A DPS letter documents your financial hardship for the state
A DPS letter (or hardship affidavit) is a written statement from you that explains why you need a hardship license. DPS stands for the Department of Public Safety, which issues driver's licenses in your state. The letter is not written by DPS — you write it, or a notary helps you write it, and you submit it as part of your hardship license request.
The letter tells the state why losing your regular driving privileges would cause you serious financial or personal harm. It is one piece of evidence DPS uses to decide whether to grant you a hardship license. The state does not automatically give one just because you ask; they need to see that you have a real need and no other way to meet it.
Think of it as your chance to explain your situation directly to the person reviewing your case. A police report or court document tells them what happened. Your DPS letter tells them why that matters to your life right now.
Key Takeaways
- A DPS letter is a sworn statement you write explaining the financial or personal hardship you would face without a hardship license.
- You must be truthful in the letter because it is notarized, meaning you sign it under oath in front of a notary public.
- The letter should focus on specific, real consequences — job loss, inability to reach medical care, loss of housing — not general inconvenience.
- DPS uses the letter along with other documents (proof of employment, lease, medical records) to decide whether to grant your hardship license.
What to include in your DPS letter
Your letter should start with basic facts: your name, driver's license number, the date your license was suspended or revoked, and the reason (DUI, points accumulation, medical suspension, or another cause). Then explain what will happen to you if you cannot drive.
Be specific. Instead of "I need to work," write "I work as a home health aide for three clients in [neighborhood name], none of whom are on a bus line. Without a car, I cannot reach them, and I will lose my job." Instead of "I have responsibilities," write "I am the sole caregiver for my mother, who has diabetes and needs dialysis three times a week at [hospital name]. Public transit does not serve that location, and she cannot drive herself."
Include dates, names of employers or medical facilities, and numbers when you can. If you have already tried alternatives — carpooling, public transit, medical transport — mention that and explain why they did not work. This shows the state you are not asking for a license out of laziness.
End by stating clearly what you are asking for: a hardship license to drive to work, to medical appointments, to court-ordered treatment, or to another specific purpose. Some states limit hardship licenses to certain routes or times of day, so being clear about your need helps them set those limits fairly.
How to get your letter notarized
Your DPS letter must be notarized, which means a notary public watches you sign it and confirms your identity. A notary is not a lawyer — they are a person trained to verify that you are who you say you are and that you are signing willingly.
You can find notaries at banks (often free if you have an account), UPS stores, FedEx locations, title companies, and some law offices. Some charge $5 to $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask what ID you need to bring.
Bring the unsigned letter and a photo ID. The notary will watch you sign, then sign and stamp the document themselves. The notarized letter is what you submit to DPS — an unsigned or unnotarized version will not be accepted.
What happens after you submit your letter
DPS will review your letter along with your driving record, the court documents related to your suspension or revocation, and any other evidence you submitted (pay stubs, medical records, proof of residence). They are looking for a pattern: does your story match the documents, and does the hardship you describe seem real and serious?
If your letter is vague or contradicts other documents, DPS may deny your request. If it is clear and supported by evidence, they may grant a hardship license for a set period — often 6 months to a year — with restrictions on when and where you can drive.
You will receive a written decision by mail. If you are denied, the letter will explain why. Some states allow you to request reconsideration or to reapply after a waiting period if your circumstances change.
Common mistakes to avoid in your letter
Do not exaggerate or lie. DPS checks facts against court records and can contact employers or medical facilities. A false statement in a notarized document can result in perjury charges, which are far more serious than the original suspension.
Do not focus on inconvenience. "I do not want to take the bus" or "My friends drive" will not persuade DPS. They are looking for genuine hardship: loss of income, inability to access necessary medical care, or court-ordered obligations you cannot meet another way.
Do not submit a handwritten letter that is hard to read or full of crossed-out words. Type it if you can, or write clearly. DPS staff read dozens of these letters; a professional-looking one is easier to take seriously.
Do not forget to include your contact information and driver's license number. DPS needs to know how to reach you and which case your letter belongs to.
Alternatives if you cannot write the letter yourself
If you struggle with writing, you can ask a legal aid office or a lawyer to help you draft the letter. Many legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help to people with low incomes. You can find local legal aid through your state bar association's website.
A lawyer or legal aid worker will not write the letter for you — you must sign it and swear to its truth — but they can help you organize your thoughts and make sure you include the details DPS needs to see.
Some notaries will also help you put your story into words, though they cannot give legal information. They can suggest what information to include and help you organize it clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a letter without getting it notarized?
No. DPS requires the letter to be notarized, which means signed in front of a notary public. An unnotarized letter will not be accepted and your request may be denied without review.
What if I do not have a job yet but need to drive to look for one?
Some states will grant a hardship license for job search, but you need to show you are actively looking. Include details about where you are explore, what kind of work you do, and why public transit does not reach those locations. Bring copies of job applications or emails to interviews if you have them.
Can I use the same letter if I reapply after my hardship license expires?
No. If you reapply, your circumstances may have changed. Write a new letter explaining your current situation. If your hardship is ongoing (like caring for a family member), explain that and provide updated proof if possible.
What if my hardship is medical but I do not want to share private details?
You do not need to share your diagnosis or full medical history. Write that you have a medical condition requiring regular treatment at a specific facility, that public transit does not serve that location, and that you are the only driver in your household. A letter from your doctor confirming you need regular appointments can support this without revealing details.
How long does DPS take to decide after I submit my letter?
The timeline varies by state, but most decisions come within two to four weeks. Some states are faster, others slower depending on how many requests they receive. Call the DPS office handling your case to ask about the expected timeline for your state.