What a Massachusetts hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Massachusetts lets you drive during a suspension when you can show the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) that you have a genuine need — usually work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs. It is not a full license; it restricts where and when you can drive. The RMV grants hardship licenses only after your suspension has already started, not before.
You can request a hardship license if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, or certain alcohol-related violations. Some suspensions — like those for serious criminal convictions or multiple DUI offenses — do not may have access to. The RMV decides each case individually based on the reason for your suspension and the hardship you describe.
A hardship license typically allows you to drive only for the specific purposes you listed in your request — for example, to and from work, or to attend medical appointments. You cannot use it for personal errands, social activities, or any other driving. The RMV will specify the days and hours you are permitted to drive.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license lets you drive for specific purposes during a suspension, but only after the suspension has begun and only if you can show genuine need.
- You must contact the RMV in writing or in person to request one; the agency does not issue them automatically.
- The RMV will ask you to describe your hardship in detail and may require proof such as a job letter, school enrollment, or medical records.
- Approval typically takes one to three weeks, and you must carry the hardship license document with you whenever you drive.
- Violating the terms of your hardship license — driving outside the permitted times or purposes — can result in additional penalties and loss of the license.
How to request a hardship license from the RMV
Contact the RMV directly by phone, mail, or in person at a service center. Call the RMV at 617-351-4500 (Boston area) or find your local service center number on the RMV website. You can also visit an RMV office in person to request the form and submit it when ready, which often speeds up the process.
Ask for the Hardship License Request Form (sometimes called a petition or process). The RMV will give you the form and explain what information you need to provide. You will need to write a detailed explanation of why you need to drive — for example, "I work full-time at [employer name] from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and have no other transportation" or "I attend classes at [school name] on Tuesdays and Thursdays and require transportation for medical treatment on Wednesdays."
Be specific about the days, times, and locations you need to drive. Vague requests like "I need to drive for work" are less likely to be approved than detailed ones that include your employer's address, your work hours, and confirmation that no public transportation is available. The more concrete your explanation, the stronger your case.
Documents and proof you will need to provide
The RMV requires different supporting documents depending on your hardship. For work-related hardship, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work hours, and that you are currently employed. The letter should confirm that you cannot perform your job without driving and that no company transportation is available.
For school-related hardship, provide an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school or college showing the days and times you attend. For medical hardship, bring a letter from your doctor or medical provider describing the treatment you require, how often you need it, and the location of the facility. For court-ordered programs (such as substance abuse treatment), bring documentation from the program showing your enrollment and attendance schedule.
You may also need to show proof that you have no other transportation options — for example, that you do not live near public transit or that you cannot afford a taxi or rideshare service. Keep copies of all documents you submit; the RMV will keep the originals.
What happens after you submit your request
The RMV will review your request and contact you by mail or phone within one to three weeks. If approved, you will receive a hardship license document that specifies the exact purposes, days, and hours you are permitted to drive. Read this document carefully and follow it exactly. The license will remain valid until your suspension ends, unless the RMV revokes it for violation of its terms.
If the RMV denies your request, they will send you a written explanation. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional information or documentation that strengthens your case. Some people are denied on the first attempt and approved on the second after providing more detailed proof of hardship.
Once you have your hardship license, carry it with you every time you drive, along with your regular identification and vehicle registration. If a police officer stops you, show the hardship license document. Driving outside the permitted times or purposes — for example, using your hardship license to run errands on a day you are not supposed to drive — is a violation and can result in additional fines, loss of the hardship license, and extension of your suspension.
Suspensions that do not may have access to for a hardship license
The RMV will not issue a hardship license for certain types of suspensions. These include suspensions for driving with a suspended or revoked license, suspensions resulting from serious criminal convictions (such as vehicular assault), and suspensions for multiple DUI or OUI (Operating Under the Influence) offenses within a certain time period. Habitual traffic offenders also typically do not may have access to.
If your suspension falls into one of these categories, the RMV will tell you when you contact them. In that case, your only option is to wait out the suspension period or pursue other legal remedies through the courts. Some people hire a lawyer to petition the court for relief, but this is a separate process from the RMV hardship license request.
How to prepare for denial and what to do next
If your hardship license request is denied, do not assume the decision is final. Many denials happen because the initial request lacked sufficient detail or supporting documentation. Gather stronger evidence and resubmit. For example, if your first request was denied because your employer's letter was too brief, ask your employer to write a more detailed letter that specifically addresses why you cannot work remotely or use alternative transportation.
You can also contact the RMV's Hardship Unit directly to ask what additional information would strengthen your case. Some RMV staff will give you informal guidance on what they need to see before you resubmit. If you believe the RMV's decision was unfair or based on incorrect information, you have the right to request a hearing before an RMV hearing officer. Ask the RMV how to file a hearing request when they deny your process.
Another option is to consult a traffic lawyer. Lawyers who handle RMV matters often know which arguments and documentation the RMV responds to, and they can represent you at a hearing. This costs money, but it may be worth it if your suspension is long or if your work or health depends on driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the RMV or to court while my license is suspended?
No. You cannot drive anywhere without a hardship license, even to handle business related to your suspension. If you need to visit the RMV or appear in court, use public transportation, a taxi, a rideshare service, or ask someone to drive you. Once you have a hardship license, you can drive to court if the court appearance is listed as one of your permitted purposes.
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license remains valid until your suspension ends. When your suspension period is over, your hardship license automatically expires and you can drive normally again. If the RMV revokes your hardship license for violation of its terms, it ends when ready and you return to being fully suspended.
What if my job or school schedule changes after I get my hardship license?
Contact the RMV and request a modification to your hardship license. Bring updated documentation from your employer or school showing your new schedule. The RMV will review the change and issue a new hardship license with updated terms if the change is approved. Do not drive outside your current permitted times while waiting for approval.
Can I use a hardship license to drive someone else's car?
Yes, a hardship license is tied to you as a driver, not to a specific vehicle. You can drive any vehicle during the permitted times and for the permitted purposes, as long as you have the vehicle owner's permission and the vehicle is properly registered and insured.
What if I get pulled over and I do not have my hardship license document with me?
You will likely be cited for driving with a suspended license. Always carry your hardship license document with you. If you lose it, contact the RMV when ready to request a replacement. Keep a copy at home and consider taking a photo of it on your phone so you have proof if you misplace the original.