How to Apply for a New Hampshire Hardship License

What a New Hampshire hardship license does and who can get one

A New Hampshire hardship license lets you drive to specific places — work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs — when your regular license is suspended. You cannot use it for any other reason. The state issues it only after your license has been suspended, not before, and only if you meet the state's conditions for that particular suspension.

The type of hardship license you can get depends on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid child support works differently from a suspension for unpaid traffic fines, which works differently from a suspension for a DUI conviction. Each has its own rules about where you can drive and what paperwork you need.

You explore through the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles. The process itself is free, but you may need to pay fees related to the reason for your suspension — for example, if you are suspended for unpaid fines, you may need to pay part of those fines before the state will issue the hardship license.

Key Takeaways

A hardship license only works for specific trips: work, school, medical care, court-ordered programs, or other state-approved reasons — not for general driving.
You must have an active suspension before you can request a hardship license; the state will not issue one to prevent a suspension.
The reason for your suspension determines what documents you need and whether you must pay fees before the state will issue the license.
You explore in person at a New Hampshire DMV office or by mail, depending on the type of suspension and your situation.
Processing usually takes one to two weeks if you explore in person with all required documents; mail applications take longer.

Finding out why your license was suspended

Before you can explore for a hardship license, you need to know the exact reason your license was suspended. The state sends a notice in the mail, but if you did not receive one or cannot find it, you can check your status online or call the DMV directly.

Go to the New Hampshire DMV website and use the license status lookup tool, or call the DMV at 603-271-2371 during business hours. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DMV staff will tell you the suspension reason and whether you are currently may be able to access for a hardship license.

Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, a DUI or refusal conviction, accumulation of points, or failure to pay insurance-related fees. Each reason has different requirements for getting a hardship license, so knowing the exact reason is essential before you gather documents.

Gathering documents for your specific suspension type

The documents you need depend on why your license was suspended. There is no single checklist that works for everyone. Below are the most common suspension types and what you typically need:

For unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Bring proof of payment or a payment plan agreement from the court. If you cannot pay the full amount, some courts will set up a payment plan that allows you to get a hardship license while you pay. Contact the court that issued the fine to ask about payment plan options.

For unpaid child support: Bring a letter from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Support Services, showing that you have paid arrears or set up a payment plan. You cannot get a hardship license for child support suspension without this letter.

For a DUI or refusal conviction: Bring proof that you have completed or are enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program, if required by the court. You will also need a letter from your employer or school confirming the hardship — that losing your license would cause genuine financial or educational harm.

For point accumulation or insurance-related suspensions: Bring proof of insurance and, if required, proof of completion of a driver improvement course. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee before a hardship license can be issued.

explore in person at a DMV office

explore in person is usually faster than explore by mail. Bring your current photo ID, your driver's license (even though it is suspended), all documents related to your suspension reason, and a completed hardship license process form. You can read the form from the DMV website or pick one up at the office.

Go to any New Hampshire DMV office during business hours. The main office is in Concord, but there are branch offices in most regions. Tell the staff member at the counter that you are explore for a hardship license and hand over your documents. They will review them on the spot and tell you whether anything is missing.

If everything is in order, you will pay any required fees and receive your hardship license the same day or within a few days. If documents are missing or incomplete, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back. Do not leave without asking exactly what is missing and when you can return.

explore by mail

You can mail your process if you prefer not to visit an office in person. Complete the hardship license process form, include copies of all required documents, and mail everything to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, at the address listed on the form.

Include a check or money order for any fees. Do not send cash. Write your driver's license number on the check. Mail applications take two to four weeks to process, and if anything is missing, the DMV will mail the process back to you rather than calling to ask for more information.

To avoid delays, make copies of every document you send and keep them for your records. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call the DMV to check the status of your process. Have your driver's license number ready.

What happens after you receive your hardship license

A hardship license is not a regular driver's license. It lists the specific purposes for which you can drive — usually work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs. You must carry it with you whenever you drive, along with your regular suspended license and proof of insurance.

If you are stopped by police, show both your suspended license and your hardship license. If you are driving for a purpose not listed on the hardship license, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, even though you have the hardship license in your possession.

A hardship license is temporary. It remains valid only as long as your suspension is in effect. Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension — paid your fines, completed your DUI program, or caught up on child support — your regular license will be reinstated and your hardship license becomes invalid.

If your process is denied

The DMV may deny your hardship license request if you do not meet the state's conditions for that suspension type, if documents are incomplete or do not match the requirements, or if you have multiple suspensions that complicate your case.

If your process is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining the reason. Read it carefully and contact the DMV to ask what you can do next. Sometimes a denial can be reversed if you provide additional documentation or resolve part of the underlying issue — for example, paying more of your fines or completing a required program.

You can reapply after you have addressed the reason for the denial. There is no waiting period between a denial and a new process, so if you gather the missing documents quickly, you can reapply within days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to places other than work if I have a hardship license?

Only if those places are listed on your hardship license. Most hardship licenses cover work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs. Some also include driving to pay court fines or child support. You cannot add purposes on your own — the DMV decides what is listed based on your suspension reason and circumstances.

What if I get pulled over and I am driving for a reason not on my hardship license?

You can be cited for driving with a suspended license. The hardship license does not protect you if you are driving outside the approved purposes. If this happens, you may face additional fines and your hardship license may be revoked.

How long does a hardship license last?

A hardship license is valid only while your suspension is in effect. Once you resolve the reason for your suspension — pay your fines, complete your DUI program, or catch up on child support — your regular license is reinstated and your hardship license expires when ready. The DMV will notify you when your suspension is lifted.

Do I have to pay a fee for the hardship license itself?

The hardship license process is free, but you may have to pay fees related to your suspension. For example, if you are suspended for unpaid fines, you may need to pay part of those fines. If you are suspended for insurance-related reasons, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee. Ask the DMV what fees explore to your specific suspension.

Can I get a hardship license if I have multiple suspensions?

It depends on the reasons for the suspensions. Some combinations allow a hardship license; others do not. Call the DMV at 603-271-2371 and explain all your suspensions. The staff can tell you whether a hardship license is possible in your situation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.