Hardship applicants must:
1. Be a Tennessee resident and be between fourteen (14) and sixteen (16) years of age. All Hardship Licenses expire on the 16th birthday. Temporary Hardship licenses expire based upon legal presence documents or on the 16th birthday.
2. For a first-time license, an applicant must be in compliance with the Compulsory School Attendance Law.
3. Applicants for a Hardship License must meet the same eligibility standards for Class D License.
4. Applicants who are fourteen (14) years of age, or those who have not held a Learner Permit for at least three (3) months must show proof of successful completion of a State approved Driver Education/Training Course. The course must be 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel.
5. There is not a fee required when submitting the Hardship Application to the Department for evaluation.
The following documentation is required and must be submitted to the Department to apply for a Hardship License.
- The completed Hardship Application (signed/notarized). The application can be found on the Department’s website at www.tn.gov/safety
- Employment Verification Letter on company letterhead, if applicable
- School Verification Letter on letterhead, if applicable
- Medical statement on physician’s letterhead, if applicable.
- Requested routes must be submitted with turn-by-turn directional language and street names.
- Copy of learner permit or learner permit number
- Certificate of Completion of Driver Education Course, if applicable.
Please mail the required Hardship Application, supporting documentation, letters, etc., to:
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Driver Services Division
ATTN: Special Handling Unit – Hardship License
Browning Building, Room 253
1150 Foster Avenue
Nashville, TN 37210
The internal processing time is generally five (5) to ten (10) business days from the date the Department receives the Hardship Application Package. A letter/notification of will be mailed with information regarding next steps, additional instructions and guidance. It is important to know mailing time may vary depending on the United States Postal Service, Fed Ex, UPS, etc.
If you have questions or need additional information, please e-mail your inquiry to the Special Handling Unit at Safety.SpecialHandling@tn.gov . Due to volume, please allow 24 to 48 hours for a return e-mail response.
Department of Safety and Homeland Security / Driver Services / Special Handling