What you need to do to reinstate your 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 and how much it costs. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains your suspension record, and you can contact them to learn the specific reason and what steps are required before reinstatement.
Most suspensions fall into a few categories: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, DUI-related suspensions, points accumulation, or failure to maintain insurance. Each has its own reinstatement process. Once you know the reason, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay what you owe, appear in court, complete a program, or wait out a mandatory suspension period — before the DPS will restore your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out exactly why your license was suspended, because the reason determines what you must do to get it back.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue first — such as paying court costs, completing a DUI program, or serving a waiting period — before you can request reinstatement.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS once the suspension reason has been cleared, and the fee varies depending on the type of suspension.
- If your suspension was for unpaid fines or court costs, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court rather than paying the full amount at once.
Finding out why your license is suspended
Call the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4417 or visit their website to check your driving record. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The DPS can tell you the exact suspension reason, the date it began, and what you must do to clear it.
If you are unsure whether your license is actually suspended, you can also try to renew it online or at an Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office. The system will tell you when ready if there is a hold on your record. Do not attempt to drive while suspended — the penalties include additional fines, possible jail time, and a longer suspension period.
Suspensions for unpaid fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the citation. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can set up a payment plan. Many Alabama courts will work with you on a payment schedule rather than requiring the full amount upfront.
Once you have paid in full or made arrangements to pay, ask the court clerk for written confirmation that the debt has been satisfied. Take this confirmation to the DPS when you request reinstatement. Some courts report payment to the DPS automatically, but it is safer to bring proof with you.
Suspensions related to DUI or refusal to take a breath test
DUI-related suspensions in Alabama are handled differently depending on whether it was your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. An administrative suspension (which happens when ready after arrest) is separate from any criminal court suspension that may follow a conviction.
For an administrative suspension, you may have had the right to request a hearing within 10 days of arrest — if you did not request one, the suspension stands. If you were convicted of DUI, the court will impose an additional criminal suspension. To reinstate after a DUI suspension, you typically must complete an alcohol and drug education program (such as DUI School) and provide proof of completion to the DPS. Some suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before reinstatement is possible.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points
Alabama uses a points system: traffic violations add points to your record, and when you reach a certain threshold, your license is suspended. The suspension length depends on how many points you accumulated. You cannot remove these points or shorten the suspension period — you must straightforward wait out the mandatory suspension time.
The DPS will tell you the exact date your suspension ends when you contact them. Once that date passes, you can request reinstatement by paying the reinstatement fee. You do not need to do anything else for a points-based suspension except wait and then pay the fee.
Suspensions for driving without insurance
If your license was suspended for driving without proof of insurance, you must obtain a current insurance policy and provide proof to the DPS. Your insurance company can issue a document called an SR-22 form (or an FR-44 form if you were convicted of DUI), which proves you have the required coverage. Some insurance companies charge extra for this filing.
Once you have the SR-22 or FR-44 in hand, take it to the DPS along with your reinstatement fee. The DPS will restore your license once they verify the insurance is active. If your policy lapses at any point, your license will be suspended again, so it is important to keep your insurance current.
Paying the reinstatement fee and completing the process
After you have resolved the reason for your suspension — whether that means paying fines, completing a program, or waiting out a mandatory period — you must pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS. The fee varies depending on the type of suspension and typically ranges from $100 to $300, though you should confirm the exact amount when you contact the DPS.
You can pay the reinstatement fee in person at any Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office, by mail, or online through the DPS website. Bring or send proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (court confirmation, program completion certificate, insurance documentation, or whatever applies to your situation). Once the DPS receives your payment and verifies that the suspension reason has been cleared, your license will be reinstated. This usually takes a few business days if you pay in person, or up to two weeks if you pay by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I get a hardship permit?
Alabama does not issue hardship or work permits for most suspensions. If your suspension is for unpaid court costs, you may be able to request a limited driving permit from the court, but this is not automatic and the court must approve it. Contact the court that issued your suspension to ask about this option.
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay the reinstatement fee?
If you pay in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office and all your documents are in order, reinstatement can happen the same day. If you pay by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing. Call the DPS to confirm your reinstatement has been processed before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the DPS or the court involved in your suspension to ask about payment plans. Some courts will allow you to pay reinstatement fees in installments, though this varies by location. The DPS can direct you to the right court or agency to discuss your options.
Will my suspension show up on a background check after my license is reinstated?
Your driving record will show that a suspension occurred, but once your license is reinstated, you are legally permitted to drive again. Employers and others who check your record will see the history, but the suspension itself is no longer active. You cannot erase the suspension from your record.
What happens if I drive while my license is suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Alabama. You can face fines up to $500, jail time, and an additional suspension period added to your original one. A second offense within five years carries steeper penalties. It is not worth the risk — use other transportation until your license is reinstated.