What a Maine hardship license does and who can request one
A hardship license in Maine is a restricted driving permit that lets you operate a vehicle for specific purposes when your regular license has been suspended. It does not restore your full driving privileges — it allows you to drive only for the reasons the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles approves, such as getting to work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs.
You can request a hardship license if your suspension is for an administrative reason — usually a failure to pay a fine, failure to appear in court, or a suspended license due to unpaid child support. You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is for a criminal conviction (like driving under the influence), a medical suspension, or a suspension ordered by a judge as part of a criminal sentence.
The hardship license is not automatic. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will review your request and decide whether to grant it based on the reason for your suspension and the hardship you describe.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license permits driving only for specific approved purposes, not for general use.
- You can request one only if your suspension is administrative (unpaid fines, failure to appear, unpaid child support), not criminal or court-ordered.
- You must submit a written request to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles with documentation of your hardship and the purposes you need to drive for.
- The Bureau will review your request and notify you by mail whether the hardship license has been granted.
- If approved, you will receive a hardship license document that specifies which days and times you can drive and for what purposes.
How to request a hardship license from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Start by contacting the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly to confirm that your suspension type allows a hardship license request. You can reach them by phone at 207-624-9000 or visit their office in Augusta. Tell them the reason your license was suspended — they will tell you when ready whether a hardship license is possible in your case.
If your suspension type qualifies, ask the Bureau to send you the hardship license request form or read it from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. The form asks you to describe the hardship you would face without driving privileges and to list the specific purposes you need to drive for (work address, medical facility address, court location, etc.).
Complete the form with as much detail as possible. Include your employer's name and address if you are requesting permission to drive to work, the medical facility name and address if you need to drive for treatment, and the court address if you must attend hearings. The more specific you are about your need, the stronger your request.
Documents you will need to submit with your request
Gather proof of the hardship you are describing. If you are requesting permission to drive to work, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work schedule, and that your employment would be at risk if you cannot drive to the workplace. If you cannot get a letter, a recent pay stub with the employer name and address will help.
If you need to drive for medical reasons, include a letter from your doctor or medical provider stating the treatment you require, how often you need to attend appointments, and the facility address. If you are attending a court-ordered program (such as substance abuse treatment), bring documentation from the program showing your enrollment and scheduled appointment times.
Include a copy of your current Maine identification or any government-issued ID. You do not need to provide proof of insurance or vehicle registration at the request stage, but have those documents ready in case the Bureau asks for them.
Where to submit your hardship license request
Mail your completed form and supporting documents to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine 04330. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, license number, and a brief statement of why you are requesting the hardship license.
You can also submit your request in person at the Bureau's office in Augusta during business hours. Bring the original documents and the completed form. The staff can review your request on the spot and tell you if anything is missing before you leave.
Do not email or fax your request unless the Bureau specifically instructs you to do so. Mailed and in-person requests create a paper trail and are less likely to be lost.
What happens after you submit your request
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles will review your request and the documents you provided. This review typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, the Bureau is checking whether your suspension type allows a hardship license and whether your stated hardship is genuine and serious enough to warrant one.
You will receive a written decision by mail. If the hardship license is granted, the letter will include the hardship license document itself, which specifies the days and times you are permitted to drive and the purposes for which you can drive. Read this document carefully — driving outside the approved times or for unapproved purposes can result in additional charges.
If your request is denied, the letter will explain the reason. You can request reconsideration by submitting a new request with additional documentation or by contacting the Bureau to discuss why your request was denied.
Restrictions and rules for driving on a hardship license
A hardship license is not a regular license. You can drive only for the specific purposes listed on your hardship license document — typically work, medical appointments, court appearances, or court-ordered programs. Driving for any other purpose (shopping, visiting friends, recreation) is a violation and can result in additional criminal charges.
Your hardship license will specify the days and times you are permitted to drive. Many hardship licenses restrict driving to weekday business hours or to the specific times needed to reach work or appointments. Driving outside these hours is also a violation.
You must carry your hardship license document with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police, show them the hardship license along with your identification. If you are driving outside the approved times or purposes, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a criminal offense in Maine.
What to do if your hardship license is denied
If the Bureau denies your request, you have options. First, contact the Bureau by phone to ask specifically why your request was denied. Sometimes the reason is a missing document or unclear information that you can fix with a second submission.
If your suspension was due to unpaid fines or court fees, paying those amounts in full may allow you to request a hardship license again or to have your suspension lifted entirely. If your suspension was due to failure to appear in court, resolving that court case (by appearing or by working with the court) may open the door to a hardship license.
If you believe the denial was unfair or made in error, you can request a hearing before a Maine administrative judge. Contact the Bureau to ask about the hearing process and important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for a DUI conviction?
No. Suspensions resulting from criminal convictions, including DUI, are not may be able to access for hardship licenses. You must wait out the suspension period or pursue other legal remedies through the court system.
How long does a hardship license last?
The duration depends on the reason for your original suspension. Some hardship licenses last until your suspension is lifted; others are issued for a specific period (such as six months). The hardship license document will state the expiration date.
Can I drive to places other than work or medical appointments?
Only if the Bureau specifically approved those purposes on your hardship license. The document lists exactly where you can drive and when. Driving anywhere else is a violation.
What happens if I am stopped by police while driving on a hardship license?
Show the officer your hardship license document and your identification. If you are driving within the approved times and purposes, you should not face additional charges. If you are outside the approved parameters, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license.
Can I appeal a hardship license denial?
Yes. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documentation, or you can request a hearing before an administrative judge. Contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles to learn the specific process and important date for your situation.