How to reinstate your Alabama driver's license
To reinstate your Alabama driver's license after suspension, you must contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find out why it was suspended, pay any required fees, and complete any mandatory requirements — such as taking a defensive driving course or paying traffic fines. The reinstatement process differs depending on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic violations, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. Most people can start the reinstatement process by calling the DPS Driver License Section or visiting in person at a local DPS office.
The state does not automatically reinstate your license when the suspension period ends. You must take action yourself, and the timeline depends on what caused the suspension and whether you have completed all required steps.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Section by phone or in person to learn the specific reason for your suspension and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $20 for most suspensions) plus any outstanding fines or court costs.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a defensive driving course, substance abuse program, or other court-ordered requirement before reinstatement is possible.
- The reinstatement process typically takes one to two weeks after you have paid all fees and completed all requirements, though DUI-related suspensions may take longer.
- You can reinstate your license by mail, phone, or in person at a DPS office, depending on the type of suspension.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason for the suspension. Call the Alabama DPS Driver License Section at 334-242-4437 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) and provide your driver's license number or Social Security number. The staff will tell you the suspension reason, the date it began, and what you must do to reinstate it.
If you prefer to visit in person, you can go to any DPS office in Alabama. Bring your Social Security number or driver's license number. A list of DPS office locations and hours is available on the Alabama DPS website. Going in person can be faster if you have questions that require detailed explanation, but calling first saves a trip if your suspension requires court action or a course you have not yet completed.
Understand the different suspension reasons and what each requires
Alabama suspends licenses for several reasons, and each has different reinstatement steps. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, DUI or DWI conviction, driving with a suspended license, and failure to pay child support or appear in court.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. You cannot pay this to DPS — you must contact the court directly. Once the court confirms payment, DPS will be notified and your reinstatement can proceed. If you do not know which court, DPS can tell you during your phone call.
If your suspension is for point accumulation (typically 12 or more points in a 24-month period), you must wait out a mandatory suspension period, which is usually 60 days for a first suspension. After the waiting period ends, you pay the $20 reinstatement fee and your license is restored.
If your suspension is related to a DUI or DWI conviction, the process is more complex. You may be required to complete a substance abuse program, install an ignition interlock device, or serve a mandatory suspension period that can last months or years depending on whether it is your first offense. DPS will explain all requirements when you call.
Pay the reinstatement fee and any outstanding obligations
Most reinstatements in Alabama require a $20 fee. Some suspensions carry higher fees — for example, a suspension for driving with a suspended license may cost more. DPS will tell you the exact amount when you contact them.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by mail, phone, or in person. To pay by mail, send a check or money order for $20 (made payable to the State of Alabama) along with a completed reinstatement request form to the Alabama DPS Driver License Section. DPS will provide you with the mailing address and the form when you call. To pay by phone, call DPS and provide a credit or debit card. To pay in person, visit any DPS office with cash, check, or card.
Before paying the reinstatement fee, make sure you have also paid any outstanding traffic fines, court costs, or child support arrears. These must be paid separately to the court or agency that issued them, not to DPS. Paying the reinstatement fee alone will not reinstate your license if other obligations remain unpaid.
Complete any required courses or programs
Depending on your suspension reason, you may need to complete a defensive driving course, substance abuse treatment program, or other requirement before reinstatement. DPS will tell you if this applies to you. If a course is required, you must complete it and provide proof to DPS before your license can be reinstated.
For defensive driving courses, you can take an approved course online or in person. Alabama recognizes courses offered by organizations such as the National Safety Council and local driving schools. The course typically costs $20 to $50 and takes four to eight hours to complete. Once you finish, the course provider will send proof of completion directly to DPS, or you can print a certificate and mail it yourself.
For substance abuse programs, DPS or the court will direct you to an approved provider. These programs vary in length and intensity depending on your offense and the court's order. You must complete the full program and provide documentation to DPS before reinstatement.
Submit your reinstatement request
Once you have paid all fees, paid any outstanding fines or court costs, and completed any required courses or programs, you can request reinstatement. You have three options: mail, phone, or in person.
By mail: Complete the reinstatement request form (available from DPS when you call or on the DPS website), include your check or money order for the $20 fee, and mail it to the Alabama DPS Driver License Section. Include copies of proof that you have completed any required courses or programs. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to process after DPS receives it.
By phone: Call DPS at 334-242-4437, provide your driver's license number or Social Security number, confirm that all requirements are met, and pay the fee with a credit or debit card over the phone. DPS will process your request when ready and mail you a new license within one to two weeks.
In person: Visit any DPS office with proof of payment for fines and court costs, proof of completed courses if required, and payment for the $20 reinstatement fee. DPS can issue you a temporary driving permit on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
What to expect after you submit your request
After you submit your reinstatement request, DPS will verify that all requirements have been met. This verification typically takes three to five business days. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and a new physical license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DPS office. The permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. If DPS finds that a requirement has not been met — for example, a fine was not fully paid or a course was not completed — they will contact you and explain what still needs to be done before reinstatement can proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate offense in Alabama and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you must show proof that your reinstatement request is pending if you want to avoid arrest. A temporary driving permit from DPS is the only legal way to drive during a suspension.
How long does reinstatement take?
If all requirements are met and you pay the fee, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks. If you visit a DPS office in person, you may receive a temporary permit the same day. However, if you have not completed all requirements — such as paying fines or finishing a course — the timeline extends until those steps are done.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed in fines?
Contact the court that issued the citation and ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have arranged a payment plan with the court, you can still request reinstatement and begin driving on a temporary permit while you pay the balance.
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 suspension was for a serious offense such as a DUI conviction, in which case the court may order a retest. DPS will tell you if a test is required when you contact them.
What if my suspension was for unpaid child support?
Contact the child support enforcement agency in your county and make a payment or arrange a payment plan. Once the agency confirms that you are in compliance or have made a payment, they will notify DPS and your reinstatement can proceed. You still must pay the $20 reinstatement fee to DPS.