What a hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in Illinois is a restricted driving permit that lets you drive during a suspension or revocation when you have a genuine need — usually work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered obligations. You cannot drive for any reason you want; the state limits when and where you can use it, and you must carry proof of the hardship with you.
Illinois calls this permit a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) if your suspension is alcohol-related, or a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) for other reasons. The process and requirements differ between the two, so you need to know which one applies to your situation before you start.
You can request a hardship license only after your suspension or revocation has already begun. You cannot get one before the suspension takes effect, and you cannot get one if your license was suspended for certain serious violations like driving with a suspended license or causing injury while driving impaired.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois issues two types of hardship licenses: a Monitoring Device Driving Permit for alcohol-related suspensions and a Restricted Driving Permit for other reasons, each with different rules and costs.
- You must wait until your suspension or revocation officially begins before you can request a hardship license; you cannot get one in advance.
- You will need to file a petition with the Illinois Secretary of State's office, pay a filing fee, and provide documentation of your hardship and proof of insurance.
- The Secretary of State has 30 days to make a decision on your petition, though some cases take longer if additional information is needed.
- If you are approved, you will receive a physical permit that shows exactly when and where you can drive, and you must carry it every time you drive.
Determine which type of hardship license you need
The type of hardship license you can request depends on why your license was suspended or revoked. If your suspension is related to alcohol — a DUI conviction, refusing a breath test, or accumulating alcohol-related traffic violations — you will need a Monitoring Device Driving Permit. This permit requires you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which tests your breath before the engine will start.
If your suspension is for any other reason — accumulating too many points, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, or other traffic violations — you will need a Restricted Driving Permit. This permit does not require an ignition interlock device, but it does restrict where and when you can drive.
Check your suspension notice or call the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services Department at 217-782-6900 to confirm which type applies to you. Knowing this before you file saves time, because the forms, fees, and requirements are different for each one.
Gather the documents you will need
Before you file your petition, collect proof of your hardship and proof of insurance. The state needs to see that your reason for driving is genuine and that you can legally operate a vehicle.
For proof of hardship, bring documents that match your stated need. If you are driving to work, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work schedule, and that your employment depends on your ability to drive. If you are driving to school, bring an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school. If you are driving for medical treatment, bring a letter from your doctor or medical provider explaining the treatment and how often you need it. If you are driving to fulfill court-ordered obligations like probation or child support payments, bring a copy of the court order or a letter from your probation officer.
You will also need proof of current auto insurance. Bring your insurance card or a declaration page from your insurance company showing your policy number, the vehicle you will be driving, and that the policy is active. The vehicle listed on your insurance must be the one you will drive under the hardship license.
If you are explore for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit, you will also need to show proof that you have scheduled an appointment to have an ignition interlock device installed. Some installers provide a letter confirming your appointment; others provide a receipt showing you have paid for the installation.
File your petition with the Secretary of State
You will file your petition in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Illinois does not accept hardship license petitions by mail or online. Find the facility nearest you at cyberdriveillinois.com or call 217-782-6900 to confirm hours and location.
Bring the following to your appointment: your current Illinois driver's license or ID card, your Social Security number, proof of your hardship (the employment letter, enrollment letter, medical letter, or court order), proof of auto insurance, and the filing fee. For a Restricted Driving Permit, the fee is $70. For a Monitoring Device Driving Permit, the fee is $100. Fees are not refundable if your petition is denied.
At the facility, tell the clerk you are filing a hardship license petition. They will give you the correct form — either the Restricted Driving Permit petition or the Monitoring Device Driving Permit petition — and help you fill it out. The form asks for your personal information, the reason for your hardship, the dates and times you need to drive, and the vehicle you will use. Be specific about your driving need. "I need to drive to work" is too vague; write "I work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at [employer name and address]."
The clerk will collect your documents, verify your information, and give you a receipt showing your petition was filed. Keep this receipt. The Secretary of State will mail you a decision within 30 days, though some cases take longer if they need more information from you.
