Call the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is the state agency that handles hardship licenses. You can reach them at 850-617-3800 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. They can tell you whether you meet the requirements for a hardship license and what documents you need to bring.

When you call, have your driver's license number ready. The person answering can explain the specific reason your license was suspended and whether a hardship license is an option in your situation. Not all suspensions may have access to — for example, suspensions for unpaid child support or certain criminal convictions do not. The DHSMV staff can confirm this before you make a trip to an office.

If you prefer not to call, you can also visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the hardship license section under "License Suspension and Revocation." The site has a form you can read and bring with you, though calling first saves time because you will know exactly what to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the Florida DHSMV at 850-617-3800 to find out whether your specific suspension allows a hardship license.
  • Not all suspensions may have access to for a hardship license — some reasons (like unpaid child support) make you ineligible no matter what.
  • You will need to visit a local DHSMV office in person to explore, bring your current ID and proof of hardship, and pay a fee.
  • A hardship license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, and court — but only for those specific purposes.

What to Bring to Your Local DHSMV Office

Once you have confirmed by phone that you are may be able to access, you need to go to a DHSMV office in your county. Bring your current Florida driver's license (or state ID if your license was suspended), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of the hardship itself. The proof depends on your reason — if you need to drive to work, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job duties and work schedule.

If you need to drive to school, bring an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school. For medical appointments, bring a letter from your doctor or medical provider stating that you need transportation for treatment. For court-ordered programs (like substance abuse treatment), bring documentation from the program showing your enrollment and schedule. The DHSMV staff at the office can tell you if what you brought is sufficient, and if not, they will tell you what else they need.

You will also need to pay a fee. The amount varies depending on the type of hardship license and how long you need it, but expect to pay between $75 and $150. Ask when you call whether you can pay by card or if you need cash.

Finding Your Nearest DHSMV Office

Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. To find the one closest to you, go to flhsmv.gov, click "Locations," and enter your city or ZIP code. The website shows office hours, which vary by location — some are open Saturday mornings, but most are Monday through Friday only. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling far.

Some offices are busier than others. If you live near a major city, the office may have a long wait. You can ask when you call the main DHSMV number whether your local office takes walk-ins or whether you should make an appointment. A few offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DHSMV website.

What Happens After You explore

If the DHSMV approves your hardship license, you will receive it on the spot or within a few days by mail, depending on the office. The hardship license looks different from a regular license and has restrictions printed on it. You can drive only for the purposes listed — work, school, medical, or court-ordered program. Driving for any other reason (grocery shopping, visiting friends, running errands) is a violation and can result in additional penalties.

A hardship license is temporary. It lasts only as long as your suspension would have lasted, or until you meet the conditions to get your full license back — whichever comes first. For example, if your license was suspended for six months and you get a hardship license after two months, the hardship license expires after four more months. You cannot renew it; once it expires, you cannot drive until your full suspension ends.

If You Are Denied or Unsure About Your Suspension

If the DHSMV tells you that you do not meet the requirements, ask them to explain why in writing. Some suspensions have conditions you can meet to shorten them — for example, if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, paying those fines may lift the suspension without needing a hardship license. The DHSMV can tell you what those conditions are.

If you believe your suspension was made in error, you can request a hearing. Ask the DHSMV staff how to file a request for a hearing and what important date you have. You will need to provide evidence that the suspension was wrong — for example, proof that you paid a fine that was reported as unpaid, or documentation that you completed a required program.

Other Resources if You Need Help

If you cannot reach the DHSMV by phone or need help understanding your suspension, you can visit a DHSMV office in person and ask to speak with a supervisor. Bring any documents related to your suspension — the notice you received in the mail, proof of payment if you have paid any fines, or any court documents. The staff can review these with you and explain your options.

Some counties have legal aid organizations that help people with driver's license issues for free or low cost. Call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and ask whether your county has a legal aid office that handles license suspension cases. They can sometimes help you understand your rights or prepare for a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a hardship license?

If you explore in person at a DHSMV office, you may receive it the same day or within a few days by mail. The exact timing depends on the office and how busy they are. Call ahead to ask how long the wait usually is at your local office.

Can I drive to the grocery store or run errands with a hardship license?

No. A hardship license restricts you to the specific purposes listed on it — usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Driving for any other reason is a violation and can result in additional criminal charges.

What if I move to a different county while I have a hardship license?

Your hardship license remains valid statewide. You do not need to get a new one. However, if your suspension is lifted before you move, you will need to update your address at a DHSMV office in your new county.

Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for a DUI?

It depends on the circumstances and whether it is your first offense. Some DUI suspensions allow a hardship license after a waiting period; others do not. Call the DHSMV at 850-617-3800 and tell them your suspension reason — they will tell you whether you are may be able to access.

What if I cannot afford the fee for a hardship license?

The DHSMV does not waive fees, but you can ask the staff at your local office whether they accept payment plans. Some offices may work with you if you explain your situation. It is worth asking when you explore.