explore through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
A hardship license in Fort Lauderdale is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), not by a local court or city office. You cannot get one by visiting a Fort Lauderdale city building. Instead, you work with DHSMV directly, either in person at a driver license office or by mail, depending on your situation and which office handles your case.
The specific DHSMV office that processes your request depends on why your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, your case goes to the office that issued the suspension. If you were suspended for a DUI-related reason, a different process applies. You need to know the reason for your suspension before you contact DHSMV, because the paperwork and fees differ.
Fort Lauderdale itself has a DHSMV driver license office at 1350 West Sunrise Boulevard, but this office handles routine license renewals and replacements. Hardship license requests usually require you to contact the specific DHSMV office managing your suspension case, which may not be the Fort Lauderdale location.
Key Takeaways
- The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues hardship licenses, not Fort Lauderdale city government.
- You must contact the DHSMV office that issued your suspension, which depends on the reason for the suspension (unpaid fines, child support, DUI, etc.).
- You can request a hardship license by phone, mail, or in person, but the method depends on your suspension type and which office handles your case.
- A hardship license allows you to drive for specific purposes only—usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs—not for general driving.
- You will need to pay a fee and provide proof that you have a legitimate need to drive during your suspension period.
Contact DHSMV by phone to find your suspension office
Call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-850-617-3800 to find out which office is handling your suspension. Have your driver license number ready. The representative will tell you the reason for your suspension and which DHSMV office you need to contact. This is the fastest way to get the correct office location and phone number.
If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, DHSMV can often process a hardship license request over the phone. If your suspension is DUI-related, you will need to provide additional documentation and may need to appear in person or work with a specific office. The phone representative can tell you what documents to gather before you call back or visit in person.
Gather required documents before you request a hardship license
The documents you need depend on why your license was suspended. For unpaid fines or child support suspensions, you typically need proof of financial hardship and a statement of the specific purpose you need to drive for (work address, school address, medical facility, or court-ordered program). Bring your driver license, proof of residence, and proof of insurance.
For DUI-related suspensions, the requirements are stricter. You may need to show proof that you have enrolled in or completed a DUI education program, proof of employment or school enrollment, and documentation of any medical appointments or court dates. Some DUI suspensions require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before a hardship license is issued.
Call the DHSMV office handling your case and ask for a complete list of documents before you visit or submit paperwork by mail. Submitting incomplete paperwork delays the process.
Submit your request by mail or in person
Once you know which DHSMV office handles your suspension, you can submit a hardship license request by mail or visit in person. Mail is slower but works if you cannot visit an office during business hours. In-person visits usually result in faster processing, sometimes the same day if your paperwork is complete.
If you submit by mail, include all required documents, a cover letter stating the specific purpose you need to drive for, and a check or money order for the fee. The fee varies depending on the suspension type; call DHSMV to confirm the amount before you mail your request. Include a return address and allow two to four weeks for processing.
If you visit in person, bring original documents and copies. Arrive early, as DHSMV offices can have long wait times. Bring the fee in cash, check, or debit card—accepted payment methods vary by office, so call ahead to confirm.
Understand the limits of a hardship license
A hardship license does not restore your full driving privileges. It allows you to drive only for specific purposes you stated in your request: commuting to work, attending school, attending medical appointments, or participating in court-ordered programs like DUI education. Driving for any other purpose—shopping, socializing, running errands unrelated to work or school—violates the hardship license and can result in additional penalties.
The hardship license is valid only during the suspension period. Once your suspension ends (usually after you pay outstanding fines, complete child support obligations, or fulfill DUI program requirements), your regular license is automatically restored and you no longer need the hardship license.
What to do if your request is denied
DHSMV may deny a hardship license request if you do not show sufficient hardship, if your documents are incomplete, or if your suspension type does not allow for a hardship license. If your request is denied, DHSMV will send you a written explanation. Read it carefully to understand the reason.
You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documentation that addresses the reason for denial. For example, if DHSMV said you did not prove financial hardship, you can submit pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. Contact the DHSMV office that denied your request to ask what additional documents they will consider.
If you believe the denial was an error, you may have the right to request a hearing before a DHSMV hearing officer. Ask the office that denied your request whether a hearing is available for your suspension type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for a DUI?
Yes, but the process is more restrictive than for other suspension types. You typically must show proof of enrollment in a DUI education program and may need to install an ignition interlock device. The hardship license will be limited to driving to work, school, medical appointments, and the DUI program itself. Contact the DHSMV office handling your case to learn the specific requirements.
How much does a hardship license cost?
The fee varies by suspension type and ranges from approximately $25 to $75. Call the DHSMV office handling your suspension to confirm the exact fee before you submit your request. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, or money order depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.
How long does it take to get a hardship license?
In-person requests at a DHSMV office can be processed the same day if your paperwork is complete. Mail requests typically take two to four weeks. Processing time depends on how busy the office is and whether your documents are complete, so submit everything at once rather than sending documents separately.
What happens if I drive outside the limits of my hardship license?
Driving for purposes not listed on your hardship license is a violation and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, or an extended suspension period. The hardship license is strictly limited to the purposes you stated in your request. If your driving needs change, contact DHSMV to request a modification.
Do I need a lawyer to request a hardship license?
No, you can request a hardship license on your own by contacting DHSMV directly. However, if your suspension is DUI-related or if your first request was denied, consulting with a traffic attorney may help you understand your options and strengthen your request.