What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License
To reinstate a suspended license in Alabama, you must first contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps are required. The reinstatement process varies depending on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a DUI conviction. Once you know the reason, you'll need to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, complete a court requirement, or satisfy a medical evaluation) and then submit a reinstatement request to DPS along with the required fee.
The reinstatement fee in Alabama is $20 for most suspensions, though some situations may require additional fees. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period — you must take active steps to resolve what caused it. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your reinstatement request, though this depends on how quickly you resolve the underlying issue and how busy DPS is at the time.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to learn the specific reason your license was suspended before you attempt reinstatement.
- You must resolve the underlying issue — such as paying fines, completing court requirements, or passing a medical evaluation — before DPS will reinstate your license.
- Submit your reinstatement request in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the Alabama DPS website, along with the $20 reinstatement fee.
- The process typically takes two to four weeks from submission, but you cannot drive legally until DPS confirms your license is reinstated.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Your first step is to contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety directly. You can call their 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 when you call. The staff member will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you need to do to resolve it.
If you prefer not to call, you can visit a DPS office in person. Alabama has multiple regional DPS offices throughout the state — the main office is in Montgomery, but there are locations in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Alabama DPS website. Visiting in person allows you to ask detailed questions and sometimes get faster answers, though you may have to wait in line.
Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a court date, unpaid child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, medical suspension (usually after a seizure or loss of consciousness), or suspension related to a DUI conviction. Each reason has different reinstatement requirements, so knowing the exact reason is essential before you proceed.
Resolving the Underlying Issue
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must address that specific problem. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you'll need to pay the full amount owed. Contact the court that issued the fine (usually the municipal court or district court in the county where the violation occurred) to find out the exact amount and payment methods. Many courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person.
If your suspension is related to failure to appear in court, you must contact the court and resolve the case. This may mean appearing in court on a new date, paying a fine, or working out a payment plan. The court will notify DPS once the matter is resolved, but you should ask the court clerk for written confirmation that you've satisfied the requirement.
For suspensions due to unpaid child support, contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources or the court that issued the child support order. You'll need to either pay the full amount owed or establish a payment plan. Once the child support obligation is current, the agency will notify DPS, though this can take several weeks.
If your suspension is medical-related, you'll need to see a physician and have them complete a medical evaluation form. The form confirms that you're medically fit to drive. You can obtain the form from DPS or from your doctor's office. Once completed, you'll submit it as part of your reinstatement request.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request
After you've resolved the underlying issue, you can submit your reinstatement request. Alabama offers three ways to do this: in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the Alabama DPS website. The online method is fastest if you have all required documents ready and can pay the fee electronically.
To reinstate online, visit the Alabama DPS website and look for the Driver License Services section. You'll need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for suspension. You'll upload proof that you've resolved the issue (such as a court receipt showing payment, a medical evaluation form, or a letter from the child support agency). You'll pay the $20 reinstatement fee by credit or debit card. DPS will review your submission and contact you if they need additional information.
If you prefer to mail your request, send it to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include a completed reinstatement form (available on the DPS website), copies of proof that you've resolved the underlying issue, and a check or money order for $20 made payable to the State of Alabama. Keep copies of everything you send.
For in-person reinstatement, visit any DPS office with your driver's license, proof of resolution, and the $20 fee. This method is useful if you want to confirm when ready that your request is complete and correct. Staff can often spot missing documents on the spot rather than having you discover the problem weeks later.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
Once DPS receives your reinstatement request, they will review it to confirm that you've resolved the underlying issue and that all required documents are included. If everything is in order, they will process your reinstatement and update their system. You cannot legally drive until DPS confirms that your license is reinstated — straightforward submitting the request does not restore your driving privileges.
DPS will contact you by mail or phone (depending on which method you used to submit) to confirm that your license has been reinstated. If you submitted online or by mail, this notification typically arrives within two to four weeks. If you submitted in person, you may receive confirmation the same day or within a few business days. Some DPS offices can print a temporary driving permit on the spot, which allows you to drive legally while you wait for your official license to arrive by mail.
If DPS finds that your request is incomplete or that you haven't fully resolved the underlying issue, they will contact you and explain what's missing. You'll have the opportunity to provide additional documents or information. This can add one to two weeks to the process, so it's important to make sure everything is correct before you submit.
Driving Legally During the Reinstatement Process
You cannot legally drive while your license is suspended, even if you've submitted a reinstatement request and are waiting for approval. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Alabama and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you're stopped by law enforcement before your reinstatement is complete, you could face charges even if your reinstatement paperwork is in progress.
If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, ask DPS whether they can issue a temporary driving permit. Some offices issue these on the spot when you submit your reinstatement request in person. A temporary permit is valid for a limited time (usually 30 days) and allows you to drive legally while DPS processes your full reinstatement. Not all suspension types may have access to for a temporary permit, so ask when you submit your request.
Special Situations and Additional Requirements
If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction, reinstatement may require additional steps beyond paying fines. You may need to complete a substance abuse evaluation, attend a DUI education program, or install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. These requirements vary depending on whether it was your first DUI and the specific circumstances of your case. Contact DPS or the court that handled your DUI case to find out what's required in your situation.
If you have multiple suspensions (for example, one for unpaid fines and another for unpaid child support), you must resolve all of them before DPS will reinstate your license. Ask DPS to list all active suspensions on your record so you don't miss any. Resolving one suspension but not others will delay your reinstatement.
If your license was suspended because you failed to maintain auto insurance, you'll need to obtain a current insurance policy and provide proof to DPS. Your insurance company can issue a proof-of-insurance document when ready. Some insurance companies can send this directly to DPS on your behalf, so ask your agent whether they offer this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I'm waiting for reinstatement?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Alabama, even for essential purposes like work or medical appointments. If you're stopped, you can be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license, which carries separate penalties. Your only legal option is to use a temporary driving permit if DPS issues one, or to arrange alternative transportation.
How long does reinstatement take if I submit everything correctly?
If you submit your request in person with all required documents and proof of resolution, DPS can sometimes reinstate your license the same day or within a few business days. If you submit by mail or online, expect two to four weeks. The timeline depends on how busy DPS is and how quickly they can verify that you've resolved the underlying issue.
What if I can't pay the full amount owed for fines or child support right now?
Contact the court or agency that issued the debt and ask about a payment plan. Many courts and child support agencies will work with you to set up installment payments. Once you have an approved payment plan in writing, you may be able to submit that as proof of resolution and have your license reinstated while you make payments. Ask DPS whether they will accept a payment plan agreement.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any tests. You only need to resolve the underlying issue and pay the reinstatement fee. The exception is if your license was suspended for medical reasons — in that case, you'll need a physician's clearance, but not a driving test.
What if I move out of state while my license is suspended?
You'll still need to reinstate your Alabama license if you want to drive in Alabama. If you've moved permanently to another state, you can obtain a license in your new state, but your Alabama suspension will remain on your record. If you return to Alabama, you'll still need to resolve the suspension. Contact the Alabama DPS to discuss your specific situation.