What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back in Alabama
A suspended Alabama driver's license means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, but you can restore it. The process depends on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a conviction-related suspension. Each reason has different steps, different fees, and different timelines. You cannot straightforward renew; you must first address the reason for the suspension, then request reinstatement from the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The most common suspensions in Alabama are administrative suspensions for unpaid court costs or fines, and DUI-related suspensions that require an ignition interlock device or a waiting period. Some suspensions are automatic — meaning they happen without a hearing — while others require you to resolve the underlying issue first. The state does not automatically lift a suspension once time passes; you must take action.
Key Takeaways
- You must find out the specific reason your license was suspended by contacting the Alabama DPS Driver Records Section or checking your suspension notice.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or child support arrears before the state will consider reinstatement.
- DUI-related suspensions in Alabama require an ignition interlock device installation, proof of installation, and a reinstatement fee of $250.
- You must submit a formal reinstatement request to the Alabama DPS with proof that you have resolved the suspension cause, along with the required fee.
- Processing time for reinstatement is typically 5 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your complete request.
Identify the Reason Your License Was Suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. Alabama suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one has its own resolution path. Your suspension notice should state the reason, but if you no longer have it or need confirmation, contact the Alabama DPS Driver Records Section at 334-242-4437 or visit the DPS website and use their online license status check tool.
Common suspension reasons in Alabama include: unpaid traffic fines or court costs (administrative suspension); failure to appear in court (FTA suspension); unpaid child support (family court suspension); medical suspension (doctor's report of unsafe driving); conviction-related suspension (DUI, reckless driving, or other criminal conviction); and suspension for accumulating too many points on your driving record. Write down the exact reason and any case or citation numbers provided. You will need this information when you contact the relevant agency or court.
Resolve the Underlying Issue Before Requesting Reinstatement
The suspension will not lift until you address what caused it. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Contact the district court or municipal court listed on your suspension notice and ask for the exact balance. Some courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person; others require a check or money order mailed to the court clerk's office. Request a receipt or written confirmation of payment — you will need proof when you request reinstatement.
If your suspension is for failure to appear in court, you must resolve the underlying case first. This may mean appearing in court, paying a fine, or working out a payment plan with the court. Contact the court directly to find out what is required. If your suspension is due to unpaid child support, contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources or the court that ordered the support. You may be able to set up a payment plan rather than paying the entire amount at once.
For medical suspensions, you will need a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive. For DUI-related suspensions, the process is more involved and is covered in the next section.
DUI Suspensions and Ignition Interlock Requirements
If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, Alabama requires an ignition interlock device (IID) before you can drive again. An IID is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must install one at your own cost — devices typically cost $60 to $100 per month to lease and maintain — and you must keep it installed for a court-ordered period, usually 6 months to 3 years depending on the offense and whether it was a first or repeat DUI.
To restore your license after a DUI suspension, you must: obtain a court order or DUI conviction document stating the IID requirement; contact an Alabama-certified IID provider (the court or DPS can provide a list); have the device installed; obtain a certificate of installation from the provider; and submit that certificate to the Alabama DPS along with a reinstatement request and a $250 reinstatement fee. Some providers will submit the installation certificate on your behalf, so ask when you schedule the installation.
If your DUI suspension is an administrative suspension (separate from a criminal conviction), you may have a waiting period instead of an IID requirement. Administrative suspensions for DUI typically last 90 days for a first offense. Once the waiting period has passed, you can request reinstatement by submitting a reinstatement request form and the $250 fee to the DPS.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request to the Alabama DPS
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you must formally request reinstatement. The Alabama DPS does not automatically restore your license; you must submit a written request. You can request reinstatement by mail, in person at a DPS office, or online through the Alabama DPS website if that option is available for your suspension type.
Your reinstatement request must include: a completed reinstatement form (available on the Alabama DPS website or at any DPS office); proof that you have resolved the suspension cause (receipt of payment, court document, medical clearance letter, or IID installation certificate); your driver's license number; and the reinstatement fee. The reinstatement fee is typically $20 for most suspensions, but $250 for DUI-related suspensions. Include a check or money order made payable to the State of Alabama.
Mail your request to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Or deliver it in person to a DPS Driver License office. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The DPS will process your request and notify you by mail when your license has been reinstated, usually within 5 to 10 business days of receiving a complete request.
What Happens While Your License Is Being Reinstated
Once you have submitted your reinstatement request, you are in a waiting period. The DPS will review your request to confirm that you have resolved the suspension cause and that all fees are paid. If your request is incomplete — for example, if you forgot to include proof of payment or the reinstatement fee — the DPS will contact you and ask you to submit the missing information. This can add several days to the process.
During this waiting period, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license in Alabama is a criminal offense that can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you will face charges. Some people obtain a hardship license (also called a work permit) while waiting for reinstatement, but hardship licenses are only granted in specific circumstances and require a separate request to the court. Contact the district court in your county to ask whether you may have access to.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common mistake is submitting an incomplete reinstatement request. Many people forget to include the reinstatement fee, or they include a check made out to the wrong entity, or they forget to include proof that the underlying issue has been resolved. Double-check your request before mailing it: reinstatement form completed and signed, proof of resolution (receipt, court document, or certificate), correct fee amount, and check or money order made payable to the State of Alabama.
Another common mistake is paying the fine to the wrong court or agency. If you owe a traffic fine, you must pay the specific court that issued the citation — not the state, not the police department, not the DPS. If you are unsure which court issued your citation, call the court clerk's office in the county where you received the ticket. Similarly, if your suspension is for unpaid child support, paying the court will not resolve it; you must pay the Department of Human Resources or the specific agency handling the case.
A third mistake is assuming that time alone will lift the suspension. Many people believe that if they wait long enough, the suspension will automatically expire. It will not. You must take action. The only exception is an administrative DUI suspension, which does have a waiting period, but even then you must submit a reinstatement request after the waiting period ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on a suspended license if I have a reinstatement request pending?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Alabama, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request and are waiting for approval. You must wait until the DPS notifies you that your license has been reinstated. The only exception is if you have obtained a hardship license from the court, which allows limited driving for work or medical purposes.
How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license in Alabama?
The reinstatement fee is $20 for most suspensions. For DUI-related suspensions, the fee is $250. You may also owe the original fine or court costs that caused the suspension, plus any child support arrears or other underlying costs. The reinstatement fee itself does not cover these amounts.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fine that caused my suspension?
Contact the court that issued the citation and ask about a payment plan. Many Alabama courts will allow you to pay fines in installments rather than in a lump sum. You may also ask the court about a fine reduction or waiver based on financial hardship, though courts are not required to grant this. Once you have set up a payment plan and made the first payment, you can request reinstatement with proof of the plan.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
The Alabama DPS typically processes reinstatement requests within 5 to 10 business days of receiving a complete request. If your request is incomplete, processing will take longer because the DPS will contact you to ask for missing information. Mail delivery can also add time, so allow extra days if you are mailing your request.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written test or driving test. You are straightforward restoring the license you already had. However, if your license has expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it at the same time you request reinstatement, and renewal may require a written test depending on how long it has been expired.