What a Missouri hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in Missouri is a restricted driving permit that lets you drive during a suspension or revocation when you have a genuine need — typically work, school, medical care, or court-ordered obligations. It is not a full license and comes with strict limitations on when and where you can drive.
You can request a hardship license if your license has been suspended or revoked and you can show the Missouri Department of Revenue that driving is essential to your daily life. The most common reasons are a suspension for unpaid traffic fines, a DWI-related suspension, or a suspension for accumulating too many points. You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is for certain serious violations like a second DWI within ten years, or if you are under 16.
The hardship license does not erase your suspension — it runs alongside it. Once your suspension period ends, your regular license becomes valid again automatically, and the hardship license expires.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a hardship license request with the Missouri Department of Revenue while your license is suspended or revoked, and you need to show proof of financial hardship or a genuine need to drive.
- The department will ask you to list specific trips — work address, school address, medical appointments — and you can only drive to those places during the hours you specify.
- You must pay a fee (currently $50 to $100, depending on the reason for suspension) and may need to install an ignition interlock device if your suspension is DWI-related.
- Processing takes roughly two to four weeks, and you will receive your hardship license by mail once approved.
- Driving outside the permitted routes or hours, or driving with a passenger not listed on your permit, can result in arrest and additional charges.
Step 1: Confirm your suspension is may be able to access for a hardship license
Not every suspension qualifies. Before you spend time on the request, check whether Missouri law allows a hardship license for your specific suspension reason. Log into your Missouri driver record at dmv.mo.gov or call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to confirm your suspension type and whether a hardship license is an option.
Suspensions that typically do may have access to include those for unpaid traffic fines, accumulation of points, failure to appear in court, and most DWI-related suspensions (though DWI suspensions have stricter rules). Suspensions that do not may have access to include a second or subsequent DWI within ten years, a suspension for refusing a breath test after a second DWI, and suspensions for certain criminal convictions.
If you are unsure, the Department of Revenue can tell you in one call. This step takes five minutes and saves you from filing a request that will be denied.
Step 2: Gather proof of hardship and your driving need
The Department of Revenue will ask you to demonstrate that you have a genuine need to drive. Prepare documents that show why you need a license — employment letter, school enrollment, medical appointment letters, or court documents requiring you to appear. The letter should be on official letterhead and state that your presence is required at a specific location on specific days or times.
You will also need to show financial hardship if your suspension is for unpaid fines or fees. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your income. If you receive public information, bring documentation of that as well. The goal is to show the department that losing your driving privilege creates genuine hardship — you cannot work, attend school, or meet court obligations without it.
Gather your current ID, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Have your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) ready as well.
Step 3: Complete the hardship license process
You can request a hardship license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or by mail. The in-person route is faster and lets you ask questions on the spot. Find your nearest office at dmv.mo.gov under "Locations."
At the office, ask for the hardship license process form. You will fill in your name, driver's license number, the reason for your suspension, and the specific places you need to drive to — your employer's address, your school, your doctor's office, the courthouse, or other essential locations. You will also list the days and hours you need to drive to each place. Be specific: "Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to my workplace at [address]" is what they need.
If you are explore by mail, request the form from the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 or read it from dmv.mo.gov. Mail the completed form with your supporting documents and the fee to the address provided on the form. Include a copy of your current ID.
Step 4: Pay the hardship license fee
The fee for a hardship license ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the reason for your suspension. A suspension for unpaid fines typically costs $50. A DWI-related suspension costs more, usually $100. Pay by cash, check, or card at the office, or include a check with your mail process.
This fee is separate from any fines you owe or any court costs. Paying the hardship license fee does not reduce or eliminate the underlying suspension — it only covers the cost of issuing the restricted permit.
Step 5: Install an ignition interlock device if required
If your suspension is related to a DWI conviction or refusal, Missouri law may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before the hardship license is issued. This device measures your breath alcohol level before the engine will start. You cannot drive without it, even with a hardship license.
Contact an interlock provider certified by Missouri — the Department of Revenue website lists approved vendors. Installation typically costs $100 to $200, and you pay a monthly monitoring fee of $50 to $100. The device stays in your vehicle for the duration of your suspension and for a period afterward, depending on your conviction.
If an interlock is required, you must have it installed and provide proof to the Department of Revenue before your hardship license will be issued. This step can add one to two weeks to your timeline.
Step 6: Receive and follow the restrictions on your hardship license
Once approved, your hardship license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks. It will list the specific addresses you can drive to, the days and hours you can drive, and any other restrictions. Read it carefully — these are not suggestions.
You can only drive to the locations listed on the permit, during the hours listed, for the purposes stated. If your permit says you can drive to work Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you cannot drive to the grocery store on Saturday, and you cannot drive to a friend's house after work. Violating these restrictions can result in arrest, additional criminal charges, and an extended suspension.
You must carry your hardship license and your vehicle registration at all times while driving. If you are stopped by police, show both documents. If your circumstances change — you change jobs, your work hours shift, or you no longer need to drive to a listed location — contact the Department of Revenue to request an amended permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to places not listed on my hardship license?
No. You can only drive to the specific addresses listed on your permit, during the hours specified, for the stated purpose. Driving anywhere else — even to buy gas or groceries — is a violation and can result in arrest. If your circumstances change and you need to add a location, contact the Department of Revenue to request an amended permit.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving on a hardship license?
Show the officer your hardship license and vehicle registration. If you are driving within the permitted routes and hours, you are legal. If you are outside those boundaries, the officer can arrest you, and you will face additional criminal charges on top of your existing suspension.
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license is valid for the duration of your suspension. Once your suspension period ends, your regular license automatically becomes valid again, and the hardship license expires. You do not need to do anything — the transition happens automatically.
Can I drive other people in my car on a hardship license?
Only if they are listed on your permit. Some hardship licenses allow you to drive a spouse or dependent to work or school, but only if that person and that destination are specifically listed. Driving an unlisted passenger is a violation.
What if my hardship license request is denied?
The Department of Revenue will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial are insufficient proof of hardship, a suspension type that does not may have access to, or missing documentation. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional evidence, or you can wait until your suspension period ends and reapply for a regular license.