What a hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Indiana lets you drive during a suspension when you have a genuine need — usually work, school, medical care, or court-ordered obligations. It is not a full license. You can only drive to and from the specific places listed on your permit, during the hours the court approves, and you must carry the hardship license document with you every time you drive.
Indiana calls this a Conditional License or Hardship Permit, depending on why your license was suspended. You can request one if your suspension is for a traffic violation (like a DUI or reckless driving conviction), unpaid traffic fines, or failure to pay child support. You cannot get one if your suspension is for medical reasons — for example, if the BMV suspended your license because a doctor reported you as unsafe to drive.
The court that suspended your license is the only body that can grant a hardship license. You cannot get one from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a petition in the court that suspended your license, not the BMV, and you will need to show a genuine hardship — work, school, medical appointments, or court obligations.
- The court will set conditions: which locations you can drive to, what hours you can drive, and whether you must install an ignition interlock device (required for DUI suspensions in most cases).
- You will need to pay court filing fees, which vary by county but typically range from $50 to $150, plus any interlock device costs if ordered.
- After the court grants your hardship license, you must visit the BMV with the court order to receive the actual permit document.
- Violating the conditions of your hardship license — driving outside approved times or locations — will result in when ready suspension and possible criminal charges.
Determine which court suspended your license
You need to file your petition in the court that issued the suspension order. This is usually the traffic court or criminal court in the county where you were convicted or where the violation occurred, not necessarily where you live now.
If you are unsure which court suspended your license, check your suspension notice — it will name the court and case number. You can also call the BMV at 317-615-7293 and give them your driver's license number; they will tell you which court issued the suspension. Write down the court name, address, and your case number before you move forward.
Gather documents showing your hardship
The court will not grant a hardship license without evidence that you have a genuine need to drive. Prepare documents that show why you need to drive and where you need to go. The stronger your evidence, the more likely the court will approve your request.
For work, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, your work schedule, and the address of your workplace. The letter should confirm that you cannot reach work by public transportation or carpool. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or business records showing you operate a business and the address where you work.
For school, bring an enrollment letter from the school or university showing your name, program, and class schedule. If you attend classes at multiple locations, list them all. For medical care, bring appointment letters from your doctor or hospital showing the address and frequency of appointments. For court-ordered obligations like child support or probation, bring documentation from the court or the agency overseeing your case.
You will also need a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and your suspension notice. If you have already paid any outstanding fines or child support, bring proof of payment.
File a petition in the suspending court
Contact the court clerk's office by phone or visit in person. Ask for the petition form for a hardship license or conditional license — the exact name varies by county. Some courts have a printed form; others will accept a written petition. The clerk can tell you the filing fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $150 depending on the county.
In your petition, state clearly why you need to drive, where you need to drive, and what days and hours you need to drive. Be specific: instead of "I need to go to work," write "I work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at [company name] located at [full address]." Attach copies of your supporting documents — the employer letter, enrollment letter, appointment letters, or court orders.
File the petition with the court clerk and pay the filing fee. Ask the clerk when you can expect a hearing or a decision. Some courts rule on hardship petitions within a few days; others schedule a hearing where you appear before a judge. The clerk will tell you whether you need to appear in person or whether the judge will rule on your written petition alone.
Attend your hearing if the court requires one
If the court schedules a hearing, you must attend. Bring all your original documents and copies of everything you filed. Dress professionally and arrive early. The judge will ask you questions about your hardship and may ask why you cannot use other transportation.
Answer honestly and directly. Explain your work schedule, your medical needs, or your court obligations. If you have already paid outstanding fines or child support, mention that. If you have completed a DUI education program or other court-ordered classes, mention that too — it shows the judge you are taking your obligations seriously.
The judge will either grant or deny your petition at the hearing, or will mail you a decision within a few days. If granted, the judge will issue a written order listing the conditions of your hardship license: the addresses you can drive to, the hours you can drive, and whether you must install an ignition interlock device.
Get your hardship license from the BMV
Once the court grants your petition, take the court order to any BMV branch. Bring your current driver's license (or state ID if your license is suspended), the court order, and proof of insurance. The BMV will issue you a physical hardship license document that shows your approved locations and hours.
You must carry this document every time you drive. If you are pulled over and cannot produce it, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license, even though you have court permission to drive. Keep it in your vehicle or wallet at all times.
If the court ordered an ignition interlock device, you must have it installed before you can drive. The BMV can direct you to an approved installer. The device costs between $70 and $150 to install, plus monthly monitoring fees of $50 to $100. You pay these costs yourself.
Understand the restrictions and consequences
Your hardship license is not a regular license. You can only drive to the locations listed on your permit, during the hours approved by the court. If your permit says you can drive to work Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you cannot drive anywhere else or at any other time — not to the grocery store, not on weekends, not at night.
Violating these conditions is a serious offense. Driving outside your approved locations or hours is a new criminal charge, not just a traffic violation. You could face jail time, additional fines, and permanent loss of your license. The court can also revoke your hardship license when ready if you are arrested for any new offense.
If your circumstances change — you change jobs, move, or no longer need to drive to a location — contact the court and ask to modify your hardship license. Do not straightforward start driving to new locations. Ask first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a hardship license last?
The length depends on the reason for your suspension. For a DUI, a hardship license typically lasts until your suspension period ends, which can be 6 months to several years depending on your conviction. For other violations, it may last the full suspension period or until you meet the conditions to restore your full license. The court order will specify the end date.
Can I get a hardship license if I owe back child support?
Yes, but the court is less likely to grant one if you have not made any effort to pay. If you owe child support and your license was suspended for that reason, bring proof that you have set up a payment plan or have made recent payments. This shows the judge you are working to resolve the debt.
What if the court denies my petition?
You can file again after a set period — usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the court. Use that time to strengthen your case: get a new job offer letter if your previous employer could not help, enroll in school, or pay down outstanding fines. You can also ask the judge at your hearing what specific evidence would help your case.
Do I need a lawyer to file for a hardship license?
You do not need a lawyer, but one can help if your case is complicated — for example, if you have multiple suspensions or outstanding charges. Many county bar associations offer low-cost legal aid. Call your county courthouse and ask if they have a self-help center that can walk you through the petition process for free.
What happens if I get pulled over and cannot find my hardship license?
You will be cited for driving with a suspended license, even though you have court permission to drive. Keep your hardship license in your vehicle at all times. If you lose it, contact the BMV when ready and request a replacement. You may need to get a new court order if the BMV cannot issue a duplicate.