What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate your Alabama driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, because the steps and fees depend on the reason. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for different violations — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or not maintaining insurance. Each reason has its own reinstatement process and cost.
Start by contacting the Alabama DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 or visiting their office in Montgomery. They will tell you the specific reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it. Do not assume you can straightforward pay a fee and be done — some suspensions require court action, proof of insurance, or completion of a program before reinstatement is even possible.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Division first to learn the exact reason your license was suspended, because the reinstatement path differs for each type of suspension.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, attending court, completing a DUI program, or obtaining insurance — before you can reinstate.
- Reinstatement fees in Alabama typically range from $20 to $100 depending on the suspension type, but you may owe additional court costs or program fees.
- Once you have cleared the suspension reason, you can request reinstatement by mail, in person, or online through the Alabama DPS website, depending on your suspension type.
Suspensions for unpaid fines or traffic violations
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or failed to appear for a traffic court date, you must resolve that ticket first. Contact the court that issued the ticket — the citation should list which court — and either pay the fine in full or arrange a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay online; others require you to appear in person or mail a check.
Once the fine is paid or your court case is resolved, contact the Alabama DPS again to confirm the suspension has been cleared from their system. They may reinstate your license when ready, or they may require you to submit a reinstatement request form (Form DL-43) along with the reinstatement fee. The fee for this type of reinstatement is typically $20 to $30.
Suspensions related to DUI or drug convictions
A DUI or drug-related driving conviction carries a mandatory license suspension under Alabama law. The length of suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether anyone was injured. A first DUI suspension typically lasts 90 days to one year; a second or subsequent offense can result in a suspension of one to five years or longer.
Before you can reinstate after a DUI suspension, you must complete an alcohol or drug education program approved by the Alabama DPS. You will need to find a program provider, complete the course, and obtain a certificate of completion. The DPS website lists approved providers. After completing the program, submit your certificate along with Form DL-43 and the reinstatement fee (usually $50 to $100) to the DPS. Some DUI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before reinstatement is granted.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points
Alabama uses a point system for traffic violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period, your license will be suspended. Points remain on your record for two years from the date of the violation, so you cannot straightforward wait out the suspension — you must address the underlying violations.
To reinstate after a points suspension, you must wait out a mandatory suspension period (usually 30 days for a first suspension) and then submit a reinstatement request with Form DL-43 and the reinstatement fee. Some drivers also choose to take a defensive driving course, which can remove points from their record and help prevent future suspensions. The DPS can direct you to approved courses in your area.
Suspensions for no proof of insurance
If your license was suspended because you could not show proof of insurance at a traffic stop or after an accident, you must obtain a valid auto insurance policy before reinstatement. Once you have insurance, contact your insurance company and ask them to file an SR-22 form (or SR-50 if you own a commercial vehicle) with the Alabama DPS. This form proves to the state that you are insured.
After the SR-22 is filed, the DPS will reinstate your license automatically in most cases. If you need to speed up the process, you can submit Form DL-43 along with a copy of your insurance card and the reinstatement fee to the DPS in person or by mail. Keep your insurance active for the period required by the DPS — typically three years — or your license may be suspended again.
How to submit your reinstatement request
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you have three ways to request reinstatement. You can visit a DPS Driver License office in person with your completed Form DL-43, proof that you have resolved the suspension reason (such as a court receipt, program certificate, or insurance card), and the reinstatement fee. Bring a valid ID and be prepared to wait.
You can also mail your reinstatement request to the Alabama DPS Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include Form DL-43, copies of your proof documents, a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks.
Some reinstatement requests can be handled online through the Alabama DPS website, though this option is not available for all suspension types. Check the DPS website or call 334-242-4437 to confirm whether your suspension can be reinstated online.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After you submit your reinstatement request, the DPS will review your documents to confirm that you have met all requirements. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and you will receive a new license card by mail within one to two weeks. If you submitted your request in person, you may be able to drive home on the same day with a temporary license.
If the DPS finds that you have not fully resolved the suspension reason, they will contact you to explain what is still needed. Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated — driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Alabama and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reinstate my license in Alabama?
Reinstatement fees range from $20 to $100 depending on the type of suspension. Traffic violation suspensions typically cost $20 to $30, while DUI suspensions cost $50 to $100. You may also owe court costs, program fees, or other charges related to the original violation.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Alabama, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. Wait until you receive confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you drive. If you are stopped while your license is suspended, you can face criminal charges.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the Alabama DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 or visit their website. They can look up your record and tell you the reason. You can also visit a DPS office in person with your ID and they will print out a record of your suspension.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or driving test. You only need to resolve the reason for the suspension, submit the required documents, and pay the reinstatement fee. Your original license will be reinstated once the DPS confirms you have met all requirements.
What if my suspension was for a DUI and I need to drive for work?
Alabama may issue a restricted license for work purposes during a DUI suspension, but you must request this before your suspension begins or very early in the suspension period. Contact the court that handled your DUI case to ask about a work permit or restricted license. These are not automatic and require court approval.