What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your Alabama License
Reinstating your Alabama driver's license depends on why it was suspended or revoked. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles reinstatement, and the process differs based on whether you lost your license for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, points accumulation, or other violations. You cannot straightforward renew an expired license if it was suspended — you must first clear the suspension reason, then request reinstatement through DPS.
The first step is always the same: contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Division to find out the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to clear it. You can call them at 334-242-4437 or visit a local DPS office in person. Without this information, you cannot move forward.
Key Takeaways
- Contact Alabama DPS at 334-242-4437 or visit in person to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what steps you must take.
- If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount to the court that issued the citation before DPS will reinstate you.
- For suspensions related to points, unpaid child support, or medical conditions, you may need to complete a form, pay a reinstatement fee, or provide documentation before you can drive again.
- Reinstatement fees in Alabama range from $20 to $100 depending on the reason for suspension, and you must pay this fee directly to DPS when you request reinstatement.
- Some suspensions require a waiting period — for example, a first DUI suspension may require you to wait a set number of months before you can even request reinstatement.
Suspension for Unpaid Traffic Fines or Court Costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. DPS cannot reinstate your license until the court notifies them that the debt is cleared. Contact the court listed on your citation or ticket to confirm the exact amount due, including any late fees or collection costs that may have been added.
Once you have paid the court, ask for written confirmation that the debt is satisfied. Keep this receipt. The court will notify DPS electronically, but this can take several business days. After you receive confirmation from the court, contact DPS to request reinstatement. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee of $20 to $50, depending on the specific violation. You can pay this fee in person at any DPS office or by mail.
Suspension for Points Accumulation
Alabama suspends licenses when a driver accumulates too many points within a set time period. The point threshold depends on your age and driving history. If you received a suspension notice from DPS stating it was for points, you must wait out a mandatory suspension period before you can request reinstatement. This waiting period is typically 30 days for a first suspension, but it can be longer if you have multiple suspensions on record.
After the waiting period ends, you can request reinstatement by contacting DPS. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee of $20 to $50. Some drivers are required to complete a defensive driving course before reinstatement is granted — DPS will tell you if this applies to you. If a course is required, you must complete it through an approved provider and submit proof of completion to DPS before your license is reinstated.
Suspension for DUI or Refusal to Take a Breath Test
A DUI conviction or refusal to submit to a breath or blood test triggers an administrative license suspension separate from any criminal court sentence. The length of this suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused the test. A first-offense DUI suspension is typically 90 days; a refusal is typically one year. You cannot request reinstatement until this suspension period has ended.
After the suspension period expires, you must request reinstatement from DPS. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee of $100 for a DUI suspension or $100 for a refusal suspension. Many DUI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive — DPS will inform you of this requirement when you contact them. If an interlock is required, you must have it installed by a certified vendor and provide proof of installation to DPS before reinstatement is granted.
Suspension for Unpaid Child Support or Other Court Orders
Alabama DPS suspends licenses for drivers who are behind on child support payments or who have failed to comply with other court orders. If this is the reason for your suspension, you must resolve the underlying issue — usually by making a payment arrangement or bringing your child support account current. Contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) or the specific court that issued the order to find out what you must do.
Once the court or DHR confirms that you are in compliance, they will notify DPS. You can then request reinstatement by contacting DPS and paying a reinstatement fee of $20 to $50. DPS will not reinstate your license until they receive official notification that the court order has been satisfied, so confirm with the issuing agency that they have sent this notification before you contact DPS.
Medical Suspension or Revocation
If your license was suspended or revoked for a medical reason — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or other condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must obtain medical clearance before reinstatement. DPS will have sent you a letter explaining what medical documentation you need. This typically means a letter from your doctor stating that your condition is controlled or resolved and that you are safe to drive.
Submit the medical documentation directly to DPS at the address provided in your suspension letter. DPS will review it and contact you to schedule a vision test or road test if needed. Once DPS determines that you meet medical standards, you can request reinstatement. A reinstatement fee of $20 to $50 will explore. The entire process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.
How to Request Reinstatement and Pay the Fee
Once you have satisfied all the requirements for your specific suspension reason, you can request reinstatement. You have three options: visit a DPS office in person, call DPS at 334-242-4437, or mail a written request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471.
When you request reinstatement, have your driver's license number and the reason for suspension ready. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee at the time of request. If you visit in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card. If you call or mail your request, DPS will provide instructions for payment. Some DPS offices allow you to pay online, but this varies by location — ask when you contact them. Your license will be reinstated once DPS receives payment and confirms that all suspension requirements have been met.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my license to be reinstated after I pay the fee?
If you pay in person at a DPS office, your license can be reinstated the same day or within one business day. If you mail your payment or request, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. If you are waiting for a court or agency to notify DPS (such as confirmation that you paid a fine), add an additional 3 to 5 business days for that notification to reach DPS.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Alabama and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait for written confirmation from DPS that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Alabama DPS does not waive reinstatement fees, but some courts may allow you to pay fines in installments or reduce fees based on financial hardship. Contact the court that issued your original citation or the DPS office directly to ask about payment options. Some DPS offices may also accept partial payment and allow you to pay the remainder later.
Do I need to take a written or road test to get my license reinstated?
Not for most suspensions. However, if your suspension was for medical reasons, DPS may require a vision test or road test. If your suspension was for points and DPS requires a defensive driving course, you must complete that course. For DUI suspensions, you do not need to retake the written test, but you may need to install an ignition interlock device.
What happens if I let my license stay suspended for a long time?
The longer your license remains suspended, the more difficult reinstatement becomes. Additional fines or court costs may accumulate, and if your suspension was for unpaid child support or court-ordered payments, the debt will grow. If your license has been suspended for more than one year, DPS may require you to retake the written test and vision test as part of reinstatement. Contact DPS as soon as possible to begin the reinstatement process.