How to restore your suspended Alabama license
To get your suspended license back in Alabama, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for different violations, and each one has its own path to restoration. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get it back; you have to address the underlying reason the state took it.
Start by contacting the Alabama DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 or visiting their office in Montgomery. They will tell you the suspension reason and what steps you need to take. You can also check your suspension status online through the Alabama DPS website, though you will need your driver's license number and date of birth. Write down the exact reason and any case numbers they give you — you will need these details for the next steps.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Division to learn the specific reason your license was suspended, because each reason requires different actions.
- Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or unpaid court costs require you to pay or set up a payment plan before restoration is possible.
- Suspensions for DUI convictions require you to complete a substance abuse program and install an ignition interlock device before you can drive again.
- Once you have completed all requirements, you must visit an Alabama DPS office in person with proof of completion and pay a restoration fee to get your license back.
Suspensions for unpaid fines, court costs, or child support
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or unpaid child support, you need to resolve the debt. Contact the court that issued the fine or the child support enforcement office to find out the exact amount owed. You can often set up a payment plan rather than paying the full amount at once — courts and child support offices have different rules about this, so ask what options exist for your situation.
Once you have paid in full or set up a payment plan that you have begun, the court or child support office will notify the Alabama DPS that the suspension can be lifted. This notification can take one to two weeks. After that, you can visit an Alabama DPS office to complete the restoration process. Bring proof of payment or proof that you have a payment plan in place.
Suspensions for DUI or refusal to take a breath test
A suspension for driving under the influence (DUI) or for refusing a breath test follows a different process. Alabama requires you to complete a substance abuse program before your license can be restored. The state recognizes programs run by treatment providers across Alabama — your DPS office can give you a list of approved programs in your area.
After you finish the program, you will receive a certificate of completion. You must also install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle if your conviction was for DUI (not just refusal). An ignition interlock is a device that tests your breath before the car will start. The device costs money to install and maintain, typically $60 to $100 per month. Once the device is installed, you will get a certificate from the installer. Bring both certificates to an Alabama DPS office along with proof of insurance and your vehicle registration.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points
Alabama suspends licenses when a driver accumulates too many points on their driving record within a certain time period. Points are added for traffic violations like speeding, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents. If this is your suspension reason, you cannot straightforward pay a fee to restore it — you have to wait out a mandatory suspension period.
The length of the suspension depends on how many points you had and how quickly you accumulated them. The DPS will tell you the exact date your suspension ends when you call. On that date, you can visit an Alabama DPS office to restore your license. You will need to pay a restoration fee (the amount varies) and show a valid form of identification.
Suspensions for medical or administrative reasons
Some suspensions happen because the DPS has concerns about your medical fitness to drive or because you failed to respond to a notice from the state. If your suspension is medical-related, you may need to provide a doctor's statement confirming you are safe to drive. If it is administrative — for example, you did not renew your license or did not respond to a ticket — you will need to clear up that specific issue.
Call the DPS to understand exactly what documentation they need from you. Once you have gathered it, bring it to an Alabama DPS office in person. The staff can tell you on the spot whether what you have brought is sufficient or whether you need additional paperwork.
The restoration process at an Alabama DPS office
After you have completed all the requirements for your suspension reason, you must visit an Alabama DPS office to finalize the restoration. Bring your current identification, proof that you have met all requirements (payment receipts, program certificates, interlock installation proof, or medical clearance), and be ready to pay a restoration fee. The fee amount depends on the suspension reason and is not the same for everyone.
You can visit any Alabama DPS Driver License office. The main office is in Montgomery, but there are branch offices in other cities. Check the Alabama DPS website for office locations and hours before you go. Processing usually takes less than an hour if you have all required documents. Your license will be restored on the spot, and you can drive when ready.
What to do if you need to drive before restoration is complete
If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or essential reasons, you may be able to request a hardship license. A hardship license allows limited driving — usually to and from work, school, or medical appointments — while your suspension is still in effect. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a hardship license; DUI suspensions, for example, typically do not.
Contact the Alabama DPS to ask whether your suspension reason allows a hardship license. If it does, they will tell you what documents to bring and what restrictions will explore. A hardship license is temporary and will end when your full suspension is lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I meet all the requirements?
If you have completed all requirements and visit an Alabama DPS office with the correct documents, your license is usually restored the same day. The office visit itself takes less than an hour. However, if you are waiting for a court or child support office to notify the DPS of payment, that notification can take one to two weeks.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a hardship license?
A hardship license allows you to drive only for specific purposes listed on the license — typically work, school, or medical appointments. Driving for any other reason, or outside the permitted hours, is illegal and can result in additional charges. Check your hardship license to see exactly what it allows.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the Alabama DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4437. They can look up your suspension reason using your driver's license number and date of birth. Write down the reason and any case or ticket numbers they give you so you have the information for the next steps.
Do I have to pay a restoration fee even if the suspension was a mistake?
If the DPS determines the suspension was an error, they may waive the restoration fee. However, you will need to contact the DPS and provide evidence that the suspension was incorrect. In most cases where the suspension was valid, the restoration fee applies regardless of the reason.
Can I restore my license online or by mail?
No. You must visit an Alabama DPS office in person to restore your license. You cannot complete restoration online or by mail. Bring all required documents and be prepared to pay the restoration fee at the office.