How to Reinstate Your Alabama Driver's License

To reinstate your Alabama driver's license after suspension or revocation, you must first contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take. The reason for suspension determines what you do next — some require you to pay a reinstatement fee, others require you to complete a course or provide proof of insurance, and some require all three. Once you have completed whatever your suspension requires, you submit proof to the DPS, pay the reinstatement fee (currently $20 for most suspensions), and your license becomes valid again.

The process takes different paths depending on whether your license was suspended for a traffic violation, failure to pay a fine, lack of insurance, or a DUI-related offense. Each path has its own requirements and timeline. Starting by calling the DPS or checking your suspension reason online saves you from doing unnecessary work or paying fees you don't owe.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to learn the specific reason your license was suspended, because different reasons require different steps to reinstate.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay a $20 reinstatement fee, but some also require proof of insurance, completion of a defensive driving course, or payment of outstanding fines.
  • You can check your suspension status online through the Alabama DPS website or by calling their driver license section during business hours.
  • After you complete all requirements for your suspension type, submit proof to the DPS and pay the reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges.

Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended. The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains records of every suspension and the cause. You can find this information in two ways: by calling the DPS Driver License Section at 334-242-4437 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or by visiting the Alabama DPS website and using their online license status check tool.

When you call or check online, have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DPS will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to reinstate. Common reasons include failure to pay a traffic fine, driving without insurance, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or a DUI-related offense. Each reason has its own reinstatement path, so getting this information first prevents you from wasting time or money on unnecessary steps.

Reinstatement Requirements by Suspension Type

Alabama suspensions fall into several categories, and each has different requirements before you can reinstate. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires you to pay the outstanding fine plus the $20 reinstatement fee. A suspension for driving without insurance requires proof that you now carry valid insurance — you can obtain this proof from your insurance company as a certificate of insurance — plus the $20 reinstatement fee. A suspension for accumulating too many traffic violation points requires you to complete a defensive driving course approved by the Alabama DPS, then pay the $20 reinstatement fee.

DUI-related suspensions are more complex. An administrative suspension (which happens when ready after a DUI arrest) requires you to wait out the suspension period, which ranges from 90 days to three years depending on your history, and then pay the $20 reinstatement fee. Some DUI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive. If your suspension includes an ignition interlock requirement, the DPS will tell you this when you contact them, and you will need to have the device installed by a certified provider before you can reinstate.

Approved Defensive Driving Courses in Alabama

If your suspension requires a defensive driving course, you must take one approved by the Alabama Department of Public Safety. These courses teach traffic safety and can be taken in person or online, depending on the provider. The course typically takes four to eight hours to complete and costs between $20 and $50. After you finish, the course provider sends proof of completion directly to the DPS, or gives you a certificate you can submit yourself.

To find an approved course provider, contact the Alabama DPS or search their website for the current list of certified defensive driving schools. Some providers offer courses on weekends or evenings to fit your schedule. Once you complete the course and the DPS receives proof, you still need to pay the $20 reinstatement fee to restore your license.

Submitting Your Reinstatement Request and Fee

After you have completed all requirements for your suspension type, you submit your proof and payment to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. You can do this by mail, in person, or through their online system if one is available for your suspension type. If you are mailing your documents, send them to the Alabama DPS Driver License Section at P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include copies of any required documents (proof of insurance, course completion certificate, proof of fine payment) and a check or money order for the $20 reinstatement fee made payable to the State of Alabama.

If you prefer to submit in person, visit your local Alabama DPS office with your documents and payment. Processing times vary, but most reinstatements are completed within one to two weeks of the DPS receiving your complete submission. You can check the status of your reinstatement by calling the DPS Driver License Section again or checking their online status tool.

What Happens If Your License Was Suspended for Points

Alabama uses a point system for traffic violations. When you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period, your license is suspended for 60 days. If you accumulate 18 or more points within a three-year period, your license is suspended for 90 days. To reinstate after a points suspension, you must complete a defensive driving course and pay the $20 reinstatement fee. The course does not remove points from your record, but it does satisfy the requirement to reinstate.

After your reinstatement, your points remain on your record and continue to count toward future suspensions. This means if you receive another traffic violation shortly after reinstatement, you could face another suspension. Driving safely and avoiding new violations is the only way to prevent your points from triggering another suspension.

Ignition Interlock Devices and DUI Suspensions

If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, Alabama law may require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. This device measures your breath alcohol level before allowing your car to start. You cannot drive without one if your suspension requires it, even after you pay the reinstatement fee. The device costs between $60 and $100 to install and $50 to $100 per month to maintain, depending on the provider.

To find a certified ignition interlock provider in Alabama, contact the Alabama DPS or search their website for the approved vendor list. Once you have the device installed, you must provide proof of installation to the DPS before your license can be reinstated. The DPS will tell you whether your suspension requires an ignition interlock when you contact them about your suspension reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my license reinstated after I submit everything?

Processing times typically range from one to two weeks after the Alabama DPS receives your complete submission with all required documents and the $20 reinstatement fee. If you submit by mail, allow extra time for the documents to arrive. You can call the DPS Driver License Section to check on your status.

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until the DPS officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from the DPS that your license has been reinstated before you drive.

What if I cannot afford to pay all the fees at once?

Contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Section to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some suspensions may allow you to set up a payment arrangement for fines, though the $20 reinstatement fee is typically required in full. The DPS can tell you what options may be available for your specific situation.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test to reinstate my license?

For most suspensions, you do not need to retake the written or driving test. You only need to complete whatever requirement your suspension type requires (pay a fine, show proof of insurance, take a defensive driving course, or wait out the suspension period) and pay the $20 reinstatement fee. DUI-related suspensions may have additional requirements beyond these.

What if I move out of Alabama while my license is suspended?

Your Alabama license suspension remains in effect even if you move to another state. You will need to reinstate your Alabama license before you can obtain a license in your new state, because most states check for out-of-state suspensions. Contact the Alabama DPS to complete your reinstatement before explore for a new state's license.