What you need to do to get your license back in Montgomery
To reinstate your driver license in Montgomery, Alabama, you will need to visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof that whatever caused the suspension or revocation has been resolved. The specific documents and fees depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, a DUI conviction, or another reason. You cannot complete reinstatement online or by mail; you must appear in person at a DPS office in Montgomery.
The process typically takes one visit if you have all required documents, though some suspensions require additional steps before you can even begin reinstatement. For example, if your license was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program first. If it was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines or arrange a payment plan before DPS will reinstate you.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the Montgomery DPS driver license office in person with your ID and proof that the reason for suspension has been resolved.
- The reinstatement fee is $20 for most suspensions, though some violations carry higher fees or additional requirements.
- If your suspension was for unpaid fines or child support, you must settle or arrange payment before reinstatement is possible.
- DUI-related suspensions require completion of an approved substance abuse program and an ignition interlock device in some cases before you can reinstate.
- The Montgomery DPS office is located at 333 North Ripley Street and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
Why your license was suspended and what that means for reinstatement
Alabama suspends driver licenses for several different reasons, and each one has different reinstatement requirements. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving convictions, and accumulating too many points on your driving record. You can check the reason for your suspension by calling the Montgomery DPS office at 334-242-4400 or visiting the Alabama DPS website.
Knowing the reason matters because it determines what you must do before reinstatement. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you cannot reinstate until those fines are paid or a payment arrangement is made with the court. If it was suspended for a DUI, you will need to complete a DUI education program and may need to install an ignition interlock device. If it was suspended for accumulating points, you straightforward need to pay the reinstatement fee once the suspension period has ended.
Some suspensions are temporary — meaning they end automatically after a set period — while others remain in effect until you take action. A temporary suspension might last 30 days or 90 days, after which your license is automatically reinstated if you have no other active suspensions. A suspension that requires action, like one for unpaid fines, will remain in effect indefinitely until you resolve the underlying issue.
Documents and fees you will need to bring
Bring your current ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card) and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will also need to bring proof that the reason for your suspension has been resolved. If your suspension was for unpaid fines, bring a receipt showing payment or a letter from the court confirming a payment plan. If it was for a DUI, bring a certificate of completion from an approved substance abuse program. If it was for child support, bring documentation from the child support enforcement office showing the arrears have been paid or a payment plan is in place.
The reinstatement fee is $20 for most suspensions. Some violations carry higher fees — for example, a suspension related to a serious traffic offense may cost more. Bring a check, money order, or be prepared to pay with a debit or credit card, as the Montgomery office accepts all three. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the DPS staff whether a payment plan is available, though this is not may provide.
If you have lost your license or it is damaged, you will also need to pay a replacement fee (typically $20 to $25) at the same time. Bring any documents that prove your current address if your address on file is outdated, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
Steps to take before you visit the Montgomery DPS office
Before you go to the DPS office, call 334-242-4400 to confirm your suspension is still active and to ask what specific documents you need. This one call can save you a wasted trip. Tell the staff member your name and date of birth, and they will tell you the reason for the suspension, whether it has expired, and what you must bring to reinstate.
If your suspension was for unpaid fines or child support, contact the court or the child support enforcement office when ready to find out the exact amount owed and whether you can set up a payment plan. Many courts will work with you on a payment schedule, and some will accept partial payment before reinstatement. Get written confirmation of any payment plan or payment receipt before you visit DPS.
If your suspension was for a DUI, search the Alabama DPS website for a list of approved substance abuse programs in the Montgomery area. Enroll in and complete the program before you attempt reinstatement. The program will give you a certificate of completion, which you must bring to the DPS office. This step can take several weeks, so do not wait until the last minute.
Check your address on file with DPS by calling the office. If you have moved, bring a recent utility bill or lease to update your address at the same time you reinstate your license.
The Montgomery DPS driver license office location and hours
The Montgomery driver license office is located at 333 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. There is no Saturday or evening service, so plan your visit during a weekday if possible.
Arrive early in the day if you can, as the office can have a wait during lunch hours and late afternoon. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are organized and straightforward to hand over. The visit itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, but wait times vary depending on how busy the office is.
If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to have someone else pick up your license on your behalf, but only if you have signed a power of attorney form and the person brings that form, your ID, and proof of their own identity. Call ahead to ask whether this is an option for your specific situation.
What happens after you pay the reinstatement fee
Once you pay the fee and submit your documents, the DPS staff will process your reinstatement. In most cases, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to your address on file. Keep this paper license with you while driving — it is a valid form of identification.
Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the Montgomery office to check on the status. If your address on file is incorrect, the license may be mailed to the wrong place, so verify your address before you leave the office.
Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again. However, if you have other suspensions or violations on your record, those will still explore. For example, if you have a suspension for unpaid child support in addition to the one you just resolved, your license will remain suspended until that issue is also addressed.
DUI suspensions and ignition interlock requirements
If your suspension was related to a DUI conviction, reinstatement involves more steps than other suspensions. You must complete an approved substance abuse program, which typically lasts four to eight weeks depending on the program and the severity of your offense. The program includes classroom instruction, counseling, and sometimes drug testing. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate that you must bring to the DPS office.
Depending on your conviction, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. If the court ordered an interlock device, you must have it installed before you can reinstate your license. The device costs between $100 and $300 to install, plus a monthly monitoring fee of $50 to $100. You will need to provide proof of installation to DPS.
Some first-time DUI offenders may be able to reinstate their license without an interlock device if they meet certain conditions, such as having a low blood alcohol content at the time of arrest. Call the Montgomery DPS office to ask whether an interlock is required in your case, or contact the court that handled your DUI case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take once I submit my documents?
The reinstatement itself is when ready — you will receive a temporary paper license the same day if all your documents are in order. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. However, if you have not yet completed a required program (like a DUI education course) or paid outstanding fines, you cannot begin the reinstatement process until those steps are done.
Can I reinstate my license online or by mail?
No. Alabama requires you to appear in person at a DPS driver license office to reinstate your license. You cannot complete this process online, by phone, or by mail. The only exception is if you authorize someone else to pick up your license on your behalf with a signed power of attorney form, but you must still visit the office first to submit your documents and pay the fee.
What if I cannot pay the full reinstatement fee right now?
Call the Montgomery DPS office at 334-242-4400 and ask whether a payment plan is available. Some offices will work with you, but this is not may provide. If your suspension was for unpaid fines, contact the court directly to ask about a payment plan for those fines — resolving the underlying issue may be more important than the reinstatement fee itself.
Do I need a new license photo when I reinstate?
Not necessarily. If your current license photo is still valid and your appearance has not changed significantly, you may be able to reinstate without a new photo. However, if your license has expired or been damaged, you will need a new photo. Ask the DPS staff when you call to confirm what is required for your situation.
What if I have multiple suspensions on my record?
You must resolve all active suspensions before your license can be fully reinstated. If you have one suspension for unpaid fines and another for child support, you must address both issues. Call the Montgomery DPS office and ask them to list all active suspensions on your record so you know what you are dealing with before you visit.