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 care, or court-ordered obligations. It does not restore your full license; it limits where and when you can drive, and you must carry the permit with you at all times.
Illinois calls this permit a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) if you are required to use an ignition interlock device, or a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) for other hardship situations. The Secretary of State's office issues both. You cannot get one if your license was suspended for certain serious violations — the rules depend on why your license was suspended or revoked in the first place.
The most common reasons people seek a hardship license are a DUI suspension, a suspension for unpaid traffic fines or child support, or a revocation for accumulating too many points. Each has different requirements and different waiting periods before you can even request one.
Key Takeaways
- You must wait a set number of days after your suspension or revocation begins before you can request a hardship license — typically 30 days for a first DUI suspension, but longer for other violations.
- You will need to file a petition with the Secretary of State, pay a fee (usually between $50 and $100), and provide proof of financial responsibility and a valid reason for needing to drive.
- If your suspension is for a DUI, you must install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and show proof of installation before the permit is issued.
- A hardship license does not let you drive anywhere — it restricts you to specific routes like work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs, and police can ask to see it at any time.
- You can request a hardship license by mail, online through the Secretary of State's website, or in person at a Driver Services facility.
Waiting periods before you can request a permit
Illinois does not let you request a hardship license when ready after your suspension or revocation. You must wait a minimum number of days, and that number depends on why your license was suspended.
For a first DUI suspension, you must wait 30 days. For a second DUI suspension within 20 years, you must wait 12 months. For a third or subsequent DUI suspension, you must wait 24 months. If your suspension is for unpaid fines, child support, or failure to appear in court, you typically must wait 30 days. If your license was revoked for accumulating points, the waiting period is usually 30 days as well, but this can vary depending on how many points you had.
The waiting period starts on the date the Secretary of State's office officially suspends or revokes your license — not the date you received the notice. If you are unsure when your waiting period ends, you can check your driving record online through the Secretary of State's website or call their Driver Services line.
Documents and proof you will need to submit
When you request a hardship license, you must prove three things: that you have a genuine need to drive, that you can pay for any accidents or injuries you cause, and that you understand the restrictions.
You will need to provide proof of financial responsibility, which means either a current auto insurance policy or a bond. The insurance policy must be in your name or your household's name and must cover the vehicle you will be driving. If you do not have insurance, you can post a bond with the Secretary of State, but this is more expensive and less common.
You must also provide proof of your hardship — the reason you need to drive. This might be a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you need to drive to work and that your job would be at risk without it, a school enrollment letter, a medical appointment letter from a doctor, or documentation of a court-ordered program you must attend. A straightforward statement that you need to drive is not enough; the Secretary of State wants to see that someone else — your employer, school, or doctor — is confirming the need.
If your suspension is for a DUI, you must also show proof that you have installed an ignition interlock device in the vehicle you will be driving. This is a device that requires you to blow into a breathalyzer before the car will start. You cannot get the permit without this proof.
How to submit your petition
You have three ways to request a hardship license: by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services facility.
To request by mail, read the petition form from the Secretary of State's website (form DL 101 for a Restricted Driving Permit, or form DL 102 for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit). Fill it out completely, include all required documents, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your fee. Mail takes longer — typically two to four weeks for a decision.
To request online, visit the Secretary of State's Driver Services website and look for the hardship license or restricted permit option. You will create an account, upload your documents, and pay the fee by credit card. Online requests are usually processed faster than mail.
To request in person, visit a Driver Services facility in your county. Bring your documents, your fee, and a valid photo ID. Staff can tell you on the spot whether your petition is complete and can often process it the same day. This is the fastest option if you have all your documents ready.
Fees and what happens after you submit
The fee for a hardship license in Illinois is typically $50 to $100, depending on the type of permit and whether you are requesting it by mail, online, or in person. Some facilities charge slightly different amounts, so check with your local Driver Services office or the Secretary of State's website for the exact fee in your area.
After you submit your petition, the Secretary of State's office will review it to make sure you have met the waiting period, provided all required documents, and have a genuine hardship. This review usually takes one to three weeks if you submitted by mail or in person, and a few days to a week if you submitted online.
