How to reinstate your Alabama driver's license after suspension or revocation
To reinstate your Alabama driver's license, you must contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find out why your license was suspended or revoked, pay any required fees, and submit the necessary documents. The reinstatement process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for a traffic violation, unpaid fines, a DUI conviction, or another reason. Most people can complete the first step — finding out their reinstatement requirements — by calling the DPS Driver License Section or visiting in person.
Your license cannot be reinstated until you have satisfied the reason it was taken away. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay them. If you were revoked for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program first. The DPS will tell you exactly what you need to do and how much it will cost.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Section to learn the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to reinstate it.
- You must satisfy the reason for suspension before reinstatement — this might mean paying fines, completing a program, or waiting out a suspension period.
- Reinstatement fees in Alabama vary by reason but typically range from $20 to $100; the DPS will tell you the exact amount when you call.
- Once you have met all requirements, you can reinstate your license by mail, phone, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation.
- After reinstatement, you may need to obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate if your suspension was traffic or DUI-related.
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find your reinstatement requirements
Call the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Section 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. The staff member will tell you the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take before reinstatement is possible.
If you prefer to visit in person, DPS offices are located in Montgomery and other cities across Alabama. You can find the office nearest you on the Alabama DPS website. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to wait, as walk-in traffic varies. Calling ahead is faster if you only need information about your requirements.
Satisfy the reason for your suspension or revocation
The action you need to take depends entirely on why your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm the exact amount and payment methods. Some courts accept payment by phone, online, or by mail; others require you to appear in person.
If your license was revoked for a DUI conviction, you may be required to complete an alcohol or drug education program before reinstatement is possible. The DPS will provide you with a list of approved programs in your area. You must complete the program and obtain a certificate of completion to present when you reinstate your license.
If your suspension was for accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may straightforward need to wait out the suspension period. The DPS will tell you the exact date your suspension ends. Some suspensions can be shortened if you complete a defensive driving course; ask the DPS whether this option is available for your situation.
Pay the reinstatement fee
Alabama charges a reinstatement fee that varies based on the reason for suspension. Fees typically range from $20 to $100. The DPS will tell you the exact amount when you call or visit. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or program fees you may owe.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by check, money order, or credit card, depending on which reinstatement method you choose. If you reinstate by mail, include a check or money order with your process. If you reinstate in person or by phone, ask which payment methods the DPS accepts at that location.
Submit your reinstatement request and required documents
Once you have met all requirements and paid the fee, you can reinstate your license through one of three methods: by mail, by phone, or in person at a DPS office.
By mail: Send a letter to the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Section, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reinstatement fee (check or money order), and proof that you have satisfied all requirements (such as a court receipt showing paid fines or a certificate of program completion). Keep a copy for your records and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
By phone: Call the DPS Driver License Section at 334-242-4437 and ask whether your reinstatement can be processed over the phone. Not all situations may have access to for phone reinstatement, but some do. If approved, you will be told how to submit payment and any required documents.
In person: Visit a DPS office with your driver's license or state ID, proof of payment for all fines and fees, and any required certificates or documents. Bring the reinstatement fee as well. The staff will process your reinstatement on the spot if everything is in order, and you will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you.
Obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate if required
If your license was suspended or revoked for a traffic violation or DUI, you may be required to file an SR-22 form with the Alabama Department of Public Safety. This form proves to the state that you carry the minimum required auto insurance. Your insurance company can file this form on your behalf at no additional cost; straightforward call your insurer and ask them to file an SR-22.
The SR-22 requirement typically lasts for three years from the date of reinstatement, though the exact length depends on your situation. If you let your insurance lapse or switch insurers during this period, notify your new insurance company that you need an SR-22 filed. Failure to maintain the SR-22 can result in another suspension.
Understand what happens after reinstatement
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new physical license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can drive using the temporary permit you received (if you reinstated in person) or a receipt showing your reinstatement was processed. Do not drive without one of these documents.
Your driving record will show the reinstatement, but the suspension or revocation will remain on your record permanently. This history may affect your insurance rates or future license actions. If you accumulate additional violations or points before the suspension period fully expires, you risk another suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
If you reinstate in person, your license is reinstated when ready and you receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days. Your new physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you reinstate by mail or phone, allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing after the DPS receives your request and payment.
Can I drive before my new license arrives?
Yes, if you reinstated in person, you receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days. If you reinstated by mail or phone, you can drive once the DPS confirms your reinstatement is complete — ask for written confirmation when you submit your request. Do not drive without proof of reinstatement.
What if I cannot pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued your ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have a payment plan in place, contact the DPS to ask whether you can reinstate your license while paying the plan, or whether you must pay in full first. Requirements vary by situation.
Do I need a new written test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years. If your license expired during the suspension, you may need to renew it as well as reinstate it; ask the DPS whether both steps are necessary.
What if I moved out of state while my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Alabama license by mail or phone using the methods described above. However, if you now live in another state, you may want to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV to learn their requirements and whether they will honor your Alabama reinstatement.