Alabama requires you to contact the Department of Public Safety, pay any fines or fees owed, and sometimes complete a suspension period before your license can be reinstated
A suspended license in Alabama means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The process to get your license back depends on why it was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. Each path has different requirements and timelines.
The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all license reinstatement requests. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension; you must take specific steps to show the reason for suspension has been resolved. This might mean paying fines to the court, completing a DUI program, or waiting for a mandatory suspension period to end.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety directly to learn why your license was suspended and what steps are required to reinstate it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or court costs before reinstatement can happen.
- DUI-related suspensions require completion of an alcohol education program and payment of reinstatement fees before your license can be restored.
- You must submit proof that the suspension cause has been resolved, either by mail, in person, or through the DPS website.
- Reinstatement fees in Alabama range depending on the suspension reason, and you may also owe court costs or program fees.
Finding out why your license was suspended
The first step is to confirm the exact reason for your suspension. The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains records of all active suspensions. You can contact them by phone at 334-242-4400 during business hours, or visit their office in Montgomery at 301 South Ripley Street.
When you call or visit, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DPS staff will tell you the suspension reason, the date it began, and what you must do to have it lifted. Write down all this information — you will need it to complete the reinstatement process.
You can also check your suspension status online through the Alabama DPS website, though the online system does not always show the specific steps required. A phone call is usually faster and more detailed.
Paying fines and court costs
If your suspension resulted from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid court costs, you must pay these amounts before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the citation or the court where you failed to appear. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and where to send payment.
Some courts accept payment by mail, phone, or online through their website. Others require you to appear in person. Once the court receives full payment, they will notify the Alabama DPS that the suspension cause has been resolved. This notification can take one to two weeks.
Keep a copy of your payment receipt or confirmation number. You may need to show proof of payment when you submit your reinstatement request to the DPS.
DUI suspension requirements
If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction or refusal to submit to a breath or blood test, the reinstatement process is more involved. Alabama requires completion of an alcohol education program before your license can be restored. The program is typically eight hours long and covers the dangers of impaired driving and substance abuse.
You must complete this program through an approved provider. The Alabama DPS website lists certified programs by county. After you finish the program, the provider will send a completion certificate directly to the DPS. You will also need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on whether the suspension was for a conviction or a refusal.
DUI-related suspensions also have a mandatory waiting period. For a first offense, you cannot drive for at least 45 days from the date of suspension. During this time, you cannot request reinstatement even if you have completed the education program. After the waiting period ends and the program is done, you can submit your reinstatement request.
Points-based suspensions and administrative suspensions
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points on your driving record, the reinstatement process depends on how many points you have. Alabama suspends licenses when a driver reaches 12 points within a two-year period. The suspension is automatic and does not require court action.
For a points-based suspension, you must wait out a mandatory suspension period — typically 30 days for a first suspension. After this period ends, you can request reinstatement by contacting the Alabama DPS. You do not need to pay a reinstatement fee for points-based suspensions, but you may need to pay a license renewal fee if your license has expired.
Administrative suspensions — those imposed by the DPS rather than a court — also have waiting periods that vary by reason. The DPS will tell you the exact waiting period when you call to ask about your suspension.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have resolved the suspension cause — paid fines, completed a DUI program, waited out the mandatory period, or met other requirements — you can request reinstatement. You have three options: mail, in person, or online.
To reinstate by mail, send a letter to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, 301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and proof that you have met all reinstatement requirements. This might be a court payment receipt, DUI program completion certificate, or a statement that the waiting period has ended. Mail reinstatement typically takes two to three weeks.
To reinstate in person, visit the DPS office in Montgomery or a regional office in your area. Bring your driver's license, proof of meeting all requirements, and any fees owed. In-person reinstatement is usually processed the same day. To reinstate online, visit the Alabama DPS website and follow the prompts for license reinstatement. Online reinstatement is available for certain suspension types and is processed within one to two business days.
Reinstatement fees and costs
Alabama charges a reinstatement fee when your license is restored. The amount depends on the suspension reason. For most suspensions, the fee is $20. For DUI-related suspensions, the fee is higher — typically $50 to $100 depending on whether it was a conviction or refusal. Some suspension types do not carry a reinstatement fee, but you may owe court costs or program fees instead.
Ask the Alabama DPS or the relevant court exactly what fees you owe before you submit your reinstatement request. If you are unsure whether you can afford the fees, contact the court to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some courts will work with you if you demonstrate financial hardship.
What happens after reinstatement is approved
Once the Alabama DPS approves your reinstatement request, your driving privileges are restored. If you submitted your request by mail or online, you will receive written confirmation. If you submitted in person, you will receive confirmation on the spot. Your physical license will remain valid once reinstatement is approved — you do not need to wait for a new card to arrive.
If your license has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it. Renewal can be done at the same time as reinstatement or afterward. Check the expiration date on your license to see if renewal is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until the Alabama DPS has approved your reinstatement request and your suspension is officially lifted. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Alabama and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fines or reinstatement fees?
Contact the court that issued your fines to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some courts will allow you to pay in installments or may reduce fees if you demonstrate financial hardship. The Alabama DPS may also work with you on reinstatement fees in certain situations — call 334-242-4400 to discuss your options.
How long does reinstatement take?
Reinstatement time varies by method. In-person reinstatement at an Alabama DPS office is usually processed the same day. Online reinstatement takes one to two business days. Mail reinstatement takes two to three weeks. The time does not include any mandatory waiting periods you must complete before you can request reinstatement.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatement requests. The process is straightforward and you can handle it yourself by contacting the Alabama DPS and paying any required fees. If your suspension is related to a criminal case or you are unsure about your options, speaking with a lawyer may be helpful.
What if my reinstatement request is denied?
If the Alabama DPS denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation of why. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines, or failure to complete a required program. Contact the DPS to find out what additional steps are needed and resubmit your request once you have met all requirements.