How to learn about your Alabama license is suspended

To check whether your Alabama driver's license is suspended, you contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) directly. They maintain the record of every license status in the state, including suspensions. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person at a local office — each method takes a different amount of time and requires different information from you.

The fastest way is a phone call to the DPS Driver License Division. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. They will tell you when ready whether your license is suspended, why it was suspended, and what you need to do to restore it. This conversation usually takes fewer than five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains your license status and can tell you over the phone whether you are suspended.
  • Common reasons for suspension in Alabama include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and DUI convictions.
  • You will need either your driver's license number or Social Security number to check your status by phone.
  • If your license is suspended, the DPS will explain what caused the suspension and what steps you must take to restore it.

Calling the Alabama Department of Public Safety

The DPS Driver License Division phone number is 334-242-4437. Call 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 available before you dial.

When you reach a representative, give them your identifying information and ask them to check your license status. They will tell you whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked. If it is suspended, they will explain the reason — for example, unpaid fines, a failure to appear in court, or a DUI-related suspension — and tell you what must happen before the suspension can be lifted.

Write down the reason for the suspension and any case numbers or court information they provide. You will need this information if you have to contact a court, pay a fine, or work with another agency to resolve the suspension.

Checking your status in person at a DPS office

You can also visit a local DPS Driver License office to check your status. Bring your driver's license or a government-issued photo ID. An employee there can look up your record and print out your current status for you.

The advantage of going in person is that you can ask follow-up questions and get written documentation of your status on the spot. The disadvantage is that you have to travel to an office during their hours. DPS offices are located in most Alabama counties; you can find the office nearest you on the DPS website.

Checking by mail

You can also request your license status by mail, though this is the slowest method. Write a letter to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and Social Security number. Ask them to send you your current license status.

Mail requests usually take two to three weeks to be processed and returned. Use this method only if you cannot call or visit an office in person.

Common reasons for suspension in Alabama

Understanding why your license was suspended helps you know what to do next. The most common reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, unpaid child support, and DUI or DWI convictions. Other reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record, driving without insurance, or being convicted of certain drug offenses.

Some suspensions are automatic — for example, a DUI conviction triggers a mandatory suspension. Others happen when you miss a court date or ignore a fine notice. The DPS representative will tell you which category your suspension falls into and what agency or court you need to contact to resolve it.

What to do after you find out your license is suspended

Once you know why your license is suspended, your next step depends on the reason. If it is a fine or court cost, you will need to pay it to the court that issued the ticket. If it is a failure to appear, you will need to contact that court and resolve the case. If it is unpaid child support, you will need to contact the child support enforcement agency.

After you resolve the underlying issue — paying the fine, appearing in court, or settling the child support debt — contact the DPS again to confirm that the suspension has been lifted. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once the issue is resolved; others require you to request reinstatement. The DPS can tell you which applies to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my license is suspended in Alabama?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Alabama and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested. Do not drive until your suspension is lifted.

How long does a suspension usually last?

The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Some suspensions last a few months; others last a year or longer. DUI suspensions, for example, typically last at least six months. The DPS will tell you the length of your suspension when you check your status.

Do I have to pay a fee to get my license reinstated?

Yes. Alabama charges a reinstatement fee, though the amount varies depending on the reason for the suspension. The DPS will tell you the fee amount when you resolve the underlying issue. You must pay this fee before your license is restored.

What if I disagree with the suspension?

If you believe your license was suspended in error, contact the DPS or the court or agency that caused the suspension. You may be able to request a hearing to dispute the suspension. The DPS can direct you to the right agency to file a dispute.

Can I get a hardship license while mine is suspended?

Alabama offers a hardship license in some cases, which allows limited driving for work or medical reasons. Ask the DPS whether you are may be able to access when you check your status. may be able to access depends on the reason for your suspension.