The basic steps to restore your Alabama license
To get your suspended license back in Alabama, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific requirements for that reason. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not straightforward return your license after the suspension period ends — you have to take action. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee, satisfy the underlying cause (like paying traffic fines or completing a DUI program), and then submit a reinstatement request to DPS.
The process differs significantly depending on whether your suspension is for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or failure to pay child support or court-ordered fines. Each path has its own requirements and timeline. Starting by contacting DPS or checking your suspension record online will tell you exactly what you owe and what you must do before your license can be restored.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to learn the specific reason for your suspension and what steps are required to lift it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to DPS, which ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the cause.
- You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period — DPS will not automatically restore your license without a reinstatement request and proof you have met all requirements.
- Traffic-related suspensions often require proof of payment for fines or completion of a defensive driving course, while DUI suspensions require completion of a substance abuse program.
- Once you have satisfied all requirements, you must submit a reinstatement process to DPS either in person, by mail, or online through their website.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. You can check your suspension status through the Alabama DPS website by entering your driver's license number, or you can call the DPS Driver License Section at 334-242-4437. Have your license number ready when you call. The DPS staff will tell you the exact reason for the suspension, how long it lasts, and what you must do to have it lifted.
Write down or print out everything they tell you — the suspension reason, the reinstatement fee amount, any court case numbers, and the name of any agency you need to contact. This information is your roadmap for the next steps. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, DPS will tell you which court or traffic violation bureau to contact. If it is a DUI suspension, they will direct you to the substance abuse program requirements.
Paying fines and court costs
If your suspension is tied to unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, you must pay what you owe before DPS will restore your license. Contact the court or traffic violation bureau listed in your suspension notice. Many Alabama courts allow you to pay by phone, online, or in person. Ask the court clerk for a receipt or confirmation number showing full payment — you will need this proof when you request reinstatement.
Some courts offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Explain your situation to the clerk and ask whether a plan is available. Even if you set up a payment plan, you still need to contact DPS to request reinstatement once you have made the first payment or reached an agreement with the court. Keep all payment receipts and court correspondence in a safe place.
Completing DUI program requirements
If your suspension resulted from a DUI conviction, Alabama requires you to complete a substance abuse program before your license can be restored. The specific program depends on whether this is your first offense and whether you were convicted or entered a plea. First-time DUI offenders typically must complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a "DUI School"), which is usually a one-day or two-day course offered by approved providers throughout Alabama.
You can find approved DUI programs through the Alabama DPS website or by calling 334-242-4437. The program costs between $200 and $400, depending on the provider. Once you complete the program, the provider will send a certificate of completion directly to DPS. You do not need to submit it yourself — DPS will see it in their system. However, you still must pay the reinstatement fee and submit a reinstatement request to have your license restored.
If your DUI suspension is for a second or subsequent offense, the requirements are stricter and may include longer programs, an ignition interlock device, or both. Ask DPS which specific requirements explore to your case, as they vary by offense history and conviction details.
Clearing points from your driving record
If your suspension resulted from accumulating too many points on your driving record, you cannot remove those points before the suspension ends. However, you can take a defensive driving course to reduce points and lower your insurance rates. Completing an approved defensive driving course in Alabama removes up to three points from your record and may reduce your insurance premium by 10 percent.
The course is typically four hours long and can be taken online or in person. Once you complete it, the course provider sends proof to DPS and your insurance company. This does not automatically lift your suspension, but it shows DPS that you are taking steps to improve your driving record. You still must wait out the suspension period and then submit a reinstatement request with the reinstatement fee.
Submitting your reinstatement request to DPS
Once you have completed all requirements for your suspension type, you must formally request reinstatement from the Alabama Department of Public Safety. You can do this in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS Driver License office. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request and pay the reinstatement fee when ready using a credit or debit card.
If you submit by mail, send a letter to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Section, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include your driver's license number, the reason for the suspension, proof that you have met all requirements (court payment receipts, DUI program certificate, etc.), and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail takes one to two weeks, so allow extra time.
In-person reinstatement is available at any DPS Driver License office during business hours. Bring your identification, proof of meeting all requirements, and payment for the reinstatement fee. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website. After you submit your reinstatement request, DPS typically processes it within five to ten business days. You will receive a letter confirming your reinstatement or explaining if any additional steps are needed.
Understanding reinstatement fees
Alabama charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license. The fee amount depends on the reason for suspension and ranges from $100 to $300. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines typically costs $100 to reinstate. A DUI suspension costs $250 to $300. Some suspensions, such as those for failure to pay child support, may have additional fees beyond the standard reinstatement cost.
Ask DPS for the exact reinstatement fee when you check your suspension status. The fee is non-refundable, even if your reinstatement request is denied for any reason. Payment must be made by check, money order, credit card, or debit card — cash is not accepted by mail. If you pay online, you can use a credit or debit card when ready.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license in Alabama is illegal and carries serious consequences. A first offense can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years increases the penalty to a fine of $200 to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail. Your suspension period will also be extended, and additional fines and court costs will be added to what you already owe.
If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and you could face criminal charges. Even if you are not stopped, driving on a suspended license can invalidate your car insurance, leaving you personally liable for any accident damage or injuries. The safest and fastest way forward is to complete the reinstatement process rather than risk driving illegally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit a reinstatement request?
DPS typically processes reinstatement requests within five to ten business days. If you submit online and pay when ready, you may receive confirmation the same day. If you submit by mail, allow one to two weeks for delivery plus five to ten business days for processing. You will receive a letter confirming reinstatement or explaining any missing requirements.
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I have a hardship?
Alabama does not issue hardship or work permits for most suspensions. The only exception is a restricted license for certain DUI suspensions, which allows you to drive to work, school, or court-ordered programs. You must request a restricted license through DPS at the time of your DUI conviction or suspension. A regular suspended license cannot be driven under any circumstances.
What if I cannot afford to pay my fines and the reinstatement fee at the same time?
Contact the court that issued your fines and ask about a payment plan. Many Alabama courts will work with you to spread payments over time. Once you have an agreement with the court, you can still submit a reinstatement request to DPS, though you may need to show proof of the payment plan. Call DPS at 334-242-4437 to ask whether a payment plan satisfies their reinstatement requirements.
Do I need to retake my driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or road test. You only need to complete the specific requirements for your suspension type, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit a reinstatement request. Your original license will be restored once DPS approves your request.
What if my suspension was for failure to pay child support?
Contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources or the court that ordered the child support. You must either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment agreement. Once the court confirms you are in compliance, they will notify DPS to lift the suspension. You still must pay DPS's reinstatement fee and submit a reinstatement request to have your license officially restored.