What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back in Montgomery
To reinstate your driver's license in Montgomery, Alabama, you will work with the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended or revoked — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. Each situation has different requirements before DPS will restore your driving privileges.
The process always starts the same way: you must first resolve the underlying issue that caused the suspension. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you pay them. If it was suspended for a medical reason, you get cleared by a doctor. If it was revoked for a DUI, you may need to complete an alcohol education program. Only after you have handled that step can you move forward with reinstatement at DPS.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspension reason determines what you must do first — paying fines, completing a program, or getting medical clearance — before DPS will consider reinstatement.
- You can check your suspension status and the reason for it by contacting the Alabama DPS Driver License Division or visiting their office in Montgomery.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee to DPS, which varies depending on the type and length of your suspension.
- Some suspensions require proof of financial responsibility (an SR-22 form) before your license can be restored.
- After you have met all requirements, you will need to visit a DPS office in person to complete the reinstatement process.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can move forward, you need to know the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked. This information determines everything else you will need to do. You can find this out by calling the Alabama DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 or by visiting the DPS office in Montgomery in person.
When you contact them, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason, how long the suspension lasts, and what specific steps you must take to clear it. Write down all of this information — you will need it to plan your next moves.
Common suspension reasons in Alabama include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, a DUI or DWI conviction, failure to maintain insurance, and failure to pay child support. Each one has a different path to reinstatement.
Resolve the Underlying Issue That Caused the Suspension
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must address that specific problem. This is the critical step — you cannot skip it or move around it.
If your suspension was for unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket or the traffic violations bureau in Montgomery. You will need to pay the full amount owed, including any late fees or court costs. Ask for written confirmation of payment, as you will need to show this to DPS.
If your suspension was for a DUI or DWI conviction, you may be required to complete an alcohol and drug education program approved by the state of Alabama. The court that handled your case will have told you whether this is mandatory. Contact that court or ask DPS for a list of approved programs in the Montgomery area. You must complete the program and obtain a certificate of completion before DPS will reinstate you.
If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you cannot remove those points, but the suspension will end on its own after a set period. However, you will still need to pay the reinstatement fee and may need to provide proof of insurance or financial responsibility.
If your suspension was for failure to maintain insurance, you will need to show proof of current auto insurance coverage before reinstatement. This proof must be from an active policy, not a lapsed one.
Obtain an SR-22 Form If Required
Depending on your suspension reason, DPS may require you to file an SR-22 form (also called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility) before your license can be reinstated. This form proves to the state that you carry the minimum required auto insurance. It is required for most DUI suspensions and some other serious violations.
You do not file the SR-22 yourself. Instead, you contact your auto insurance company and ask them to file it on your behalf. Tell them you need an SR-22 filed with the Alabama DPS. Your insurance company will handle the paperwork and send it directly to DPS. There is usually a small fee for this service, typically between $15 and $25, added to your insurance bill.
Do not visit DPS until your insurance company confirms that the SR-22 has been filed. You can ask your insurance company for a copy of the filed form to bring with you as proof.
Pay the Reinstatement Fee
Alabama DPS charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The amount varies depending on the reason for your suspension and how long it lasted. Reinstatement fees typically range from $100 to $300, but you should confirm the exact amount by calling DPS at 334-242-4437 before you visit.
You will pay this fee when you visit the DPS office in Montgomery to complete your reinstatement. Bring a valid form of payment — DPS accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Ask about the payment methods they accept when you call to confirm the fee amount.
Some people make the mistake of paying fines or fees to the wrong agency. Make sure you understand which fees go to the court (traffic fines) and which go to DPS (reinstatement fee). DPS will not reinstate your license until all required payments have been made to the correct places.
Visit the DPS Office in Montgomery to Complete Reinstatement
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, obtained any required SR-22 form, and are ready to pay the reinstatement fee, you will visit the Alabama DPS Driver License Division office in Montgomery. The main office is located at 501 South Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104.
Bring the following documents: your current or expired driver's license, a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof that you have resolved the suspension issue (payment receipt, program completion certificate, insurance proof, or SR-22 confirmation), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
You will fill out a reinstatement form at the office, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit all required documents. A DPS staff member will review everything. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated on the spot or within a few business days. You will receive a temporary driving permit if there is any delay in processing.
DPS offices can have wait times, especially during busy hours. Call ahead at 334-242-4437 to ask about current wait times, or visit early in the morning or mid-week when offices are typically less crowded.
What Happens After Reinstatement
Once your license has been reinstated, you can drive legally again. However, if your suspension was for a DUI or if you were required to file an SR-22, you will need to maintain continuous auto insurance coverage. If your insurance lapses, your license can be suspended again.
Keep your reinstatement paperwork in a safe place. You may need to show proof of reinstatement to your employer, insurance company, or other parties. If you were required to file an SR-22, that requirement typically lasts for three years from the date of your conviction or suspension, depending on the reason. Your insurance company will notify you when the SR-22 requirement ends.
If you accumulate new traffic violations or points after reinstatement, your license could be suspended again. Drive carefully and follow all traffic laws to avoid future suspensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Alabama?
If you have already resolved the underlying issue and have all required documents, reinstatement can happen the same day you visit the DPS office. If DPS needs to verify information or if documents are incomplete, it may take a few business days. Some suspensions have a mandatory waiting period — ask DPS when you call about your specific situation.
Can I drive before my license is officially reinstated?
No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal in Alabama and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and jail time. Wait until DPS has officially reinstated your license before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines and fees at once?
Contact the court that issued your traffic fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will allow you to pay in installments. Once you have an agreement in place, ask the court for written confirmation that you are on a payment plan. You may be able to move forward with reinstatement while paying fines over time, but confirm this with DPS first.
Do I need to retake the written or road test to reinstate my license?
In most cases, no. Reinstatement restores your existing license without requiring you to retake tests. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test. Call DPS to ask about your specific situation.
What if I moved out of Alabama after my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Alabama license even if you now live in another state. You will need to contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Division by phone or mail to resolve the suspension and pay any required fees. Ask DPS whether you can complete the reinstatement by mail or whether you must visit the Montgomery office in person.