If your petition is approved, you will receive your hardship license by mail or can pick it up at the Driver Services facility where you applied. The permit will list the specific routes or purposes you are allowed to drive for — for example, "work only" or "work and medical appointments." You must follow these restrictions exactly. Driving outside the permitted routes or times can result in arrest and additional charges.
If your petition is denied, the Secretary of State will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial are that you did not wait long enough, did not provide proof of insurance, did not show a genuine hardship, or did not install the required ignition interlock device. You can request reconsideration or reapply once you have fixed the problem.
Restrictions on where and when you can drive
A hardship license does not give you the freedom to drive anywhere. The permit will specify exactly where you can drive and for what purposes. Common restrictions include driving to and from work only, driving to and from school only, driving to medical appointments, or driving to a court-ordered treatment program.
You must carry your hardship license with you every time you drive. If a police officer stops you and you cannot show the permit, you can be charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license, which is a criminal offense. The permit is your proof that you are allowed to be on the road.
If you need to drive for a reason not listed on your permit — for example, your permit says "work only" but you need to take your child to the doctor — you must request a modification from the Secretary of State before you drive. Driving outside your permitted purposes is illegal and can result in criminal charges and the loss of your hardship license.
Ignition interlock requirements for DUI suspensions
If your suspension is related to a DUI or DWI conviction, you must install an ignition interlock device before you can get a hardship license. This device is a breathalyzer that connects to your vehicle's ignition system. You must blow into it before the car will start, and if it detects alcohol above a set limit, the engine will not turn on.
You must use an approved vendor — the Secretary of State maintains a list of certified ignition interlock service providers on its website. You cannot use just any device; it must be one that meets Illinois standards and can report your results to the Secretary of State.
The cost of installing and maintaining an ignition interlock device is your responsibility and typically ranges from $60 to $150 per month, depending on the vendor. You must keep the device installed for the entire length of your hardship license and beyond — the duration depends on your conviction and is set by the court or the Secretary of State.
When you request your hardship license, you must provide proof that the device has been installed. This proof usually comes from the vendor in the form of a certificate or letter. Without this proof, your petition will be denied.
What to do if your petition is denied or if you need to modify your permit
If the Secretary of State denies your petition, read the denial letter carefully to understand why. The most common reasons are incomplete documents, not meeting the waiting period, lack of proof of insurance, or insufficient proof of hardship. Once you understand the reason, you can fix the problem and reapply.
If you need to modify your permit — for example, to add a new work location or change your route — contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services office and request a modification. You may need to submit updated documents or a new petition, depending on the change. Modifications usually take one to two weeks to process.
If your hardship license expires or is revoked, you will need to reapply. Hardship licenses are typically valid for one to three years, depending on the reason for your suspension. The expiration date will be printed on your permit. If your license is revoked before the expiration date — for example, because you violated the restrictions — you cannot drive legally and must wait before you can request a new hardship license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for unpaid child support?
Yes, but you must wait 30 days from the date of suspension and provide proof that you need to drive for work or another essential purpose. You will also need to show proof of auto insurance. Some counties require you to show proof that you are making payments on the child support debt, so check with your local Driver Services office.
What happens if I drive outside the routes listed on my hardship license?
Driving outside your permitted routes is a criminal offense and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time. Your hardship license can also be revoked when ready, and you will have to wait before you can request a new one. Police can stop you at any time and ask to see your permit.
Do I need a new hardship license if I change jobs?
If your new job is on the same route or in the same general area, you may not need to modify your permit. If your new job is in a different location, you should contact the Secretary of State and request a modification before you start driving there. Driving to an unlisted location can be treated as a violation.
How long does a hardship license last?
The duration depends on the reason for your suspension. For a DUI suspension, a hardship license typically lasts one to three years. For other suspensions, it may last six months to two years. The expiration date will be printed on your permit. You can request renewal before it expires if you still need to drive.
Can I get a hardship license if I have multiple suspensions?
It depends on the reasons for the suspensions. If you have multiple DUI suspensions, the waiting period is much longer — 12 months for a second DUI and 24 months for a third or more. If you have suspensions for different reasons, you may need to address all of them before you can get a hardship license. Contact the Secretary of State to find out your specific situation.