How much does a Limited Licence cost?
There are usually three costs: getting your documents prepared, the court fees, and the fee for the licence itself once the court makes an order. Here is what each one is, using the figures the Ministry of Justice and NZTA publish.
1. Preparing your documents
There is no form to fill in. The Ministry of Justice says your application needs to be in a certain format with specific information, and that there is no application form to use [2]. A complete application usually means:
- the application itself
- your affidavit, setting out the facts of your hardship
- a supporting affidavit from your employer if the hardship is about work [3]
- a draft order setting out the purpose, the vehicle, the days and times, and the area you are asking to drive in [3]
That is the part we do. Our document preparation starts from $645 + GST, and the fee depends on your situation.
2. Court fees
These are paid to the court, not to us. The Ministry of Justice lists [2]:
- $175 to apply after a court disqualification, such as drink driving
- $275 to apply after a demerit point suspension
- $69 sealing fee if the order is granted after a demerit suspension, paid before you go to NZTA
The Ministry also says that if the court declines the application, or NZTA does not issue the licence, fees paid are not refunded [2].
3. The licence itself
A court order is not a licence. Once the order is made, you apply at a driver licence agent with the DL15 form, your identity documents and your court order, and pay NZTA's application fee, which NZTA lists as $48.70 [4]. You cannot drive until you hold the Limited Licence [4].
Later: getting your full licence back
When your suspension or disqualification ends, your licence does not switch back on. You apply to get it back and pay another fee. NZTA lists $48.00 if you were disqualified or suspended for 12 months or less, and $100.10 if you were disqualified for more than 12 months [4]. Budget for that too.
Weigh it up
Now think about the cost of not driving: lost wages, a lost job, taxis, favours from family, missed school runs. A demerit suspension lasts 3 months [1]. For many people, months without driving costs far more than the application.
Cheaper isn't better if it's wrong
The court decides on the evidence in front of it. The District Court practice note says affidavits should state facts, not assertions, and that an employer letter on its own is generally not enough [3]. Paperwork that misses those points can mean questions, delays or a decline. If an application is refused, a new one on the same order generally cannot be considered for 3 months unless there is new evidence [1].
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998, sections 32, 82A, 90, 91, 103, 104 and 105, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/latest/whole.html (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Get a Limited Licence, Ministry of Justice, https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/criminal/get-a-limited-licence/ (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Practice Note: Applications for a Limited Licence, District Court of New Zealand, https://www.districtcourts.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Publications/2024/Limited-Licence-Practice-Note-FINAL.pdf (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Limited Licence, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/driving-offences/limited-licence (accessed 21 October 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Is the court fee included in your price?
No. Court fees are paid to the court and the licence fee is paid to NZTA.
Do I get the court fee back if I am declined?
The Ministry of Justice says fees paid are not refunded if the court declines the application.
We prepare Limited Licence documents. From $645 + GST. Call 0800 437 005 or start at nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/apply.
For every fee laid out, see the line by line Limited Licence cost breakdown. Then read what goes into an application, or start your application.
Checked by Guy Hollister, Director, NZ Limited Licence, on 18 Aug 26