Where to find your suspended license number
Your Alabama suspended driver's license number is the same number printed on your physical license — the eight-digit number in the upper right corner of your card. When the Alabama Department of Public Safety suspends your license, that number stays attached to your record. You do not receive a new number; the suspension is tied to the one you already have.
If you need to reference your license number for correspondence with the state or to check the status of your suspension, you can find it three ways: on your physical license card itself, in the suspension notice letter you received from the state, or by contacting the Alabama Department of Public Safety directly.
Key Takeaways
- Your license number does not change when your license is suspended — it remains the eight-digit number printed on your card.
- The Alabama Department of Public Safety mails a suspension notice that includes your license number and the reason for the suspension.
- You can call the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4400 to confirm your license number and suspension status.
- Keep your suspension notice letter in a safe place, as you will need your license number to request reinstatement or to communicate with the state about your case.
Checking your suspension status online
Alabama does not currently offer a public online portal where you can look up your license number or suspension status yourself. This means you cannot check the details of your suspension through a website or app.
To find out whether your license is suspended and what your license number is associated with, you will need to contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety by phone. Call 334-242-4400 during business hours. Have your full name, date of birth, and any suspension notice letter available when you call, as this will speed up the process.
What information comes in your suspension notice
When Alabama suspends your license, the Department of Public Safety mails you an official notice. This letter includes your eight-digit license number at the top, the effective date of the suspension, the reason for the suspension (such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical suspension), and instructions on how to request reinstatement.
The notice also tells you whether you are may be able to access for a hardship permit, which allows limited driving for work or medical reasons during the suspension period. Keep this letter in a safe place — you will need the information in it if you contact the state to dispute the suspension or to begin the reinstatement process.
Using your license number for reinstatement requests
When you are ready to request reinstatement of your suspended license, you will use your license number on all paperwork you submit to the state. The reinstatement process varies depending on why your license was suspended. For example, if the suspension was due to unpaid fines, you may need to pay those fines first and provide proof of payment along with your reinstatement request.
Mail your reinstatement request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include your license number, your full name, your date of birth, and any required documentation. The state will review your request and notify you by mail whether your license has been reinstated.
If you lost your suspension notice letter
If you cannot find your suspension notice letter and do not remember your license number, call the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4400. A staff member can look up your information using your name and date of birth and provide you with your license number and the details of your suspension.
You can also visit a Driver License Office in person to request a copy of your suspension notice or to get information about your case. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait, as offices can have lines during peak hours. A list of Driver License Office locations is available on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.
Hardship permits and your license number
If you are suspended but have a work or medical need to drive, you may be able to request a hardship permit. This temporary permit allows you to drive to specific places — usually your workplace, school, or medical appointments — during your suspension period. Your license number will be used to track your hardship permit as well.
To request a hardship permit, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety or visit a Driver License Office. You will need to explain your hardship and provide supporting documents, such as a letter from your employer or medical records. The state will review your request and let you know whether you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my license number change if my suspension is lifted?
No. Your license number remains the same throughout your life, whether your license is suspended, revoked, or active. Once your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, the same eight-digit number will be valid again.
Can I look up someone else's license number or suspension status?
No. The Alabama Department of Public Safety does not release license information about other people to the public. You can only look up information about your own license by calling 334-242-4400 with your name and date of birth.
What if I have multiple suspensions on my record?
All suspensions are tied to your single license number. If you have more than one reason for suspension — for example, unpaid fines and a failure to appear — they will all be listed on your record under that same number. You must resolve all suspensions before your license can be reinstated.
How long does it take to get a response after I request reinstatement?
The Alabama Department of Public Safety typically takes two to four weeks to process a reinstatement request, though this can vary depending on how busy the office is and whether your paperwork is complete. Call 334-242-4400 to check on the status of your request if you have not heard back after four weeks.