How to Get a Hardship License in Utah (Limited License Guide)

July 6, 2026
5 Min Read

When your driver’s license is suspended or revoked in Utah, even routine tasks can become serious obstacles. While many people search for a “hardship license,” the Utah Driver License Division (DLD) officially refers to this as a Limited License.

Utah’s driving laws are exceptionally strict. A Limited License is not a guarantee, and for certain offenses (like a standard DUI), it is entirely prohibited. This guide explains who qualifies for a limited license, the strict rules for DUIs, and exactly how to apply so you can get back to work and school.

What Is a Utah Limited License?

A limited license does not restore your full driving privileges. It is a highly restricted permit that allows travel to and from specific, essential locations at designated times.

If approved by a DLD hearing officer, your limited license will typically only permit you to drive to:

  • Your regular place of employment.
  • Your school or educational institution.
  • Court-ordered child visitation.
  • Necessary medical appointments.occupational / restricted/ hardship license

The “One-Time” Rule: Under Utah Code § 53-3-220, this discretionary privilege may be granted only onceto any individual during any single period of suspension or revocation.

Who Qualifies (And Who Does Not)?

The DLD determines eligibility on a strict, case-by-case basis. You must contact a hearing officer to have your driving record reviewed.

You MAY Qualify If:

  • Your license was suspended for accumulating too many traffic points.
  • Your license was suspended by the Office of Recovery Services (ORS) for unpaid child support (which makes you eligible for a 90-day temporary limited permit).
  • You are a minor (under 21) who is at least 16½ years old facing a standard point suspension.

You DO NOT Qualify If:

  • You have a 1st or 2nd DUI conviction (see the DUI section below).
  • You have two reckless driving charges within 12 months.Salt Lake City Attorneys | Lokken & Putnam, P.C.
  • You have a juvenile record involving weapons or explosives used with a vehicle.Salt Lake City Attorneys | Lokken & Putnam, P.C.

The Strict DUI Rules: Why You Cannot Get a Limited License

If you receive a first-time DUI in Utah, your license is automatically suspended for 120 days (or 18 months if you refused the breath/blood test).

There is no limited license available during this 120-day period. You cannot get a permit to drive to work. The suspension is absolute.

The Alternative: The 24/7 Sobriety Program

Because you cannot get a limited license, your only option to keep driving after a DUI is to enroll in Utah’s 24/7 Sobriety Program (available in most counties).

  • How it works: You must report to a local sheriff’s office or jail facility twice a day (morning and evening) to provide a breath sample, or you must wear a Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM) bracelet.
  • The Benefit: As long as you blow clean, you get to keep your full driving privileges and avoid the 120-day suspension entirely.
  • The Catch: If you fail a test or show up late, you face an immediate, automatic short-term jail sanction (usually starting at 8 hours).

CRITICAL DEADLINE: To protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest, you have exactly 10 calendar days to request an administrative hearing with the DLD. If you miss this deadline, your 120-day suspension is locked in, and you forfeit your right to challenge it.

How to Apply for a Standard Limited License (Points / ORS)

If you are suspended for points or child support, follow these steps:

  1. Contact the DLD Hearings Division: Call the DLD office hearings number (found at dld.utah.gov). A hearing officer will review your record to assess whether you meet the statutory requirements. This step is mandatory.
  2. Gather Your Documentation: You must prove your hardship. Obtain a letter from your employer outlining your exact work schedule, or a copy of your school class schedule.
  3. Clear Outstanding Actions: Pay all court fees, reinstatement fees, and licensing fees. Your driving record must be in compliance before a limited license can be granted.
  4. Attend the Hearing: The hearing officer will review your record and documentation. If approved, they will issue the limited license with your specific conditions printed on it.

Applying for an Alcohol/Drug-Related Limited License (Extreme Cases Only)

While standard DUIs do not qualify for limited licenses, Utah does offer them for extreme, long-term alcohol revocations where the original sanction period was a minimum of three years (e.g., felony DUIs or lifetime restrictions).

To get a limited license in these extreme cases, you must jump through massive legal hoops:

  • You must be violation-free for at least one year prior to applying.
  • You must provide written verification from a primary care physician that you have not used narcotic drugs or unprescribed controlled substances within the last three years.
  • You must have your physician confirm you have no physical or mental impairments affecting your driving.

What Happens If You Violate the Restrictions?

A Utah limited license is heavily scrutinized by law enforcement. If you are pulled over driving to the grocery store or driving outside of your approved work hours, your limited license will be immediately canceled. You will be forced to serve the remainder of your original suspension with no driving privileges, and you may face new criminal charges for Driving on a Suspended License.

Conclusion

Utah’s limited license program provides a genuine opportunity for eligible individuals to maintain essential driving during a point or child-support suspension. However, if you are facing a DUI, you must act fast. Do not rely on a hardship license; instead, request your DLD hearing within 10 days of your arrest and speak to a Utah DUI attorney immediately about entering the 24/7 Sobriety Program to save your livelihood.