What a Michigan hardship license does and who can request one
A hardship license is a restricted driving permit that Michigan issues when your regular license has been suspended. It lets you drive to specific places — typically work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs — even though your license is not valid for general driving. You cannot use it for errands, social trips, or any other purpose outside the approved reasons.
You can request a hardship license if your suspension is for certain violations, such as driving with a suspended or revoked license, accumulating too many points, or failing to pay traffic fines. Not all suspension reasons may have access to — for example, if you were suspended for a serious offense like a felony or a second drunk driving conviction within seven years, you typically cannot get one. The Secretary of State's office decides whether your specific suspension allows a hardship license.
The hardship license is not automatic. You have to request it, and the Secretary of State must approve your request. The process takes time, and you cannot drive on a hardship license until you receive the actual permit in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license lets you drive only to work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs while your regular license is suspended.
- Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a hardship license — you must check with the Secretary of State to confirm your suspension type allows one.
- You request a hardship license by submitting a form to the Secretary of State, along with proof of your need and documentation of where you need to drive.
- The Secretary of State mails you the hardship license if approved; you cannot drive on one until you receive it in hand.
- Driving outside the approved purposes, or driving after the hardship license expires, can result in additional criminal charges.
Confirm your suspension qualifies for a hardship license
Before you spend time on a request, contact the Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division to confirm that your specific suspension reason allows a hardship license. Not every suspension does. Call 517-335-9800 or visit the Secretary of State website and use the online license status tool to look up your suspension details.
When you call or check online, you will see the reason code for your suspension. Common reasons that do may have access to include accumulating 12 points in three years, driving with a suspended license, and failing to pay traffic fines or appear in court. Reasons that typically do not may have access to include a second or subsequent drunk driving offense within seven years, a felony conviction, and certain serious traffic violations.
Write down your suspension reason code and the date your suspension began. You will need both for your hardship license request.
Gather the documents you will need
The Secretary of State requires specific paperwork to process a hardship license request. Gather these items before you submit your form:
- A completed process for Hardship License form (form DL 44), available on the Secretary of State website or by calling the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division.
- Proof of your need — typically a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work address, and the days and hours you work. If you are requesting hardship driving for school, bring a letter from the school registrar or admissions office. For medical appointments, bring a letter from your doctor or medical provider.
- A copy of your current or expired Michigan driver's license, or a state ID card.
- Proof of residence in Michigan — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your name and address.
- Payment for the hardship license fee, which is currently $20. You can pay by check or money order made out to the State of Michigan.
If you are requesting hardship driving for multiple reasons — for example, both work and school — bring documentation for each one. The more specific your proof, the faster the Secretary of State can process your request.
Submit your hardship license request to the Secretary of State
Mail your completed process and all supporting documents to the address listed on the form. The current mailing address is typically the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division, P.O. Box 30676, Lansing, MI 48909, but confirm this on the Secretary of State website before you mail anything, as addresses can change.
Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a brief explanation of why you need the hardship license. For example: "I am requesting a hardship license to drive to and from work at [employer name] while my license suspension is in effect. I have enclosed my employer's letter confirming my employment and work schedule."
Mail everything together in one envelope. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The Secretary of State does not accept hardship license requests by email or in person at branch offices — mail is the only option.
What happens after you submit your request
The Secretary of State typically takes two to four weeks to review and make a decision on your hardship license request. During this time, you cannot drive on a hardship license — you must wait until you receive the actual permit in the mail. If you are caught driving during this waiting period, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a criminal offense.
If your request is approved, you will receive the hardship license by mail. It will list the specific purposes you are allowed to drive for, the days and hours you can drive, and the expiration date. Read it carefully and keep it with you whenever you drive. A hardship license is typically valid for one year, though the Secretary of State may issue one for a shorter period depending on your suspension.
If your request is denied, the Secretary of State will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, a suspension reason that does not may have access to, or a information that you do not have a genuine hardship. If you are denied, you can request a hearing before the Secretary of State's office to appeal the decision.
Rules for driving on a hardship license
A hardship license is not a regular license. You can drive only to the specific places listed on your permit — typically work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs such as substance abuse treatment or anger management classes. You cannot drive for groceries, social visits, errands, or any other purpose, even if it seems necessary.
You must also follow any time restrictions on your permit. If your hardship license says you can drive to work between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., you cannot drive outside those hours, even if you are going to an approved location. Driving outside the approved purposes or times is a criminal offense and can result in additional charges, fines, and jail time.
Keep your hardship license with you at all times when you drive, along with proof of insurance. If you are stopped by police, show both documents. Driving without your hardship license in your possession, even if you have been approved, can result in a ticket.
What to do if your hardship license expires or you need to change it
Your hardship license has an expiration date printed on it. When it expires, you cannot drive on it anymore, even to approved locations. If your regular license suspension is still in effect when your hardship license expires, you must request a new hardship license before the old one expires if you want to continue driving.
If your circumstances change — for example, you change jobs or no longer need to drive to school — you do not need to update your hardship license. However, if you want to add a new approved purpose, such as driving to a new job, you must submit a new hardship license request with updated documentation.
If your regular license suspension is lifted before your hardship license expires, you can begin driving on your regular license when ready. You do not need to return the hardship license, but it is no longer valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the grocery store or run errands on a hardship license?
No. A hardship license covers only specific purposes listed on the permit, typically work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs. Grocery shopping and errands are not approved purposes. Driving for any reason outside your approved list is a criminal offense.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving on a hardship license?
Show the police officer your hardship license and proof of insurance. If you are driving to an approved location during approved hours, you should not be cited. If you are driving outside the approved purposes or times, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a misdemeanor.
How long does it take to get a hardship license after I mail my request?
The Secretary of State typically takes two to four weeks to review your request and mail you the permit. You cannot drive on a hardship license until you receive it in the mail. If you need to drive before approval, you must arrange alternative transportation.
Can I appeal if my hardship license request is denied?
Yes. If the Secretary of State denies your request, you can request a hearing to appeal the decision. The denial letter will explain how to request a hearing. You will have the opportunity to present additional documentation or explain your hardship in more detail.
Do I need to carry my hardship license with me every time I drive?
Yes. You must carry your hardship license and proof of insurance whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your hardship license, you can be cited even if you are driving to an approved location.