What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License in Alabama
To reinstate a suspended Alabama driver's license, you must first resolve the reason for the suspension, then pay a reinstatement fee to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a DUI conviction. You cannot straightforward renew your license; the suspension must be formally lifted before you can drive legally again.
The reinstatement process typically takes one to three weeks after you have addressed the underlying issue and submitted payment. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally operate a vehicle. Some suspensions require additional steps beyond payment, such as completing a defensive driving course or providing proof of insurance.
Key Takeaways
- You must identify the reason your license was suspended before you can reinstate it, because different reasons require different actions.
- The Alabama DPS reinstatement fee is $20, but you may also owe the original fine, court costs, or other fees that caused the suspension.
- You can check your suspension status and the reason for it through the Alabama DPS website or by calling their driver services line.
- Some suspensions require proof of insurance, a medical evaluation, or a defensive driving course before reinstatement is possible.
- You must pay all outstanding fines and fees before the DPS will process your reinstatement request.
How to Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason it was suspended. The Alabama DPS maintains a driver record system that shows suspension status and the cause. You can check this online through the Alabama DPS website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth, or you can call the DPS Driver Services Section at 334-242-4400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time).
Common suspension reasons in Alabama include: unpaid traffic fines or court costs; failure to appear for a court date; unpaid child support ordered through the state; DUI or DWI conviction; medical suspension due to a reported condition; failure to maintain insurance; and accumulation of points from traffic violations. Each reason has different requirements before reinstatement can occur. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines requires payment, but a medical suspension requires a doctor's clearance.
Write down the exact reason listed on your record, as well as any case or citation numbers. This information will be necessary when you contact the court, child support office, or other agency responsible for the suspension.
Resolving the Underlying Cause of Your Suspension
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must resolve that issue before the DPS will reinstate it. The steps vary by suspension type.
For unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Contact the court that issued the citation. You can find the correct court by searching the Alabama Judicial System website or calling the court clerk's office in the county where you received the ticket. Pay the full amount owed, including any late fees or court costs. Request written confirmation of payment, as you may need to show this to the DPS.
For failure to appear in court: Contact the court listed on your citation. You may need to appear before a judge to explain your absence, or the court may allow you to resolve the matter by phone or mail. Once the court resolves the case, ask for written documentation that the failure-to-appear charge has been cleared.
For unpaid child support: Contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources, Child Support Enforcement Section, at 334-242-9300. You will need to make arrangements to pay the arrears or set up a payment plan. Child support suspensions are only lifted once the state confirms that you are current on payments or have a court-approved payment arrangement in place.
For a DUI or DUI-related suspension: You may be required to complete a substance abuse treatment program, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof of insurance. Some DUI suspensions have a mandatory waiting period before reinstatement is possible. Check with the DPS or the court that handled your case for the specific requirements.
For a medical suspension: You must obtain a medical evaluation from a physician and submit the completed form to the DPS. The form confirms that you are medically fit to drive. The DPS will provide you with the required medical form when you contact them.
Paying the Reinstatement Fee and Submitting Your Request
Once you have resolved the underlying cause, you must pay the $20 reinstatement fee to the Alabama DPS. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other payments you made to resolve the suspension cause.
You can pay the reinstatement fee and submit your request in person at any Alabama DPS Driver License office, or by mail. To pay by mail, send a check or money order for $20 payable to "Alabama Department of Public Safety" along with a written request that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended. Mail this to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471.
If you pay in person, bring your driver's license (if you still have it), proof that you have resolved the suspension cause (such as a court receipt or letter from child support enforcement), and the $20 fee. The DPS office will process your reinstatement on the spot, though it may take a few days for the suspension to be removed from the system.
Keep copies of all receipts and documentation you submit. These records prove that you have met the reinstatement requirements if there are any delays or questions.
What Happens After You Submit Your Reinstatement Request
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the DPS will verify that the underlying cause has been resolved. This verification process typically takes one to three weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive.
Once the DPS confirms that all requirements have been met, they will remove the suspension from your record. You will receive written confirmation by mail. At that point, your license is reinstated and you can drive legally again. You do not need to take a new written or road test unless your license has also expired.
If your license has expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it separately. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. A standard renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license.
Special Requirements for Certain Suspension Types
Some suspensions carry additional requirements beyond paying fees and resolving the underlying cause.
DUI suspensions: Alabama requires completion of a substance abuse treatment or education program before reinstatement in many cases. The DPS will provide information about approved programs. You must also provide proof of insurance (an SR-22 form) showing that you carry liability coverage. This form must remain on file for three years from the date of reinstatement.
Suspensions for driving without insurance: You must provide proof of current insurance coverage. This is typically an insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing that you are insured. The proof must show coverage that meets Alabama's minimum requirements: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage.
Point-based suspensions: If your license was suspended due to accumulation of traffic violation points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course. This course costs between $20 and $50 depending on the provider, and takes four to eight hours to complete. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate to submit to the DPS along with your reinstatement request.
Where to Find Alabama DPS Driver Services Offices
If you prefer to handle your reinstatement in person, the Alabama DPS operates driver license offices throughout the state. The main office is located in Montgomery at 301 South Ripley Street. Regional offices are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and other major cities. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website.
Bring all required documentation, your $20 reinstatement fee, and proof that you have resolved the suspension cause. Processing times are faster in person than by mail, though you may experience a wait during peak hours. Call ahead if you have questions about what documents to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DPS officially removes the suspension from the system. Driving during this period is illegal and can result in additional charges. Wait for written confirmation from the DPS before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed for the underlying cause right away?
Contact the court or agency responsible for the debt. Many courts allow payment plans for fines and costs. Child support enforcement also works with people to set up payment arrangements. Once you have a court-approved plan in place, you may be able to proceed with reinstatement, though some suspensions require the full amount to be paid first.
Do I need to take a new driving test to reinstate my license?
No, you do not need to retake the written or road test for reinstatement. You only need to resolve the suspension cause and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your license has expired, you will need to renew it, which may require a new photo and a vision test but not a driving test.
How long does reinstatement take if I pay in person at a DPS office?
If you pay in person and all your documentation is in order, the DPS can process your request when ready. However, it may take a few days for the suspension to be removed from the computer system. You should receive written confirmation within one to two weeks.
What if the DPS denies my reinstatement request?
The DPS will notify you in writing if your request is denied and will explain the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid fees, or failure to resolve the underlying cause. Review the letter carefully, correct the issue, and resubmit your request with the required documentation.