What a Wyoming hardship license does and who can request one
A Wyoming hardship license (also called a restricted license) lets you drive for specific purposes when your license is suspended — typically work, medical appointments, school, or court-ordered treatment. It is not a full license. You can only drive to and from the activities listed on the document, and only during the hours the Wyoming Department of Transportation authorizes.
You can request a hardship license if your suspension is for a DUI conviction, unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulation of points. You cannot get one if your suspension is for medical reasons (like failing a vision test) or if you are under a criminal court order prohibiting you from driving.
The hardship license is issued by the same office that suspended your license — the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Driver Services Division. You must show that losing your license would cause genuine hardship: job loss, inability to reach medical care, or loss of housing are the strongest reasons.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license in Wyoming allows driving only to pre-approved activities like work, medical care, or court-ordered programs, not for personal errands or socializing.
- You must file a petition with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and provide documentation of the hardship — a job offer letter, medical records, or proof of enrollment in treatment.
- The department will schedule a hearing where you explain why losing your license would cause hardship; the hearing officer decides whether to grant the license.
- A hardship license typically lasts for the remainder of your suspension period, but you must follow all restrictions or it can be revoked when ready.
Documents you need to bring to your petition
Before you contact the Wyoming Department of Transportation, gather proof of the hardship you are claiming. If you are requesting the license to keep your job, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you work there, your job title, your work schedule, and that losing your driving privileges would result in job loss. The letter should be dated within 30 days of your petition.
If you need the license for medical reasons, bring medical records or a letter from your doctor describing the treatment or care you need, how often you need it, and the location where you receive it. If you are enrolled in a court-ordered treatment program (such as DUI education or substance abuse counseling), bring proof of enrollment and the program schedule.
You will also need your current identification, your suspension notice from the Wyoming Department of Transportation, and proof of insurance. Some cases require proof that you have paid any outstanding fines or child support arrears, or that you have a payment plan in place.
How to file your petition with Wyoming Department of Transportation
Contact the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Driver Services Division, at 307-777-4800 or visit their office in Cheyenne. You can also mail a written petition to: Wyoming Department of Transportation, Driver Services Division, 5300 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY 82009.
Your petition should be a letter that states your name, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, the date of suspension, and a clear explanation of the hardship you would face without driving privileges. Attach copies (not originals) of all supporting documents. Keep a copy for yourself and send the original by mail or deliver it in person.
The department will send you a written response within 10 to 15 business days. If your petition is accepted, they will schedule a hearing. If it is denied without a hearing, you can request a hearing in writing within 10 days of the denial letter.
What happens at the hardship license hearing
The hearing is held by a hearing officer employed by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, not by a judge. You will be asked to explain your hardship in your own words. Bring all original documents and any witnesses who can support your claim — your employer, your doctor, or a counselor from your treatment program can testify about your need to drive.
The hearing officer will ask questions about your job, your income, your family situation, and whether you have other transportation options. Be honest about what you earn and why public transit or carpooling would not work. If you have already paid fines or completed part of your suspension, mention that — it shows you are taking responsibility.
The hearing officer will make a decision on the spot or send you a written decision within 5 business days. If the hardship license is granted, you will receive it by mail within 10 days. If it is denied, you will receive a written explanation and information about how to appeal.
Restrictions and rules for driving on a hardship license
Your hardship license will list the specific activities you are allowed to drive for and the hours you can drive. Common restrictions include: driving only to and from work between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., driving to medical appointments with a 24-hour notice requirement, or driving to a court-ordered treatment program on scheduled days only.
You cannot use the hardship license for personal errands, socializing, shopping, or any activity not listed on the document. You must carry the hardship license with you at all times when driving, along with proof of insurance. If you are stopped by police and cannot show the hardship license or are driving outside the approved times or locations, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.
If you violate the restrictions, the hardship license will be revoked when ready and your suspension period will restart. You cannot request another hardship license for at least 12 months after revocation.
How long a hardship license lasts
A Wyoming hardship license remains valid for the remainder of your suspension period. If your suspension is for 12 months and the hardship license is granted after 3 months, the license will expire 9 months later when your full suspension ends.
When your suspension period ends, your hardship license automatically expires and your full driving privileges are restored (assuming you have paid all fines and met any other conditions). You do not need to return the hardship license or take any additional action.
What to do if your hardship license petition is denied
If the hearing officer denies your petition, you will receive a written decision explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include: insufficient proof of hardship, availability of alternative transportation, or a pattern of traffic violations suggesting you are a safety risk.
You can appeal the denial to the Wyoming Department of Transportation within 30 days of the decision. Submit a written appeal with any new evidence or documentation that addresses the hearing officer's concerns. If the appeal is denied, you can file a petition in district court, though this requires an attorney and court fees.
You can also request a new hearing after 12 months have passed, if your circumstances have changed — for example, if you have completed a treatment program or if your job situation has become more precarious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the grocery store or run errands on a hardship license?
No. A hardship license is restricted to the specific activities listed on the document. Grocery shopping, banking, and personal errands are not considered hardship purposes. Driving for any unlisted purpose is a violation and can result in when ready revocation.
What if I lose my job after I get a hardship license?
Contact the Wyoming Department of Transportation when ready. Your hardship license may no longer be valid if the reason for it no longer exists. You can request a modification to the license to reflect a new job, but you cannot use it for general driving while you search for work.
Do I have to pay a fee for a hardship license in Wyoming?
Wyoming does not charge a separate fee for a hardship license petition or hearing. However, you are still responsible for paying any outstanding fines, child support, or other costs related to your suspension. Some petitions may require notarization, which costs a small fee at a bank or notary office.
Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for unpaid traffic fines?
Yes, but you must show that you are unable to pay the fines in full and that losing your license would cause hardship. You can request a payment plan with the Wyoming Department of Transportation as part of your petition. The hardship license may be granted while you pay the fines over time.
How long does the whole process take from petition to getting the license?
The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. The department takes 10 to 15 business days to respond to your petition and schedule a hearing. The hearing itself is usually held within 2 to 4 weeks. If granted, the license arrives by mail within 10 days of the hearing decision.