What happens when your Alabama license is suspended
A suspended license in Alabama means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The state suspends licenses for specific reasons — most commonly unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from violations, or driving under the influence. The suspension stays in effect until you address whatever caused it and pay any required fees to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS).
You will receive a notice in the mail explaining why your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it. The notice includes a important date and the specific steps required. If you ignore the suspension and drive anyway, you face criminal charges for driving with a suspended license, which carries fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspension reason determines what you must do to restore it — unpaid fines, court appearances, and DUI convictions each require different steps.
- You can check your suspension status and reason through the Alabama DPS website or by calling their driver license section directly.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines or fees, resolve the underlying violation, and then submit a restoration request to DPS.
- Restoration typically takes two to four weeks after DPS receives your completed request and payment.
- If you cannot pay fines in full, some courts allow payment plans or community service options — contact the court that issued the suspension.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can restore your license, you need to know the exact reason for the suspension. The DPS mailed you a notice, but if you cannot find it or need to verify the current status, you have two options: check online through the Alabama DPS website or call them directly.
To check online, go to the Alabama DPS website and use their driver license status lookup tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show your suspension status, the reason, and what actions are required to lift it. If you prefer to call, contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Section at their main number — they can tell you the suspension reason and walk you through the next steps over the phone.
Write down the exact reason and any case or citation numbers provided. This information is essential for the next step, because different reasons require different actions.
Handle unpaid fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or failure to pay a judgment, you must settle the debt before restoration. Contact the court that issued the citation or the traffic violations bureau listed in your suspension notice. They will tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone, mail, or in person.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask the court about a payment plan or community service option. Many Alabama courts allow you to work off fines through community service hours, which can reduce or eliminate the amount you owe. Once you have paid in full or completed the agreed arrangement, the court will notify DPS automatically, or you may need to request a letter from the court confirming payment and submit it to DPS yourself.
Keep a copy of any payment receipt or court letter confirming the debt is settled. You will need this when you request restoration.
Resolve failure to appear charges
If you missed a court date and your license was suspended for failure to appear, you must go back to court to resolve the underlying case. Contact the court listed in your suspension notice and explain that you missed the date. The court will either reschedule you or allow you to resolve the case by phone or mail, depending on the type of violation.
Attend the rescheduled hearing or complete whatever resolution the court offers — paying a fine, pleading guilty, or going to trial. Once the case is resolved, the court will send notice to DPS, or you can request a letter from the court confirming the case is closed and submit it with your restoration request.
Do not ignore a failure to appear suspension. The longer it sits unresolved, the more serious the consequences become, and you may face additional charges for driving with a suspended license.
Address DUI suspensions and required programs
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, restoration requires more steps than other suspensions. You must complete a DUI education program (usually a one-day or multi-week course depending on your offense), pay the DUI reinstatement fee to DPS, and sometimes complete a substance abuse treatment program if the court ordered it.
The court that handled your DUI case will tell you which programs you must complete and provide a list of approved providers. Once you finish the required program, the provider sends proof of completion to DPS. You then submit your restoration request along with the DUI reinstatement fee (currently $250 in Alabama, though this may vary). DPS will also require an SR-22 insurance form from your insurance company, which proves you carry the minimum required coverage.
DUI suspensions typically last longer than other types — often six months to three years depending on whether it was a first or repeat offense. Check your suspension notice for the earliest date you become may be able to access for restoration.
Submit your restoration request to DPS
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension — paid fines, completed court requirements, or finished required programs — you are ready to request restoration. You can submit your request online through the Alabama DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
If you submit online, you will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method for any reinstatement fees. The online system will guide you through the process and confirm receipt when ready. If you submit by mail, send a letter to the Alabama DPS Driver License Section that includes your name, driver's license number, date of birth, the reason your license was suspended, and proof that you have resolved the issue (court letter, program completion certificate, or payment receipt). Include a check or money order for any reinstatement fees payable to the State of Alabama.
Keep a copy of everything you submit. DPS typically processes restoration requests within two to four weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
What to expect after you submit your request
After DPS receives your restoration request and payment, they will review it to confirm that the suspension reason has been resolved. If everything is in order, they will lift the suspension and mail you a new license or a notice confirming restoration. You can drive legally once the suspension is lifted, even if you have not yet received the physical license in the mail.
If DPS finds that your request is incomplete — for example, you submitted payment but not proof of program completion — they will contact you by mail or phone to ask for the missing information. Respond promptly to avoid further delays. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call the DPS Driver License Section to check the status of your request.
Once your license is restored, make sure you understand what caused the suspension so you can avoid it happening again. If it was points from traffic violations, drive carefully to keep your record clean. If it was a DUI, take the education seriously and follow all court-ordered requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my restoration request is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally until DPS officially lifts the suspension. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Alabama, even if you have submitted a restoration request. Wait for DPS to confirm that your suspension has been lifted before you get behind the wheel.
What if I have multiple reasons for suspension?
You must resolve all of them before your license can be restored. For example, if you have unpaid fines and a failure to appear charge, you need to pay the fines and resolve the court case. Contact DPS or the relevant courts to get a complete list of everything that must be addressed.
How much does it cost to restore my license?
Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for suspension. Most suspensions carry a reinstatement fee of $50 to $100, but DUI suspensions cost $250. You may also owe the original fines or court costs that caused the suspension. Contact DPS or the court to find out the total amount you owe.
What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee?
Contact the court that issued the suspension and ask about payment plans, community service options, or fee waivers based on financial hardship. Some courts will work with you if you demonstrate that you cannot pay the full amount at once. Explain your situation and ask what options are available.
Do I need a new photo for my restored license?
If your license is still valid and has not expired, DPS will straightforward lift the suspension and return your existing license. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it, which requires a new photo and a visit to a DPS office or an approved third-party location.