What a Missouri hardship license does and who can get one
A Missouri hardship license lets you drive during a suspension period for specific purposes — usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You do not get your full driving privileges back; instead, you get a restricted license that lists exactly what you can use it for and when.
You can request a hardship license if your license is suspended for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a DWI conviction. You cannot get one if your suspension is for medical reasons (like failing a vision test) or if you are under a lifetime revocation. The Missouri Department of Revenue makes the final decision based on your specific situation.
The hardship license is not automatic. You have to show the state that losing your license would cause real hardship — not just inconvenience. That means demonstrating that you need to drive for work, school, medical care, or to comply with a court order.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license restricts where and when you can drive, and you must carry the license and proof of the restriction with you at all times.
- You request a hardship license through the Missouri Department of Revenue, either in person at a local office or by mail using Form DOR 108.
- You will need to show proof of your hardship — such as a job offer letter, school enrollment, medical appointment documentation, or a court order — along with your current ID.
- The state charges a fee for the hardship license, and the amount depends on the reason for your suspension and how long you need the restriction.
- If your request is denied, you can ask for a hearing before a hearing officer who will review your case again.
Where to submit your hardship license request
You can request a hardship license in two ways: in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, or by mail. Most people find the in-person route faster because you get an answer the same day or within a few days, and staff can tell you right away if you are missing documents.
To find the nearest office, go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator. Bring your current ID, proof of your hardship, and any documents related to your suspension (like a court notice or letter from the Missouri State Highway Patrol). If you are requesting the license for work, bring a job offer letter or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you need to drive for your job.
If you prefer to mail your request, use Form DOR 108 (process for Hardship Driving Privilege). Mail it to the address listed on the form along with copies of your ID and hardship documentation. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks.
Documents you need to bring or send
The exact documents depend on why you need the hardship license. In all cases, you need a current form of ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card works. You also need proof of your suspension: this is usually a letter from the Missouri State Highway Patrol or a court document showing the suspension is active.
For a work-related hardship, bring a letter from your employer or a job offer letter stating that you need to drive for your job and the dates or hours you need to drive. For school, bring an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school or university. For medical reasons, bring documentation from a doctor or hospital showing the appointment or treatment dates. If you are requesting the license to comply with a court order (such as attending a DWI education program), bring a copy of the court order or a letter from the program confirming your enrollment.
Do not send original documents by mail — send copies only. Keep your originals in case you need them for a hearing or for another state agency.
The fee and how long the license lasts
Missouri charges a fee for a hardship license. The amount varies depending on the reason for your suspension and how long you need the restriction. Fees typically range from $20 to $50, though you should confirm the exact amount when you submit your request or visit an office.
A hardship license is usually issued for the length of your suspension or for a specific period you request — for example, six months or one year. When the hardship license expires, your suspension continues unless you have resolved the underlying issue (such as paying fines or completing a court-ordered program). You can request a renewal if your hardship continues.
What happens after you submit your request
If you explore in person, the Department of Revenue staff will review your documents on the spot. If everything is in order and they approve your request, you will receive your hardship license the same day or within a few business days. They will tell you the specific restrictions — for example, "driving to and from work only, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m."
If you explore by mail, you will receive a decision letter within two to four weeks. The letter will either approve your request and tell you to pick up your license at a local office, or it will deny your request and explain why. If your request is denied, the letter will also tell you how to request a hearing.
Once you have your hardship license, you must carry it with you every time you drive, along with proof of your restriction (usually a card or document the state gives you). Driving outside the restrictions — for example, driving to the grocery store when your license only allows driving to work — is a violation and can result in additional penalties.
What to do if your request is denied
If the Missouri Department of Revenue denies your hardship license request, you have the right to request a hearing. The denial letter will include instructions on how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so — usually 30 days from the date of the letter.
To request a hearing, follow the instructions in the denial letter. You will typically need to send a written request to the address listed. At the hearing, you can present additional evidence of your hardship and explain your situation to a hearing officer. You can bring documents, letters of support, or witnesses. The hearing officer will make a new decision based on what you present.
If you are denied again after the hearing, you can appeal to the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission, though this process is more formal and may require legal help.
Restrictions and rules while driving on a hardship license
Your hardship license comes with specific restrictions printed on it. You can only drive for the purposes listed — for example, "work only" or "work and medical appointments." Driving for any other reason is a violation.
You can only drive during the hours and on the days specified. If your license says you can drive Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you cannot drive on weekends or after 6 p.m., even if it is for work. Some hardship licenses also restrict which roads you can use — for example, only direct routes between home and work.
You must carry your hardship license and proof of the restriction with you at all times while driving. If you are pulled over and cannot show both documents, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license. Keep the documents in your vehicle and on your person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if I owe child support or have unpaid fines?
Yes, you can request one, but the state may deny it if the suspension is specifically for unpaid child support. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or other court fines, a hardship license is possible if you can show genuine hardship. Contact your local Department of Revenue office to discuss your specific situation.
What if my job requires me to drive but I do not have a job offer letter yet?
You will need some form of documentation from an employer. A job offer letter is ideal, but a letter from a current or recent employer stating that you need to drive for work can also work. If you are self-employed, bring tax documents or business records showing that driving is necessary for your income.
Can I use a hardship license to drive to places other than what is listed?
No. Your hardship license is restricted to specific purposes and times. Driving outside those restrictions is a violation and can result in additional charges. If your circumstances change and you need to drive for a different reason, you can request an amendment to your hardship license.
How long does it take to get a hardship license if I explore in person?
If you explore in person with all required documents, you can receive your hardship license the same day or within a few business days. If documents are missing, the office will tell you what you need to bring back. Processing is much faster in person than by mail.
What happens when my hardship license expires?
Your suspension continues after your hardship license expires unless you have resolved the underlying issue — for example, paying all fines or completing a court-ordered program. You can request a renewal if your hardship still exists, or you can work to resolve the suspension and restore your full driving privileges.