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How to Get a Hardship License

Important: You Only Have 10 Days From the Date of Your DUI Arrest to Apply for a Hardship License.

Knowing what to do to keep your ability to drive after a DUI arrest is confusing. Here’s a simple guide about the process, and some common questions and answers:

Step 1: Make sure you keep your DUI citation.

You probably don’t want to carry around a reminder of your DUI arrest, but the paper citation is also a 10-day driving permit, so you’ll need to keep it in your car as you run errands and apply for a hardship license.

Step 2: Apply for DUI school,

It’s expensive (about $300) but you have to have proof of enrollment in DUI school before you can apply for a hardship license. You can apply online at a place like Drive Safe Tampa in Hillsborough county, or Safety.org in Pinellas county.

There’s another good reason to go ahead and complete DUI school: it’s usually a requirement of any kind of DUI diversion program or penalty. Getting it out of the way now means you won’t have to do it later.

Step 3: Go to the DHSMV office and sign a waiver.

If you’re in Hillsborough county, you need to go to 2814 E Hillsborough Ave in Tampa:

If you’re in Pinellas county, you need to go to 4585 140th Ave North, Suite 1002 in Clearwater:

There is a $25 fee with applying for a hardship license.

If you have questions about how to get a hardship license, please contact us: