Send your suspended Alabama license to the Alabama Department of Public Safety

If your driver's license has been suspended in Alabama, you do not mail it to a single central address. Instead, the process depends on why your license was suspended and which agency suspended it. Most suspensions come from the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS), which handles traffic violations and administrative suspensions. Some suspensions, however, come from the Alabama Department of Revenue (for unpaid taxes or child support) or the court system (for criminal convictions or unpaid fines).

The Alabama Department of Public Safety's mailing address for license-related matters is:

Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery, AL 36102-1471

Before you send anything, contact DPS directly to confirm whether they hold your suspension and what documents they need. Sending a license to the wrong agency or without the required paperwork delays reinstatement.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alabama Department of Public Safety in Montgomery handles most driver license suspensions, but you should call them first to confirm they issued yours.
  • Different suspension types (DUI, unpaid fines, child support, medical) require different documents and may be handled by different agencies.
  • You can reach DPS at 334-242-4400 to learn what paperwork you need and whether mailing your license is the correct next step.
  • Some suspensions require you to pay fees, complete a program, or satisfy a court order before reinstatement, regardless of where you send your license.

Why your suspension type matters

Alabama suspends licenses for different reasons, and the agency that handles reinstatement depends on the cause. A suspension for a traffic violation or DUI goes through DPS. A suspension for unpaid child support goes through the Department of Revenue. A suspension tied to a criminal conviction or unpaid court fines may require action through the court that issued the sentence.

Your suspension notice should state the reason and the agency responsible. If you no longer have that notice, call DPS at 334-242-4400 and provide your name and date of birth. They can tell you whether the suspension is in their system and what you need to do next.

What to include when you send your license

If DPS confirms they hold your suspension and instructs you to mail your license, include a letter with your full name, date of birth, driver license number, and the reason for the suspension (as stated in your notice). Do not send cash. If you owe reinstatement fees, DPS will tell you how to pay them—usually by check, money order, or online through their website.

Keep a copy of everything you send. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the package arrived. DPS processes mailed documents, but the timeline can be slower than handling matters in person or by phone.

Reinstatement fees and requirements beyond mailing your license

Mailing your suspended license does not automatically reinstate your driving rights. You must also satisfy the underlying reason for the suspension. For a DUI suspension, you may need to complete a substance abuse program, install an ignition interlock device, or wait out a mandatory suspension period. For unpaid fines, you must pay the balance. For child support suspensions, you must bring your account current or enter a payment agreement.

Reinstatement fees in Alabama vary by suspension type but typically range from $100 to $300. DPS will quote the exact amount when you call. Some fees are non-refundable even if your suspension is later overturned on appeal.

In-person reinstatement at a DPS office

If you live near Montgomery or another DPS office location, you can often handle reinstatement in person faster than by mail. The main DPS Driver License Division office is at 301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Call ahead to confirm hours and bring your suspension notice, proof of payment (if required), and any completion certificates (such as a DUI program certificate).

DPS also operates driver license offices in larger cities across the state. You can find the nearest location and hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or by calling 334-242-4400.

If your suspension came from a different agency

Child support suspensions are managed by the Alabama Department of Revenue, not DPS. If your suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement Division at 334-242-9300. They will tell you the amount owed and how to bring your account current.

Court-ordered suspensions require action through the court that issued the order. If you were convicted of a crime or owe court fines, contact the district court or circuit court in the county where your case was heard. The court clerk can tell you what you must do to satisfy the suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to mail my physical license to DPS, or can I just pay the fees?

It depends on your suspension type. Some suspensions require you to surrender your license; others only require payment and completion of a program. Call DPS at 334-242-4400 before mailing anything. They will tell you exactly what reinstatement requires in your case.

What if I lost my suspended license and don't have it to mail?

Tell DPS when you call. You can usually request a replacement license at the same time you handle reinstatement. Bring a photo ID and proof of residency to a DPS office, or ask whether you can mail a replacement request along with your reinstatement paperwork.

How long does reinstatement take after I mail my license?

Processing times vary, but mailed requests typically take two to four weeks. In-person reinstatement at a DPS office is usually faster—often the same day if all requirements are met. Call DPS to ask about current processing times before you mail anything.

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Alabama and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and license suspension extension. Wait for written confirmation of reinstatement before you drive.

What if I disagree with the suspension?

You have the right to request a hearing. Contact DPS or the agency that issued the suspension to learn how to file an appeal. The important date to request a hearing is usually short, so act quickly if you believe the suspension was issued in error.