How to Get A Hardship Permit in Oregon
- Chris Trotter
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 20
Losing your driver’s license due to a DUI conviction or failed breathalyzer test can make your everyday life difficult, especially if you rely on driving to get to work or school. An Oregon hardship permit allows limited driving privileges during suspicion for essential activities like commuting to work, grocery shopping, and attending essential appointments.
Who is eligible for an Oregon hardship license? And how do you get one? In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hardship permits in Oregon.
What Is a Hardship License in Oregon?
If you are arrested on suspicion of DUII and you fail a breath test or refuse a breath, blood or urine test in the state of Oregon, your driver’s license may be suspended under the Oregon Implied Consent Law, even if you are not conviced of the DUII offense. If you are convicted of the DUII, you will received a separate license suspension from the court as well. If your license has been suspended, you may be eligible for an Oregon hardship permit.
A hardship license is a restricted driver’s license that allows you to drive under limited circumstances. An Oregon hardship license does not restore full driving privileges. Instead, it allows you to drive for very specific reasons during approved times. Common approved reasons for a hardship permit include:
Driving to and from work
On the job driving
Traveling to school or job training
Attending medical appointments
Participating in court-ordered programs
Transporting a family member for essential needs
Driving to necessary services, such as to and from the grocery store
What You Need to Get a Hardship Permit in Oregon
While the exact requirements can vary, most applicants will to submit the following:
An application for an Oregon hardship permit
The required application ($75) and license reinstatement ($85) fees
An SR-22 certificate:
Have an automobile insurance company file an Oregon SR-22 certificate with DMV.
If employed, and you need to drive on the job, submit a letter from your employer verifying employment. (No letter is required if you only need to drive to and from work)
Proof of Ignition Interlock Device Installation:
If you are required to have an IID as a condition of a DUII Diversion Agreement or due to aconviction for DUII, you need to submit an installation report verifying you have installed an IID in the vehicle(s) you operate.
How to Apply for Hardship License in Oregon
Hardship permits are issued by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV). In order to get one, you’ll need to complete an application and meet several requirements. If you have been convicted of a DUI, or you are in diversion and the court orders it, you’ll need to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) before the DMV will approve your hardship permit application.
To apply for a hardship permit in Oregon:
Confirm you are eligible. Not everyone with a suspended license qualifies for a hardship permit. Eligibility depends on the reason for your suspension and whether any mandatory waiting period applies. Some suspensions do not allow hardship permits.
Complete the Oregon hardship permit application (Form 735-6044). You can complete the form and submit it online or print it out to mail it in. You will need to provide the reason you need limited driving privileges and details about where and when you need to drive.
Gather required documentation. Your application must include proof that you qualify for the hardship permit, which could include employment verification, medical documentation, proof of self-employment, or an Ignition Interlock Installation report (if required after DUI conviction or if ordered by the court pursuant to a DUII diversion agreement).
Provide an SR-22 insurance certificate. Not all insurance providers offer SR-22 filings, which means you may need to shop around.
Pay the required fees with your application: a $75 hardship permit application fee and an $85 license reinstatement fee. The DMV cannot process your application without these.
Before you submit your application, it can be beneficial to contact a law firm like Trotter Law to ensure you’re providing the right documentation.
If your request is approved, the DMV will issue a hardship permit that lists the specific times and places you are allowed to drive.
Oregon Hardship License Limitations
An Oregon hardship permit lets you continue essential activities, but it comes with a number of restrictions. You may only drive for the purposes and times specifically approved by the DMV. Some of the most important limitations include:
No general or recreational driving: You may only drive for certain approved reasons, such as to and from work, while seeking employment, or picking up groceries.
No commercial vehicles: You can only operate non-commercial motor vehicles. If you have a CDL, it will be downgraded to a non-commercial license during your suspension.
No driving outside the permitted hours: The permit will list the exact hours you are allowed to drive, usually based on your work schedule or other approved needs. In most cases, the permit cannot allow more than 12 hours of driving for work purposes in a single day.
If you drive outside of the limitations of the permit, you will risk being arrested for the crime of driving while suspended.
How to Get a Hardship License in Oregon
If your license has been suspended in Oregon, you may be able to get a hardship license so you can drive to fulfill essential responsibilities such as work and/or caregiving. While the application process is fairly straightforward, approval often requires detailed documentation. Once approved, the DMV will send you a letter. You will need to take this to your local DMV, where you will be able to get your hardship permit.
Before you complete your application, it is wise to talk with an experienced lawyer to ensure you submit everything you need. Trotter Law can help. We’ll work with you to complete the application, compile the documentation you need, and ensure that your hardship license isn’t more restrictive than it needs to be. Contact Trotter Law today for a consultation!
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
