What is an Alabama Hardship Driver license?
An Alabama Hardship Driver (HD) license is a limited driving privilege license with limited driving privileges only valid in Alabama. A HD license doesn’t permit commercial driving.
How is HD license governed?
A HD license will be subjected to all laws, rules and regulations as a Class D license.
What is the application process of HD license?
You can apply for a HD License by downloading the Application and submitting it. If approved, you will have 30 days to visit an ALEA Driver license office with your approval letter. If the application is denied or needs additional documentation, you will receive a letter accordingly.
How to submit the HD license application?
You can submit the Application via email at hardship.license@alea.gov; fax at 334-353-9988 or mail at ALEA Driver License Division- Hardship License Unit PO Box 1471 Montgomery, AL 36102.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying for HD license?
Approval of HD license depends on eligibility criteria and administrative rules:
- Eligibility for a HD license:
Participating in an Alabama Department of Corrections regulated work release program; or
2. Participating in a recognized/compliant Community Corrections Program; or
3. Released from Alabama Department of Corrections custody; or
4. License suspended/revoked and cannot obtain reasonable transportation.
- Ineligibility for a HD license:
- A driver medically ineligible for Class D Driver License.
- A driver whose Driver License is suspended or revoked for serious traffic offence.
- A driver who has been adjudicated or convicted of DUI under Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191.
How to renew a HD license?
A HD license remains valid for one year. You can manually renew it annually for a maximum of three additional consecutive years, at no additional cost, given that you have been making progress (good cause) to clear issues/tickets from your driving records. The price for obtaining a HD license is $36.25.
For more information, visit: https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/license-and-id-cards/hardship-driver-license