What a hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in New Jersey lets you drive during a suspension when you have a genuine need — usually work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs. It is not a full license. It restricts where and when you can drive, and you must carry the hardship license document with you every time you get behind the wheel.
You can request a hardship license if your license is suspended for certain reasons: a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, failing to pay fines or child support, or not appearing in court. Not all suspension reasons may have access to. If your license was suspended for medical reasons or because you did not renew it, you cannot get a hardship license — you need to resolve the original issue first.
The state does not automatically offer you one. You have to request it through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), and the MVC decides whether your reason meets their standard for hardship.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license restricts your driving to specific purposes like work, school, or medical care, and you must carry the hardship document at all times.
- You can only request one if your suspension was caused by a DUI, points accumulation, unpaid fines, child support arrears, or failure to appear in court.
- You must submit a written request to the MVC with proof of your hardship and documentation of the reason for your suspension.
- The MVC reviews your request and decides within a few weeks whether to grant it; approval is not may provide.
- If approved, you pay a fee and receive a document that specifies which routes and times you can drive.
Reasons the MVC will and will not approve a hardship license
The MVC looks for a genuine need that cannot be met another way. Work is the most common reason approved — if you will lose your job without driving, that counts. School, medical appointments, and court-ordered treatment (like substance abuse programs) are also regularly approved. Attending religious services, caring for a family member, and obtaining food or medicine have been approved in some cases.
The MVC will deny your request if you cannot show a real hardship, or if you can meet your need another way. For example, if you live in an area with public transportation and your job is on a bus line, the MVC may say you do not need to drive. If you are requesting a hardship license for social reasons — visiting friends, going to restaurants, running errands that are not essential — your request will be denied.
The MVC also considers your driving record and the reason for your suspension. If you were suspended for a DUI and this is your second or third offense, approval is less likely. If you were suspended for accumulating points through multiple violations, the MVC may view you as a high-risk driver and deny the request.
Documents you need to gather before requesting a hardship license
Start by getting a copy of your suspension notice from the MVC. You can request this online through the MVC website or by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. The notice will tell you the reason for your suspension and the date it began.
Next, gather proof of your hardship. If you are requesting a hardship license for work, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, your work schedule, the address of your workplace, and a statement that you will lose employment if you cannot drive. The letter must be signed and dated. If you work for yourself, bring tax returns or business registration documents showing you are self-employed.
For school, bring an enrollment letter from the school or university showing your name, program, and class schedule. For medical treatment, bring a letter from your doctor or treatment facility stating the type of treatment, the schedule, and the address. For court-ordered programs, bring a copy of the court order or a letter from the program confirming your enrollment and schedule.
You will also need your driver's license (even though it is suspended), your vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.
How to submit your hardship license request to the MVC
You must submit your request in writing. The MVC does not accept hardship requests by phone or online. You have two options: mail your request or deliver it in person to an MVC office.
Write a letter explaining your hardship. Keep it factual and specific. Instead of "I need to drive for work," write "I work as a delivery driver for ABC Company at 123 Main Street, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. My employer has stated in writing that I will be terminated if I cannot drive." Attach all your supporting documents — the employer letter, your suspension notice, your license, registration, and insurance proof.
Mail your request to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Licensing and Testing Bureau, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and phone number. Keep a copy for your records.
Alternatively, you can deliver your request in person to any MVC office during business hours. Bring the original documents and ask for a receipt showing the date you submitted your request. This creates a paper trail if there are questions later.
What happens after you submit your request
The MVC typically reviews hardship requests within two to four weeks. You will receive a letter in the mail stating whether your request was approved or denied. If approved, the letter will include instructions on where to pick up your hardship license document and what fee to pay (fees vary but are usually between $10 and $50).
If denied, the letter will explain the reason. Common reasons for denial are that the MVC found your hardship not genuine, that you can meet your need through other means, or that your driving record makes you too high-risk. If you disagree with the denial, you can request a hearing before an MVC administrative law judge. You must request the hearing within 30 days of receiving the denial letter.
If your request is approved, you will receive a hardship license document that specifies the routes you can drive, the times you can drive (usually limited to work hours plus a small buffer), and the purposes for which you can drive. You must carry this document every time you drive. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce it, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.
Restrictions on a hardship license and what you cannot do
A hardship license is not a regular license. It comes with strict limits. You can only drive to and from the purposes listed on your document — typically work, school, or medical appointments. You cannot make stops along the way unless they are necessary to reach your destination (for example, stopping for gas on the way to work is usually allowed, but stopping at a store is not).
You cannot drive outside the hours specified on your hardship license. If your document says you can drive Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., you cannot drive on weekends or after 6 p.m., even for an emergency.
You cannot drive for any purpose other than those listed. If your hardship license is for work only, you cannot use it to go to the grocery store, visit family, or attend social events. Violating these restrictions can result in additional charges and a longer suspension.
How long a hardship license lasts and what happens when it expires
A hardship license is temporary. It lasts for the duration of your suspension, or until the reason for your suspension is resolved — whichever comes first. For example, if you were suspended for accumulating points and your suspension is for one year, your hardship license will expire after one year. If you were suspended for a DUI and you complete a mandatory substance abuse program, your hardship license may expire once the program is finished and your regular license is reinstated.
When your hardship license is about to expire, the MVC will send you a notice. If your suspension is still in effect and you still have a hardship, you can request a renewal. The process is the same as the initial request — you submit a new letter and supporting documents showing that your hardship still exists.
Once your suspension ends and your regular license is reinstated, your hardship license is no longer valid. You should destroy it and carry only your regular license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if I was suspended for a DUI?
Yes, but approval is not may provide. The MVC considers DUI suspensions more serious, especially if this is your second or third offense. You will need to show a strong hardship — usually employment — and the MVC will review your case carefully. If approved, your hardship license will have tighter restrictions than for other suspension reasons.
What if my employer will not write a letter for me?
If your employer refuses to write a letter, your hardship request will likely be denied. The MVC needs written proof from your employer that your job is at risk. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or business documents instead. If you cannot provide this proof, you do not have a strong enough hardship case.
Can I drive to the grocery store or pharmacy on my hardship license?
Only if your hardship license specifically lists those purposes, which is rare. Hardship licenses are typically limited to work, school, or medical treatment. If you need to pick up medication for a medical condition, that might be included, but routine grocery shopping is not considered a hardship. Ask the MVC what purposes are covered before you receive your license.
How much does a hardship license cost?
The fee varies depending on the reason for your suspension and the length of your hardship license. Fees typically range from $10 to $50. The MVC will tell you the exact fee when your request is approved, and you pay it when you pick up your hardship license document.
What do I do if I am stopped by police while driving on my hardship license?
Hand the police officer your hardship license document along with your regular identification. The hardship document proves that you are legally allowed to drive during your suspension. If you cannot produce it, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license. Keep your hardship license in your vehicle at all times.