How To Apply for Hardship License Online Alabama

Having your driver’s license suspended can disrupt your daily life. A “Hardship License” (also called an Occupational Driver License or ODL) is a special, restricted license that allows you to drive only for essential needs, like work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs.

But first, let’s clear up two critical myths:

1. You CANNOT apply online. Despite the common search, this is not an online form. It is a formal legal process.
2. It IS for DUI convictions. A DUI is one of the primary reasons people petition for this license.

This is not a simple application you send to the MVD. A hardship license must be granted by a Circuit Court Judge.This guide will walk you through the correct, 2-part legal and administrative process.

The “Two-Part” Process: Court Order First, ALEA Second

You cannot get a hardship license by just applying to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). You must first get a judge’s permission.

1. Part 1: The Court Petition (The Legal Step): You (or your attorney) must file a “Petition for a Hardship Driver License” with the Circuit Court in your county of residence. A judge will review your case, your driving record, and your proof of hardship. If they approve, they will sign a Court Order granting you a restricted license.
2. Part 2: The ALEA Application (The Admin Step): After you have the signed Court Order, you will then submit your application packet to the ALEA (as explained below) to have the physical license issued.

Who is Eligible to Petition the Court?

You may be eligible to petition for a hardship license if your regular license is suspended or revoked for a serious offense, including:

• A conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• A conviction for “street racing.”
• A felony conviction involving a vehicle.
• Vehicular homicide or assault.

Who is NOT Eligible?

A hardship license is not for all suspensions. You are not eligible if your license is suspended for:

• Failure to pay child support.
• Simple unpaid traffic tickets (Failure to Pay).
• A physical or mental disability.

For these, you must clear the original problem (e.g., pay the ticket) to be reinstated.

How to Apply (The Step-by-Step Process)

Step 1: File a Petition with the Circuit Court (Get a Lawyer)

This is a legal proceeding. While you can file the petition yourself (using Form DRL-70), it is highly recommended that you hire an attorney. Your lawyer will file the petition and represent you at a hearing to argue why you have a “significant hardship” (e.g., you will be fired from your job without a license).

Step 2: Get SR-22 Insurance

This is mandatory. A judge will not even consider your petition without it. You must contact an insurance company and have them file an SR-22 (Certificate of Financial Responsibility) with the state. This proves you are insured.

Step 3: Get Your Signed Court Order

If the judge approves your petition, they will sign a court order that specifies your exact driving restrictions (e.g., “To and from work, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM” or “To and from medical appointments”).

Step 4: Submit Your Packet to the ALEA

Once you have the signed Court Order, you must submit your full application packet to the ALEA Hardship License Unit.

Your Application Packet Must Include:

1. The original, signed Court Order (from Step 3).
2. Proof that your SR-22 is on file.
3. Proof of your hardship (e.g., a letter from your employer on company letterhead, your school schedule, or a doctor’s note).
4. Your reinstatement fee payment (if required by your suspension).

How to Submit Your Packet:

You must send this packet using one of the following methods (it is not an in-person or online service):

• Email: [email protected]
• Fax: 334-353-9988
• Mail:ALEA Driver License DivisionHardship License UnitP.O. Box 1471Montgomery, AL 36102

FAQs