full reinstatement of your regular license.
Contact the DFA to confirm that your suspension has been lifted. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee and may need to pass a written test or vision test, depending on how long your license was suspended. The DFA will issue your regular license once you have completed these steps. Until then, continue to follow all restrictions on your hardship license and keep proof of insurance in your vehicle.
What to do if your hardship license request is denied
If the DFA denies your request, ask for a written explanation of the reason. Common reasons for denial include: your suspension reason does not may have access to for a hardship license, you did not provide enough documentation of hardship, or the DFA determined that you have other transportation options available. Request a hearing if you believe the decision was wrong.
You can request an administrative hearing through the DFA within a certain time frame — ask the representative for the important date and the process. At the hearing, you can present additional documentation and explain your situation to a hearing officer. Bring any new evidence, such as letters from your employer or doctor, or proof that you have paid fines or arrears since your initial request. The hearing officer will make a final decision, which you can appeal to circuit court if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for a DUI conviction?
No. Arkansas does not issue hardship licenses for suspensions related to DUI convictions or drug-related driving offenses. You must wait out the full suspension period. However, you may be able to request a restricted license through the court that convicted you — ask your attorney or the prosecutor's office about this option.
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license remains valid as long as your original suspension is in effect. Once you have satisfied the reason for suspension — paid fines, paid child support, maintained insurance, or completed a program — your suspension ends and your hardship license expires. You can then request reinstatement of your regular license.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving on my hardship license?
You must show the officer your hardship license and proof of insurance. If you are driving within the permitted times and locations, you should not be cited. If you are driving outside those restrictions, the officer can cite you for violating the hardship license terms, which results in when ready revocation and possible additional charges.
Do I need to carry the hardship license with me every time I drive?
Yes. You must carry your hardship license and proof of current insurance every time you drive. If you are stopped and cannot produce both documents, you can be cited. Keep them in your vehicle at all times.
Can I drive to places not listed on my hardship license in an emergency?
No. The restrictions on your hardship license are strict. If you have a genuine emergency, contact the DFA before you drive if possible, or when ready after if you cannot. Explain the emergency to the DFA representative. Violating the restrictions, even in an emergency, can result in revocation of your hardship license.