What a Tennessee hardship license does and who can request one
A Tennessee hardship license is a restricted driving permit that allows you to drive for specific purposes while your license is suspended. It does not restore your full driving privileges — it lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs, or other essential activities the court deems necessary. You can request one through the court that suspended your license, and the judge decides whether to grant it based on your circumstances and the reason for the suspension.
Not every suspension qualifies. Hardship licenses are most commonly available for suspensions tied to unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, or administrative suspensions (like those from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security for medical reasons or administrative issues). Suspensions for DUI convictions, reckless driving, or criminal charges typically do not may have access to, though some exceptions exist depending on how long you have been suspended and what the court finds.
Key Takeaways
- You request a hardship license from the court that suspended your license, not from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
- The judge will ask what you need to drive for — work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs — and may limit your driving to those purposes only.
- You must show that losing your license causes genuine hardship, such as job loss or inability to reach medical treatment.
- The court may require you to pay a fee, complete a defensive driving course, or install an ignition interlock device before granting the hardship license.
- A hardship license is temporary and can be revoked if you violate its restrictions or if the underlying suspension is lifted.
Which court handles your hardship license request
The court that issued the suspension order is the court you petition. If your license was suspended by a criminal court (for a DUI, reckless driving, or other criminal conviction), you file in that criminal court. If it was suspended by a civil court (for unpaid child support or unpaid fines), you file there. If it was an administrative suspension issued by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security — for example, after a medical report or a failed administrative hearing — you petition the circuit court in the county where you live.
You can find the correct court by calling the clerk's office in the county where the suspension was ordered, or by reviewing the suspension notice itself, which usually names the court and case number. If you are unsure which suspension applies to you, contact the Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Driver Services office at 615-251-8590 to confirm the reason and the court involved.
Documents and information you need to bring
Bring your current suspension notice or a copy of the court order that suspended your license. You will also need a photo ID, proof of residence (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of insurance. Some courts require a defensive driving course certificate before you even file; call the clerk ahead of time to ask whether that is required in your county.
Prepare a written statement explaining why you need to drive and what hardship you face without a license. Be specific: if you need to drive to work, include your employer's name, address, and the days and hours you work. If you need to reach medical care, include the provider's name and address and a brief note about the condition. If you are required to attend a court-ordered program (such as substance abuse treatment), include the program name and location. The more detail you provide, the stronger your case.
If the suspension is for unpaid child support or unpaid fines, bring proof that you have made recent payments or have a payment plan in place. Courts are more likely to grant a hardship license if they see you are working to resolve the underlying debt.
How to file your hardship license petition
Contact the clerk's office of the court that suspended your license and ask for the hardship license petition form. Some courts have a standard form; others allow you to file a written motion. The clerk can tell you the filing fee (which varies by county but is typically between $50 and $150) and whether you can file by mail or must appear in person.
File the petition with the clerk and pay the fee. Ask the clerk when the judge will review it — some courts schedule a hearing, while others decide on the paperwork alone. If a hearing is scheduled, you will receive a notice with the date and time. Attend the hearing and bring all your documents. Dress professionally and be prepared to explain to the judge why you need to drive and what specific hardship you face.
If the judge grants the hardship license, the court will issue an order. Take that order to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Driver Services office to receive your hardship license. You cannot drive under the hardship license until you have the physical permit in hand.
Restrictions that come with a hardship license
A hardship license is not a regular license. The court order will specify exactly when and where you can drive. Common restrictions include driving only to and from work during specified hours, driving only to medical appointments with advance notice, or driving only to court-ordered programs. Some hardship licenses prohibit driving between certain hours (for example, no driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.) or on certain days of the week.
You must carry a copy of the court order granting the hardship license every time you drive. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce it, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license. Violating any restriction — driving outside the permitted hours, driving to a location not listed in the order, or driving for a purpose not approved — can result in the hardship license being revoked and additional criminal charges.
Additional requirements before you can drive
Depending on the reason for your suspension and your county, the court may require you to complete a defensive driving course before granting the hardship license. This is a classroom or online course that typically takes four to eight hours and costs between $50 and $150. The course provider will issue a certificate of completion, which you must bring to your hardship license hearing or submit to the court.
If your suspension involved a DUI or refusal to take a breath test, the court may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Installation costs vary but typically range from $100 to $300, with monthly monitoring fees of $50 to $100. You bear the cost, though some courts may waive or reduce the fee based on financial hardship.
Some courts also require proof that you have paid any outstanding fines or have a payment plan in place. If child support is the reason for your suspension, you may need to show that you are current on payments or have made a recent payment.
How long a hardship license lasts and what happens next
A hardship license is temporary. The court order will specify an end date, which is usually tied to when your full suspension ends or when the underlying issue (unpaid fines, unpaid child support) is resolved. Some hardship licenses last six months; others last until the suspension is lifted. When the hardship license expires, you cannot drive under it anymore, even if your full license has not been restored.
If the underlying suspension is lifted before the hardship license expires, your full license is restored and the hardship license becomes void. If the hardship license expires before the suspension is lifted, you must request a new hardship license or wait until your full license is restored. If you violate the restrictions on your hardship license, the court can revoke it when ready, and you will be back to a fully suspended license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for a DUI?
It depends on how long ago the DUI conviction was and what your county's court allows. Some courts grant hardship licenses for DUI suspensions after a certain period has passed (often one or two years). Others do not. Call the clerk's office of the court that handled your DUI case and ask whether hardship licenses are available for your type of suspension.
What if the court denies my hardship license request?
You can request reconsideration or file a new petition if your circumstances change — for example, if you lose your job and can no longer afford transportation, or if you develop a medical condition that requires treatment. Some courts allow you to file again after a set period, such as six months. Ask the clerk what the process is in your county.
Do I need a lawyer to request a hardship license?
You do not need a lawyer, but having one can help, especially if your case is complex or if you have been denied before. Many legal aid organizations in Tennessee offer free or low-cost help with hardship license petitions. Contact your county's legal aid office or call the Tennessee Justice Center at 615-255-0331 for referrals.
Can I drive outside Tennessee on a hardship license?
No. A Tennessee hardship license is valid only in Tennessee. If you need to drive out of state, you must have your full license restored. Some courts may grant limited exceptions for work-related travel, but you must request that in writing and receive written approval from the judge.
What happens if I am pulled over while driving on a hardship license?
Provide the officer with your hardship license and the court order that granted it. If you are driving within the restrictions listed in the order, you are driving legally. If you are outside those restrictions, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, which is a criminal offense in Tennessee.