Getting your Alabama driver's license back after suspension
To reinstate a suspended Alabama driver's license, you must first contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find out why it was suspended and what steps are required. Most suspensions fall into one of three categories: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Each reason has different reinstatement requirements, and you cannot restore your license until you have completed all of them.
The reinstatement process typically involves paying any outstanding fines or fees, clearing the reason for suspension (such as completing a defensive driving course or paying child support if that triggered the suspension), and then submitting a reinstatement request to DPS. The entire process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on what caused the suspension and how quickly you resolve it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to learn the specific reason your license was suspended before taking any other steps.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or fees before DPS will consider reinstatement.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a defensive driving course or other remedial action before you can restore your license.
- You can request reinstatement online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- Reinstatement fees typically range from $20 to $50, depending on the reason for suspension.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. Call the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4417 or visit their website to check your driving record. You can also visit a DPS office in person with your ID to request a printout of your record. The record will show the suspension date, the reason, and what you need to do to clear it.
Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, failure to appear for a court date, accumulating 12 or more points within a 24-month period, or driving with a suspended license. Some suspensions are automatic (like those triggered by the court system), while others are issued directly by DPS. Knowing the exact reason matters because the reinstatement path is different for each one.
Paying fines and court costs
If your suspension was caused by unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before DPS will reinstate your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm the exact amount due, including any late fees or collection costs that may have been added. You can usually pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse.
Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation of payment. Keep this receipt—you will need to show it to DPS when you request reinstatement. If the fine was issued by a municipal court (for a city traffic ticket), contact that city's court directly. If it was a state highway patrol ticket, contact the district court in the county where you received the ticket.
Clearing other suspension triggers
Some suspensions require more than just paying money. If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course before reinstatement. Alabama recognizes courses offered by the National Safety Council and other approved providers; these typically cost $20 to $50 and can be completed online in a few hours. Once finished, the course provider will send your completion certificate directly to DPS.
If your suspension was triggered by failure to appear in court, you must resolve that court case first. This usually means contacting the court, explaining your absence, and either appearing for the rescheduled hearing or working out a resolution with the prosecutor. If your suspension is related to child support arrears, you will need to contact the Department of Human Resources to arrange payment or a payment plan.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement through three methods: online at the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest—you can complete the request in minutes and pay the reinstatement fee by credit card. By mail, send a letter to the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your name, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and proof that you have resolved it (such as a court payment receipt or defensive driving certificate). Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee.
If you go in person, bring your ID, proof of resolution, and payment. DPS offices are located in Montgomery and in several regional locations throughout the state. Processing times vary: online requests are often processed within 24 to 48 hours, while mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests may be processed the same day, though you should call ahead to confirm office hours and any documents you need to bring.
Reinstatement fees and what to expect
The reinstatement fee ranges from $20 to $50 depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension caused by unpaid fines typically costs $20 to reinstate, while a suspension for accumulating points may cost $50. DPS will tell you the exact fee when you contact them about your suspension. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owe—it is the cost of restoring your driving privileges.
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, DPS will process it and notify you by mail or email (if you provided an email address). Your license will be reinstated on the date DPS approves your request, and you can legally drive again as of that date. If you need to drive before receiving written confirmation, call DPS to confirm that your reinstatement has been processed.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended is a separate criminal offense in Alabama, distinct from whatever caused the original suspension. A first offense can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $200 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. A third offense within five years is a felony, punishable by a fine of $500 to $5,000 and up to one year in prison.
Beyond the legal penalties, driving on a suspended license can result in additional fines, points on your record, and a longer suspension period. If you are stopped and your license is still suspended, the officer will likely impound your vehicle. It is worth taking the time to complete the reinstatement process rather than risk these consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my license?
Online requests are typically processed within 24 to 48 hours. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests at a DPS office may be processed the same day, though processing times vary by location. The total time also depends on how quickly you resolve the underlying issue that caused the suspension.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially approves your reinstatement request. Driving during this period is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from DPS before driving.
What if I cannot pay my fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up monthly payments. Once you have an agreement in place, provide written proof of the payment plan to DPS along with your reinstatement request. Some suspensions cannot be lifted until the full amount is paid, so confirm this with the court first.
Do I need to take a new driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or road test. You only need to resolve the issue that caused the suspension and pay the reinstatement fee. Your original license will be restored once DPS approves your request.
What if I lost my license or it expired while it was suspended?
If your license expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it in addition to requesting reinstatement. Contact DPS to find out whether you can renew and reinstate at the same time or if you must complete reinstatement first. Renewal fees explore separately from the reinstatement fee.