Only 5 percent of drivers win their DMV hearings. If you are not successful, please follow these steps to get your hardship/BPO license.
Step 1: Wait Out your Time Period of No Driving
Eligibility for a Business Purpose Only (BPO) Hardship License
- Blow Above .08: Eligible for BPO 30 days after your temporary license expires.
- First Refusal: Eligible for BPO 90 days after your temporary license expires.
- Second or Subsequent DUI Refusal: 18-month suspension with no BPO or hardship license option.
Step 2: Enroll in a DUI School:
Choose the appropriate DUI course based on your offense. Options include Level 1 (for first-time offenders) and Level 2 (for those with previous offenses).
For Residents of Specific Counties:
- Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard Counties: Enroll here
- Lake County: Enroll here
- Volusia County: Enroll here
- For Other Counties: to find a DUI school in your county, click here
Required Documentation: Be prepared with the necessary documents.
Step 3: Fill Out Waiver Form to Apply for Hardship BPO license:
To apply for BPO license, use this DMV waiver application form and include the following:
- $12.00 filing fee,
- DUI citation,
- Arrest affidavit, and
- proof of DUI class enrollment.
Application Processing: Wait for the DHSMV to process your application, which can take 2-4 weeks. You’ll be notified via phone or email.
License Pickup: Once approved, visit the nearest DHSMV office to pick up your license. A reinstatement fee of $206.25 will apply. Schedule your visit here.
What is the scope of the BPO Hardship License?: The BPO Hardship License permits driving strictly for business-related activities, which includes commuting to and from work, tasks during work hours, attending medical appointments, grocery shopping, participating in school-related functions, and attending church services. It is important to note that the BPO cannot be used for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) operations.
Important: You must complete the DUI school within 90 days of receiving the hardship license, or it will be canceled.
Insurance Requirements: Provide proof of liability insurance on the date of arrest and current coverage.
List of Required Documents for DUI School Enrollment:
- Photo ID: A valid state ID, passport, school ID, or booking photo with your picture, name, and address. If no address is on the ID, supplement it with proof of employment, residence, or school attendance in Orange, Osceola, Brevard, or Seminole County.
- Residency Proof: If your address is not in Orange, Osceola, Brevard, or Seminole County, provide proof of employment, residence, or school attendance in one of these counties.
- DUI Citation: A legible copy is acceptable. Do not use the Arrest Affidavit as a substitute. If under 21 with a BAL of .05 or higher, also provide the Notice of Suspension.
- Arrest Reports: A legible copy of either the Arrest Affidavit, Charging Affidavit, Police Arrest Report, or Traffic Crash Report. Include a full narrative of the incident. Not required for under-21 clients with a BAL of .05 or higher.
- Test Results: Include breath, blood, or urine test results or refusal details, usually available in the Arrest Report. If tested in a lab, obtain the final results.
- Court Documents: Required only if you have a Pre-Trial Diversion Contract or a final court disposition. Not applicable for under-21 clients with a BAL of .05 or higher.
- Out-of-State/Old Incidents: If documents are unavailable, provide verification from the court or police department covering as many incident details as possible.
- Driving Record:
- Florida Residents: Pay $15 during your evaluation for a record, or bring your own recent (within 15 days) lifetime driving record.
- Out-of-State: Provide your lifetime driving record, less than 30 days old.
Note: In some cases, both Florida and out-of-state driving records may be needed.
If you need assistance from expert DUI lawyers, call us at (407) 476-4111. We’re here to help!
