What a Tennessee hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Tennessee lets you drive during a suspension when you meet specific conditions — usually work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs. It is not a full license. You can only drive to the places listed on your permit, during the hours listed, and you must carry the hardship license with you every time you drive.
Tennessee calls this a "restricted license" or "hardship permit." The state issues it through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You cannot get one if your license was suspended for refusing a breath test, driving under the influence with a minor in the car, or certain repeat offenses within a set time frame. The specific reasons you are ineligible depend on why your license was suspended in the first place.
If your suspension is still active and you meet the basic requirements, you can request one. The process takes place at a Driver Services office, not online or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must wait a minimum period before requesting a hardship license — usually 30 days for a suspension, longer for a revocation — and you cannot have refused a breath test.
- You need to show the court or Driver Services office that you have a legitimate reason to drive: employment, school attendance, medical treatment, or a court-ordered program.
- The hardship license lists specific destinations and times you are allowed to drive, and you must follow those restrictions exactly.
- You will need to pay a fee, provide proof of insurance, and bring documents that show your reason for needing to drive.
Minimum waiting periods before you can request one
Tennessee requires you to serve part of your suspension before you can request a hardship license. The waiting period depends on why your license was suspended. For a standard suspension (unpaid tickets, points accumulation, or administrative reasons), you must wait 30 days. For a revocation (usually tied to a DUI or serious violation), the waiting period is longer — often 6 months to a year, depending on the offense.
If your suspension is for a DUI-related offense, you may be ineligible for a hardship license altogether, particularly if you refused a breath test or had a minor in the vehicle. Check with your local Driver Services office or the court that issued the suspension to confirm your specific waiting period and whether you are may be able to access at all.
The waiting period begins on the date your suspension took effect, not the date you received the notice. If you are unsure when your suspension started, call the Driver Services office or check your suspension notice.
Documents you need to bring to Driver Services
Bring your current ID or passport, your Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee auto insurance. The insurance must be active and in your name or the name of someone in your household. You will also need to show why you need to drive.
If you are requesting the license for work, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work address, and the days and hours you work. The letter should confirm that you cannot do your job without driving. If you are a self-employed person, bring tax returns or business registration documents and a written statement explaining your work schedule.
For school, bring an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school or university. For medical treatment, bring a letter from your doctor or medical facility stating the type of treatment, the address where you receive it, and how often you need to go. For a court-ordered program (such as DUI education or counseling), bring documentation from the program showing your enrollment and schedule.
Bring the original suspension notice or a copy of your driving record showing the active suspension. You can request your driving record online through the Tennessee Driver Services website or print one at a Driver Services office.
How to request a hardship license at a Driver Services office
Go to your local Driver Services office in person. You cannot request a hardship license by phone, mail, or online. Bring all documents listed above. Tell the clerk you are requesting a hardship or restricted license due to suspension.
The clerk will review your documents and confirm that you have served the minimum waiting period and meet the requirements. If everything is in order, you will fill out the hardship license request form. You will then pay the fee — this varies but is typically $20 to $50. Ask the office what they charge before you pay.
The office will take a new photo and issue your hardship license on the spot or within a few days. The license will list the specific addresses you can drive to (your workplace, school, medical facility, or program location), the days of the week you can drive, and the hours. Write down these restrictions and keep them with your license.
Restrictions on where and when you can drive
Your hardship license is not a regular license. It restricts you to specific routes and times. You can only drive to the destinations listed on the permit — typically your workplace, school, medical appointment location, or court-ordered program. You cannot make stops at other places, even briefly. If you are caught driving outside these destinations, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.
The license also specifies the days and hours you can drive. If your work is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., you cannot drive on weekends or outside those hours, even for an emergency. Some offices allow a small window of time for travel to and from the destination (for example, one hour before your shift and one hour after), but this varies.
Keep your hardship license with you every time you drive. If you are stopped by police, show both your hardship license and your proof of insurance. If you cannot produce the hardship license, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license.
What happens when your hardship license expires
Your hardship license is temporary. It remains valid only as long as your suspension is active and you continue to meet the conditions. If your suspension ends, your hardship license ends with it. If you change jobs or stop attending school, you may no longer meet the requirements and the license can be revoked.
If your suspension is lifted before the hardship license expires, you can explore for a regular license renewal at any Driver Services office. Bring your current ID and pay the renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your regular license has also expired.
If you are still under suspension when your hardship license expires, you can request a new one if you still meet the requirements. Return to a Driver Services office with updated documents (a new work letter, enrollment confirmation, or medical documentation) and pay the fee again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a hardship license to drive to places other than work or school?
No. You can only drive to the specific destinations listed on your permit. Driving to a grocery store, friend's house, or anywhere else not on the license is a violation. The only exception is if your hardship license includes a medical appointment location — then you can drive there and back.
What if I get pulled over while driving on my hardship license?
Show the officer your hardship license and proof of insurance. If you are driving within the permitted times and destinations, you are not breaking the law. If you are outside those restrictions, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, which carries fines and possible jail time depending on your history.
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for a DUI?
It depends on the specific DUI charge. If you refused a breath test or had a minor in the vehicle, you are usually ineligible. For other DUI suspensions, you may be may be able to access after serving the waiting period. Contact your local Driver Services office or the court that suspended your license to confirm your status.
How much does a hardship license cost?
The fee varies by Driver Services office but is typically between $20 and $50. Call your local office before you go to confirm the exact amount and whether they accept cash, card, or both.
Do I need to take a test to get a hardship license?
No. You do not take a written or driving test. The office reviews your documents, confirms your waiting period has passed, and issues the license if you meet the requirements.