What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended license in Alabama, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you do next. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains your suspension record, and you can contact them to learn the specific cause. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, DUI conviction, or failure to maintain insurance. Once you know the reason, you address that issue directly — paying fines, clearing a court matter, completing a required program, or meeting insurance requirements — then request reinstatement through DPS.
The reinstatement process itself is straightforward: you submit a reinstatement request to DPS, pay a reinstatement fee (currently $200 for most suspensions in Alabama, though this can vary), and provide proof that you have resolved the underlying issue. DPS will review your request and notify you whether your license has been reinstated. The entire process typically takes one to three weeks after DPS receives your complete request.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out the specific reason your license was suspended, because different reasons require different steps to fix.
- You must resolve the underlying issue — pay outstanding fines, clear a court case, complete a DUI program, or prove insurance — before DPS will reinstate your license.
- Submit a reinstatement request to DPS along with the $200 reinstatement fee and documentation that the problem is resolved.
- Processing typically takes one to three weeks; DPS will mail you notification of whether your license has been reinstated.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Call the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to learn the reason for your suspension. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. The staff member will tell you the specific cause and what steps you need to take to resolve it. If you prefer not to call, you can visit a DPS Driver License office in person — there is one in Birmingham at 2060 Dexter Avenue — and ask for your suspension information.
Write down the exact reason and any case or citation numbers the DPS representative gives you. This information is essential for the next step, because you cannot request reinstatement until you have addressed the underlying issue. If the suspension is related to a court case or unpaid fine, the DPS representative may also give you a phone number or case number to contact the court directly.
Resolving unpaid traffic fines or court fines
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the citation or fine. For Birmingham traffic violations, this is usually the Birmingham Municipal Court. You can call them at 205-254-2700 to confirm the amount owed and your payment options. Many courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person at their office (located at 710 North 20th Street in Birmingham). Once you pay the fine in full, ask the court to send written confirmation to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, or request a receipt showing payment so you can include it with your reinstatement request.
If you cannot pay the full amount when ready, ask the court about a payment plan. Some courts will work with you to set up installments, though your license will remain suspended until the entire balance is paid. Do not ignore the fine — the longer it remains unpaid, the more difficult reinstatement becomes.
Clearing a failure to appear in court
If your suspension resulted from failing to appear at a scheduled court date, contact the court that issued the warrant when ready. Explain that you did not appear and ask what you need to do to resolve the matter. You may need to appear in court on a new date, or the court may allow you to resolve it by phone or in writing depending on the type of case. Once the court clears the failure to appear from your record, ask for written confirmation and provide it to DPS with your reinstatement request.
Failing to appear suspensions are taken seriously, so addressing this quickly is important. The court will not lift the suspension until the underlying matter is resolved, which may mean paying a fine, pleading to the charge, or appearing before a judge.
Completing a DUI program or meeting insurance requirements
If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction, you must complete an alcohol or drug education program before reinstatement is possible. The court that convicted you will have ordered a specific program; contact that court to find out which provider you must use and how to register. Programs typically run four to eight weeks and cost between $300 and $600. Once you complete the program, the provider will send proof of completion to DPS automatically, or you can request a certificate and include it with your reinstatement request.
For suspensions related to driving without insurance, you must obtain an SR-22 form from an insurance company licensed to do business in Alabama. This form proves you are now insured and is filed directly with DPS by your insurance company. Contact an insurance agent and ask them to file an SR-22 on your behalf; this typically costs $15 to $25 as a filing fee in addition to your regular insurance premium. Once filed, DPS will have the documentation needed to process your reinstatement.
Submitting your reinstatement request to DPS
After you have resolved the underlying issue, submit a reinstatement request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. You can do this by mail, in person at a DPS Driver License office, or online through the DPS website. The mailing address is Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include a completed reinstatement request form (available on the DPS website or at any DPS office), the $200 reinstatement fee (check or money order), and copies of any documentation proving the issue is resolved — court receipts, program completion certificates, SR-22 forms, or court clearance letters.
If you submit by mail, keep copies of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. DPS will review your request and mail you a notice within one to three weeks. If your reinstatement is approved, you will receive your new license by mail or be notified to pick it up at a DPS office. If additional information is needed, DPS will contact you by mail or phone.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
If DPS denies your reinstatement request, they will explain the reason in writing. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, an unresolved underlying issue, or a new suspension that occurred while your original one was still active. Read the denial letter carefully and contact DPS to clarify what is missing or what still needs to be resolved.
If you believe the denial is incorrect, you have the right to request a hearing before the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The denial letter will include instructions for requesting a hearing. You can also contact the DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to discuss your options and ask what additional steps are needed before you can resubmit your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially reinstates it and notifies you. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional charges, fines, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from DPS before driving.
What if I have multiple reasons for suspension?
You must resolve all of them before reinstatement. Contact DPS and ask them to list every reason your license is suspended. Address each one — pay all fines, clear all court matters, complete all required programs — and include documentation for each when you submit your reinstatement request.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatements, especially if the suspension is due to unpaid fines or insurance. If your suspension involves a court case or criminal matter, speaking with a lawyer may help you understand your options, but reinstatement itself is a straightforward administrative process you can handle directly with DPS and the court.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The DPS reinstatement fee is $200. If your suspension involved unpaid fines, court costs, or a required program, those costs are separate and vary depending on the original violation. Contact the court or program provider for those specific amounts.
What if I lost my license and cannot find my license number?
Call DPS at 334-242-4437 with your Social Security number and date of birth, and they will provide your license number and suspension information. You can also visit a DPS Driver License office in person with a photo ID to get this information.