Work Letter Requirement
Why a Work Letter is Required for a Hardship License
If you are applying for a Massachusetts hardship license (also known as a “Cinderella license”), you must provide clear documentation that shows you have a genuine need to drive for work purposes. One of the most important pieces of evidence is a properly formatted work letter from your employer. Without this letter, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will almost certainly deny your hardship license request.
The RMV uses this letter to verify that you require a vehicle during specific hours to maintain your employment. A strong, detailed work letter demonstrates that you meet the eligibility requirements for a hardship license and helps the Hearing Officer understand the necessity of granting limited driving privileges.
Key Elements of a Hardship License Work Letter
To avoid delays or denials, your employer’s letter should include the following information:
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On Company Letterhead: The letter must appear on the employer’s official letterhead, including company name, address, and contact information.
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Specific Work Schedule: Clearly state the exact hours and days you are required to be at work. Vague references to a “full-time” or “part-time” schedule are not sufficient. Specific start and end times are necessary to justify the hours during which you will be allowed to drive.
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Statement of Hardship: The letter must explain why you need a license to perform your job duties. This could include lack of public transportation, irregular hours, travel between job sites, or the necessity of driving for work-related tasks.
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Employment Details: The letter should specify your job title, length of employment, and nature of your responsibilities, especially if driving is part of your role.
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Contact Information: Include the name, title, phone number, and email of the person preparing the letter. The RMV may verify the information.
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Signature and Date: The letter must be signed and dated by a company official authorized to verify your employment.
Sample Work Letter Structure
Below is a basic outline of how a hardship license work letter should be structured:
[Employer’s Letterhead]
[Date]
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Administrative Hearings Department
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that [Employee’s Full Name] is employed by [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. Their regular work schedule is [Days of the Week] from [Start Time] to [End Time].
Due to the nature of our business and [Employee’s] responsibilities, it is essential that they maintain a valid driver’s license. Public transportation is either unavailable or insufficient to accommodate these hours and responsibilities.
Please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Supervisor’s Name]
[Supervisor’s Title]
[Company Name]
Why Precision Matters
The RMV scrutinizes work letters carefully. Submitting a vague, incomplete, or improperly formatted letter is one of the most common reasons applicants are denied a hardship license. A properly prepared work letter makes it clear to the RMV that your need to drive is legitimate and unavoidable.
Additionally, if you are self-employed, you will need to provide more than just a letter. Supporting documents like tax records, business licenses, and client contracts may be necessary to verify your need to drive for business purposes.
Other Considerations for Hardship Licenses
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Hours of Operation: A hardship license only allows driving during specified hours tied to employment, education, or medical needs. These hours must be clearly supported by your work letter.
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Proof of Compliance: In addition to a work letter, you must show that you have completed any required alcohol programs and have no other barriers to reinstatement.
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Additional Documentation: Be prepared to submit proof of insurance, registration, and any applicable Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirements.
Contact The Law Office of Brian Simoneau, P.C.
We have helped countless Massachusetts drivers successfully navigate the hardship license process. From reviewing your work letter to preparing you for your RMV hearing, we can guide you through every step to ensure your case is presented properly.
If you need assistance preparing your work letter or would like representation at your RMV hearing, contact us today.

