Alabama reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended
The cost to reinstate your Alabama driver's license ranges from $20 to $250, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs less than a suspension for a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support. You will also need to pay any underlying fines, court costs, or restitution that caused the suspension in the first place — the reinstatement fee is separate from those amounts.
Before you pay anything, you need to know which type of suspension you have. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains your driving record, and the reason for suspension determines both the fee and the steps you must take. Some suspensions require you to contact a court; others require contact with a different state agency.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement fees in Alabama range from $20 to $250 depending on the suspension reason, and you must pay any underlying fines or court costs separately.
- You can find your suspension reason by calling the Alabama DPS at 334-242-4400 or checking your driving record online through their website.
- Traffic-related suspensions usually require you to pay fines to the court that issued the ticket, while DUI suspensions require completion of specific programs before reinstatement is possible.
- Once all requirements are met and fees are paid, reinstatement typically takes one to two business days after the DPS receives your payment.
How to find out why your license was suspended
Call the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4400 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 specific reason for suspension and what you must do to clear it.
You can also check your driving record online through the Alabama DPS website. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online record shows suspension status and reason, though it may not show all payment options or program requirements.
Reinstatement fees by suspension type
| Suspension Reason | Reinstatement Fee | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines or court costs | $20 | Pay fines and court costs to the court that issued the citation |
| Failure to pay child support | $50 | Contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources; payment plan may be available |
| Failure to maintain auto insurance | $20 | Proof of current insurance; submit SR-22 form if required by court |
| DUI conviction (first offense) | $250 | Complete DUI education program; mandatory waiting period applies |
| Reckless driving or habitual traffic offender | $100–$250 | Varies by offense; contact DPS or the court for specifics |
| Medical suspension (vision or health) | $20 | Pass vision test or provide medical clearance from physician |
What to do if your suspension is traffic-related
If your license was suspended because of unpaid fines or failure to appear in court, you must contact the court that issued the ticket. Find the court's phone number on your citation or by searching the Alabama court system website by county. The court will tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone, in person, or online depending on the court's system.
Once the court confirms payment, notify the Alabama DPS that the underlying violation has been resolved. You can then pay the $20 reinstatement fee to the DPS by mail, phone, or in person at a DPS office. The DPS will process your reinstatement within one to two business days of receiving payment.
What to do if your suspension is DUI-related
A DUI suspension in Alabama involves a mandatory waiting period and completion of an approved DUI education program before reinstatement is possible. The waiting period is typically 45 days for a first offense, though it may be longer if your blood alcohol content was above a certain threshold or if you refused a breath test.
You must enroll in an approved DUI education program (sometimes called a DUI school or substance abuse program) before the DPS will reinstate your license. The program provider will submit proof of completion directly to the DPS. Once the waiting period has passed and the DPS receives proof of program completion, you can pay the $250 reinstatement fee. Contact the DPS to confirm all requirements are met before paying the fee.
Paying the reinstatement fee
The Alabama DPS accepts reinstatement payments by mail, phone, or in person. To pay by phone, call 334-242-4400 and have a credit card or debit card ready. To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include your driver's license number on the check.
To pay in person, visit a DPS office in your county. Office locations and hours are listed on the Alabama DPS website. Bring your driver's license or identification and the exact fee amount in cash, check, or card (depending on the office). Some offices may require an appointment.
What happens after you pay
After the DPS receives your payment and confirms all suspension requirements are met, your license will be reinstated within one to two business days. You will receive a confirmation by mail or email, depending on how you paid. You can also call the DPS to confirm your reinstatement status.
If you paid by mail, allow five to seven business days for the check to arrive and be processed. If you paid in person or by phone, reinstatement is usually faster. Once reinstated, you can legally drive when ready — you do not need to wait for a new physical license card to arrive in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my license online?
No. You must pay the reinstatement fee by phone, mail, or in person at a DPS office. You can check your suspension status online, but payment must be made through one of those three methods.
What if I cannot afford the full reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Alabama DPS or the court involved in your suspension to ask about payment plans. Some courts allow installment payments for fines, which may reduce the total amount owed before reinstatement. The DPS does not offer payment plans for the reinstatement fee itself.
Do I need to take a new driving test to reinstate my license?
Not usually. For most suspensions, you only need to pay the fee and meet any program requirements (like DUI education). However, if your suspension was medical-related, you may need to pass a vision test or provide a doctor's clearance before reinstatement.
How long does reinstatement take if I pay in person?
One to two business days. The DPS processes in-person payments the same day you pay, but the reinstatement status updates in their system within that timeframe. You can drive legally once the DPS confirms reinstatement.
What if I have multiple suspensions on my record?
You must resolve all suspensions before your license can be reinstated. Contact the DPS to find out which agencies or courts are involved, then work with each one to clear the underlying violation. Once all are resolved, you pay a single reinstatement fee to the DPS.