What a Wisconsin hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in Wisconsin is a restricted driving permit that lets you drive during a suspension or revocation when you meet specific conditions. It is not a full license — it limits where, when, and why you can drive. Wisconsin issues hardship licenses only for suspensions related to alcohol or drug convictions, not for other reasons like points accumulation or unpaid tickets.
You can request a hardship license if your license was suspended or revoked because of an alcohol or drug-related offense, including operating while intoxicated (OWI), refusing a breath test, or a prior conviction. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) decides whether to grant one based on your specific situation and driving history.
A hardship license typically allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs like alcohol treatment. You cannot use it for social trips, errands, or any other purpose. The permit comes with restrictions on when you can drive — usually daylight hours only — and requires an ignition interlock device on your vehicle in most cases.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin hardship licenses are only available for suspensions tied to alcohol or drug offenses, not for other reasons like accumulated points.
- You must submit a written request to WisDOT's Driver Safety and Standards Section, along with proof of insurance and a statement explaining your need.
- An ignition interlock device is required on your vehicle for most hardship licenses, and you pay for installation and monthly monitoring.
- WisDOT typically responds within 10 to 15 business days, though approval is not may provide and depends on your driving record and offense details.
- You can only drive for specific purposes listed on your permit — work, school, medical care, and court-ordered programs — and only during approved hours.
When you become may be able to access to request a hardship license
You cannot request a hardship license when ready after your suspension begins. Wisconsin law sets a waiting period that depends on the type of offense and whether it is your first violation or a repeat.
For a first OWI offense, you must wait 30 days from the suspension start date before you can request a hardship license. If you refused a breath or blood test on a first offense, the waiting period is also 30 days. For a second OWI within five years, the waiting period is 45 days. For a third or subsequent offense within five years, you must wait 60 days.
The suspension start date is listed on the notice you received from WisDOT or the court. Count forward from that date to know when you become may be able to access. You can submit your request as soon as the waiting period ends, but WisDOT does not have to approve it — approval depends on your circumstances.
Documents and information you need to gather
Before you contact WisDOT, collect the following items. You will need them to complete your request.
First, gather proof of current auto insurance that meets Wisconsin's minimum coverage requirements. Your insurance company can provide a declaration page or proof-of-insurance letter. Second, have your driver's license number and the suspension or revocation notice you received from WisDOT or the court — this document shows your suspension start date and the reason for the suspension.
Third, prepare a written statement explaining why you need the hardship license. Be specific: name the job you need to drive to, the school or medical facility you need to reach, or the court-ordered program you must attend. Include the address and the days and times you need to drive. Fourth, if you have completed any alcohol or drug treatment programs, gather certificates or letters from those programs showing completion dates.
Finally, have your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready. If you plan to use more than one vehicle, you will need the VIN for each one, though most hardship licenses cover only one vehicle.
How to submit your hardship license request to WisDOT
Contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Driver Safety and Standards Section to request a hardship license. You can reach them by mail, phone, or in person.
By mail: Send a written request to Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Driver Safety and Standards Section, P.O. Box 7918, Madison, WI 53707. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the suspension or revocation notice, proof of insurance, and your written statement explaining your need. Keep a copy for your records.
By phone: Call the Driver Safety and Standards Section at 608-266-2353. They can answer questions about your may be able to access and what to include in your request. They may ask you to mail documents or may direct you to submit online if that option is available.
In person: Visit a Wisconsin DMV service center. Staff can help you complete the request and answer questions about the process. Bring all required documents with you.
After you submit your request, WisDOT typically responds within 10 to 15 business days. If approved, they will send you a hardship license permit by mail. If denied, the letter will explain the reason.
The ignition interlock device requirement
Most hardship licenses in Wisconsin require an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must pay for installation, which typically costs $100 to $200, and monthly monitoring fees of $50 to $100 depending on the provider.
WisDOT will tell you whether an IID is required when they approve your hardship license. If required, you must have the device installed before you can legally drive under the permit. The state maintains a list of approved IID providers on the WisDOT website.
You are responsible for keeping the device maintained and paying all fees. If you miss a monitoring appointment or the device detects alcohol, WisDOT can revoke your hardship license and extend your original suspension. The device must remain installed for the entire period of your hardship license.
Restrictions on where and when you can drive
Your hardship license will list specific purposes you are allowed to drive for. These typically include commuting to and from work, attending school or college, driving to medical appointments, and attending court-ordered alcohol or drug treatment programs. You cannot use the permit for social trips, shopping, visiting friends, or any other purpose not listed.
Most hardship licenses restrict driving to daylight hours only, usually between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. or similar. If your job requires driving outside these hours, you can request an exception when you submit your initial request, but WisDOT does not have to grant it.
Keep your hardship license permit in your vehicle at all times when driving. If a police officer stops you and you cannot show the permit, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license. The permit is not a full license and does not restore your driving privileges for any other purpose.
What happens if you violate the terms of your hardship license
Driving outside the permitted purposes or hours, or driving without the hardship license permit in your vehicle, is a violation. If you are stopped by police while violating the terms, you can be charged with operating with a suspended or revoked license, which carries fines and potential jail time depending on your record.
If WisDOT learns that you violated the hardship license terms, they can revoke the permit when ready and extend your original suspension period. This means you lose the ability to drive for work or other permitted purposes and your suspension lasts longer than originally ordered.
If the ignition interlock device detects alcohol, or if you miss a monitoring appointment, WisDOT is notified. This also can result in revocation of your hardship license and extension of your suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for points, not alcohol?
No. Wisconsin hardship licenses are only for suspensions related to alcohol or drug offenses. If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, refusing to pay tickets, or other reasons, you cannot get a hardship license. You must wait out the full suspension period.
What if WisDOT denies my hardship license request?
If denied, the letter will explain why. Common reasons include not meeting the waiting period, having a poor driving record, or not demonstrating a genuine need. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional information, such as a letter from your employer confirming you need to drive for work. You can also reapply after additional time has passed.
Do I have to use the same vehicle for my hardship license?
Your hardship license is tied to one specific vehicle by its VIN. If you need to drive a different vehicle, you must request an amendment to your hardship license. Contact WisDOT with the new vehicle's VIN and they will issue an updated permit.
Can I drive to the grocery store or run errands with a hardship license?
No. Hardship licenses are restricted to specific purposes listed on the permit. Grocery shopping and personal errands are not permitted purposes. You can only drive for work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs. Driving for any other reason is a violation.
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license lasts for the duration of your suspension or revocation period. When your original suspension ends, your hardship license also ends and your full driving privileges are restored — assuming you have met all other requirements, such as completing treatment programs or paying reinstatement fees.