ArticlesMost people don’t realize how critical it is to be able to drive until they lose their license or have it suspended. When that happens, it can turn your life upside down.
Getting groceries, going to work, and performing routine errands can suddenly become impossible.
Yet Alabama residents with suspended or revoked licenses may still have options. In 2019, Alabama passed a new law that created hardship licenses.
These licenses allow some people with suspended or revoked driver’s licenses to keep driving under certain conditions.
If you have had your license suspended, you may be eligible for an Alabama hardship license.
Learn more about how to get a hardship license in Alabama, how much it will cost you, and whether it’s a good option for your personal situation by contacting the personal injury lawyers of Fob James Law Firm today.
What Is a Hardship License?
Because it’s a relatively new initiative, many clients ask us, What is a hardship license?
Simply put, a hardship license in Alabama is a special type of driver’s license which allows for limited driving privileges.
When Can You Use a Hardship License?
With an Alabama hardship license, you can drive to the following places.
Work
You can drive to your place of employment, as well as to job training, job readiness programs, and job interviews.
Educational Institutions
With an Alabama hardship license, you can drive to any educational institution where you are enrolled as a student. You may also go to schools or childcare facilities to pick up a family member or a dependent.
Finally, you can drive to school-sanctioned events (like graduations and school sports games) if you, a family member, or a dependent are enrolled at the school.
Medical Facilities
A hardship license allows you to drive to medical facilities for medical or mental health care or for a medical emergency. You can also drive to a pharmacy to get a prescription.
Voting Locations
You may drive to voting locations if you are eligible to vote.
Places of Worship
Your hardship license allows you to drive to a religious building for religious services. You may also drive to any associated events.
Court/Legal Programs
With a hardship license in Alabama, you can drive to any court-ordered program, community service, or event.
This includes support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, drug or alcohol counseling, court appearances, meetings with a probationary officer, and work release program appointments.
Household Errands
This includes buying groceries or household necessities and driving to any other place that will help you carry out essential household duties.
How to Apply for a Hardship License
Now that you know what a hardship license is, you may be wondering, How do I get a hardship license?
The first thing you should do is confirm that you are eligible for an Alabama hardship license. There are several ways you can qualify for a hardship license:
- You are an Alabama resident who has recently been released from the state’s department of corrections;
- Your license has either been suspended or revoked, and you cannot obtain reasonable transportation; or
- You are participating in one of the state’s work release programs or a state-recognized community corrections program.
You can apply for a hardship license through either email or regular mail. However, the application process isn’t very simple.
When you submit your application, you need to list all the anticipated places that you will be traveling to (including the address of each place).
You will also need to include documentation showing all the routes that you will be using to travel to those places, as well as a list of anticipated travel times.
After that, you will need to list and describe each vehicle you will be using. This includes the make, model, license plate number, owner information, and insurance information of the vehicle.
Depending on the reason you qualify for an Alabama hardship license, you will have to attach additional documents, like a letter from your work release program’s director.
How Much Is a Hardship License?
As of 2024, a hardship license costs only $36.25. This is the same fee as a Class D license.
Want to Learn More About Getting a Hardship License?
Driving is an essential part of modern life. Although getting a hardship license can help you drive if you’ve had your license suspended or revoked, the process of getting one is not easy.
On top of all that, the state has no incentive to treat you fairly or give you the benefit of the doubt.
That’s why you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to help you.
And not just any lawyer. Your best choice is to hire a compassionate attorney who will take the time to understand your situation and then work with you to make sure you get the treatment you deserve.
Here at the Fob James Law Firm, we have a proven track record of obtaining outstanding results for our clients. Furthermore, we put our clients first and treat them as unique individuals.
If you don’t believe us, just take a moment to look over our testimonials.
Even if you aren’t sure whether you need an attorney, take a moment to contact us. Initial consultations are always free, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call or sending an email right now.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.