What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Alabama driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then pay any fines or fees owed to the state, and finally submit a reinstatement request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process takes between one and three weeks after you submit your paperwork. You cannot drive legally until the suspension is lifted, even if you have applied for reinstatement.
The reason for your suspension determines what you must do. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires payment plus a reinstatement fee. A suspension for failure to appear in court requires you to resolve the court case first. A suspension for unpaid child support requires proof from the Department of Human Resources that the debt is current. A suspension for medical reasons requires a doctor's clearance. Each path is different, so your first step is always to find out which one applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Division to learn the specific reason your license was suspended before you do anything else.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or court-ordered debts, then submit a reinstatement form with proof of payment.
- You can check your suspension status and pay reinstatement fees online through the Alabama DPS website, or by mail or in person at a DPS office.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to three weeks after the DPS receives your completed request and payment.
- Driving on a suspended license in Alabama carries criminal penalties, including fines up to $500 and possible jail time.
Find out why your license was suspended
Call the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you must do to resolve it.
You can also check your suspension status online through the Alabama DPS website. Go to dps.alabama.gov, find the Driver License section, and look for the status check tool. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show whether your license is suspended and, in many cases, the reason why.
Write down the reason and any case numbers, court information, or agency names the DPS provides. You will need this information to move forward. If the reason is unclear, ask the DPS staff member to explain what steps you must take and in what order.
Pay outstanding fines, fees, or court debts
Most suspensions stem from unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or failure to appear in court. If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket or citation. Contact the court directly to confirm the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
If your suspension is for failure to appear in court, you must first resolve the underlying case. This usually means appearing in court or having an attorney appear on your behalf. Once the case is resolved (whether you pay a fine, complete community service, or satisfy another court order), the court will notify the DPS that the suspension can be lifted.
If your suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources to bring your account current. Once you have made the required payment or entered into a payment plan, DHR will send proof to the DPS that you are in compliance.
Keep all receipts and proof of payment. You will need to submit these with your reinstatement request.
Submit your reinstatement request and fee
Once you have resolved the underlying issue (paid fines, appeared in court, or satisfied the debt), you must submit a reinstatement request to the Alabama DPS. The reinstatement fee is $20. You can pay and submit your request in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
Online: Visit dps.alabama.gov and navigate to the Driver License section. Look for the reinstatement or suspension resolution option. You will enter your driver's license number, pay the $20 fee by credit or debit card, and upload proof of payment for any fines or court debts. The system will confirm receipt when ready.
By mail: Send a letter to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include your name, driver's license number, date of birth, the reason the license was suspended, and proof that you have resolved the issue (receipt of payment, court order, or letter from the relevant agency). Enclose a check or money order for $20 made payable to the State of Alabama. Mail takes five to seven business days to arrive, plus processing time.
In person: Visit any Alabama DPS Driver License office with your driver's license, proof of payment or resolution, and $20 in cash or check. Staff will process your reinstatement on the spot. Find office locations and hours at dps.alabama.gov.
What happens after you submit your request
The Alabama DPS will review your reinstatement request and verify that the underlying issue has been resolved. This verification step takes one to three weeks. You will not receive a new physical license in the mail; instead, the suspension will be removed from your record, and you will be able to drive legally again.
If you submitted your request online or in person, you can check the status of your reinstatement through the DPS website or by calling 334-242-4437. If you submitted by mail, allow extra time for processing before calling to check status.
Once the suspension is lifted, your original license remains valid and you do not need to renew it unless it is already expired. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it separately through the standard renewal process.
Medical suspensions and other special cases
If your license was suspended for medical reasons (such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or other health condition), you cannot reinstate it without a doctor's clearance. Contact your physician and request a letter stating that you are medically fit to drive. The letter should address the specific condition that led to the suspension.
Submit the medical clearance letter to the Alabama DPS along with your reinstatement request and the $20 fee. The DPS may require you to pass a vision test or written exam before reinstating your license. Call 334-242-4437 to ask what documentation the DPS needs for your specific medical situation.
If your license was suspended for multiple reasons (for example, unpaid fines and a failure to appear), you must resolve all of them before the DPS will reinstate your license. Ask the DPS which issues must be addressed first, as some may have important date.
Avoid driving on a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended is illegal in Alabama and carries serious consequences. A first offense can result in a fine up to $500, and a second or subsequent offense can result in jail time up to 30 days, a fine up to $500, or both. A conviction for driving with a suspended license also extends your suspension period.
If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is suspended, you will be cited and may be arrested. Your vehicle may be impounded. Even if you have submitted a reinstatement request, you are not legally permitted to drive until the DPS confirms that the suspension has been lifted.
If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, arrange for someone else to drive, use public transportation, or use a rideshare service. The reinstatement process typically takes only a few weeks, so the wait is temporary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Alabama?
Reinstatement typically takes one to three weeks after the Alabama DPS receives your completed request and payment. If you submit online or in person, processing is faster than if you submit by mail. You can check the status of your request by calling 334-242-4437 or checking the DPS website.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally until the DPS confirms that your suspension has been lifted. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Alabama, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. Wait for written confirmation that your license is reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the fine or fee right away?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you have entered into a payment plan, ask the court to notify the DPS so your suspension can be lifted while you pay. The $20 reinstatement fee must be paid in full when you submit your reinstatement request.
Do I need to take a new written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No, unless your suspension was for medical reasons or the DPS specifically requires it. In most cases, reinstatement is automatic once you have resolved the underlying issue and paid the reinstatement fee. If a test is required, the DPS will tell you when you call or submit your request.
What if I lost my driver's license or it expired while it was suspended?
Reinstate the suspension first by following the steps above. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your expired license or replace a lost license through the standard DPS renewal or replacement process. You will need to pay both the reinstatement fee and the renewal or replacement fee.