What happens after you file
The Secretary of State reviews your petition and decides whether your hardship is genuine and whether granting the permit serves the public interest. They consider factors like the severity of your violation, how long your suspension lasts, and whether your hardship is essential or merely convenient.
If your petition is approved, you will receive a physical hardship license in the mail. This permit shows the exact dates it is valid, the days of the week you can drive, the times of day you can drive, and the specific routes or areas where you can drive. You must carry this permit every time you drive, along with your regular ID and proof of insurance. If you are stopped by police, you must show all three documents.
If your petition is denied, the Secretary of State will mail you a letter explaining why. You can file a new petition after 30 days, but only if your circumstances have changed — for example, if you now have a job offer that requires driving, or if your suspension period has been shortened. straightforward filing again with the same information will likely result in another denial.
Install an ignition interlock device if required
If you received a Monitoring Device Driving Permit, you must have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before you can legally drive. This device is a small breathalyzer that connects to your vehicle's ignition system. Every time you start the car, you must blow into the device. If it detects alcohol on your breath, the engine will not start.
You can find approved installers through the Illinois Secretary of State website or by searching "ignition interlock installer Illinois." Call ahead to schedule an appointment and ask about the installation fee, which typically ranges from $100 to $200, plus a monthly monitoring fee of $50 to $100. These costs are your responsibility.
Once the device is installed, the installer will give you a certificate of installation. Keep this certificate with your hardship license. Some police officers may ask to see it as proof that you are complying with the permit's requirements. The device will remain in your vehicle for the entire length of your suspension, and you are responsible for maintaining it and paying the monitoring fees.
Understand the restrictions on your hardship license
Your hardship license is not a regular license. It comes with strict limitations on when, where, and why you can drive. Violating these restrictions — driving outside the permitted times, driving to a location not listed on your permit, or driving for a reason other than your stated hardship — is a separate criminal offense and can result in additional charges, fines, and jail time.
The permit typically allows you to drive only on specific days and times. For example, if you work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., your permit might allow you to drive Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving you time to travel to and from work. You cannot use that permit to drive on weekends or after 6 p.m., even if you are driving to work.
Some permits restrict you to specific routes — for example, from your home to your workplace and back, with no stops in between. Others allow you to drive within a certain geographic area. Read your permit carefully and follow its restrictions exactly. If your circumstances change — you get a new job, change your work schedule, or no longer need to drive for your stated hardship — you must request a new permit or face charges for driving outside your permit's scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to places other than work or school on my hardship license?
Only if your permit specifically allows it. Most permits restrict you to your stated hardship — work, school, or medical treatment — and the direct route to and from that location. Stops at the grocery store, gas station, or other errands are usually not permitted. If you need to drive for multiple reasons, you can request a permit that covers all of them, but you must list each one when you file your petition.
What if I get pulled over while driving on my hardship license?
You must show the officer your hardship license, your regular ID, and proof of insurance. If you are driving within the permit's restrictions, you have done nothing wrong. If you are driving outside the permitted times, routes, or reasons, the officer can cite you for driving with a suspended license, which is a separate offense that can result in additional fines and jail time.
How long does a hardship license last?
Your hardship license is valid only for the duration of your suspension or revocation. When your suspension ends and your regular license is restored, your hardship license automatically expires. If your suspension is for one year, your hardship license lasts up to one year. Some permits expire sooner if your stated hardship ends — for example, if you graduate from school or change jobs.
Can I appeal if my hardship license petition is denied?
You cannot formally appeal a denial through the Secretary of State, but you can file a new petition after 30 days if your circumstances have changed. If you believe the denial was made in error, you can contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department at 217-782-6900 to ask for clarification. In some cases, you may be able to request a hearing before an administrative law judge, though this is rare and requires specific grounds.
Do I have to pay for the ignition interlock device myself?
Yes. The installation fee, monthly monitoring fee, and any maintenance costs are your responsibility. These fees are not covered by the state or by your insurance. Budget $100 to $200 for installation and $50 to $100 per month for monitoring, depending on the installer and your location.