How to Find Out Your Suspension Status Right Now
The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a public lookup tool where you can check whether your license is suspended. Go to alabamapubsafety.gov, find the Driver License Verification section, and enter your driver's license number or Social Security number. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked.
If you cannot access the online tool or need written confirmation, call the Alabama DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the reason for suspension and what you must do to restore it.
A third option is to visit a local Alabama DPS Driver License office in person. Bring your current ID and ask for a status check. Staff can print a document showing your suspension reason, which is useful if you need proof for your employer or the court.
Key Takeaways
- The Alabama DPS online verification tool at alabamapubsafety.gov shows your suspension status when ready without needing to call or visit an office.
- If you are suspended, the reason code will appear in the system — common codes include financial hold (unpaid fines), medical suspension, or court-ordered suspension.
- You cannot legally drive while suspended, and driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties including fines up to $500 and possible jail time.
- Restoration steps depend on the suspension reason: some require paying fines, others require a medical clearance or court order, and some require both.
What the Suspension Reason Code Means
When you look up your status, Alabama's system assigns a code that explains why you are suspended. The most common codes are:
Financial Hold (FIN): You owe unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or restitution. This is the most frequent reason for suspension in Alabama. You must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Contact the court directly — the DPS cannot accept payment for court fines.
Medical Suspension (MED): A doctor reported a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or you failed to renew your license and the state flagged a health concern on file. You will need a medical clearance form signed by a physician before restoration.
Court-Ordered Suspension (CRT): A judge suspended your license as part of a sentence or probation condition. You cannot restore it until the court lifts the suspension or your probation ends. Contact the court that issued the order.
Administrative Suspension (ADM): This usually follows a DUI arrest or refusal to take a breath test. Restoration requires completion of a DUI education program and payment of a reinstatement fee.
Steps to Restore Your License After Suspension
Restoration is not automatic — you must take specific actions based on your suspension reason. The process typically takes 5 to 10 business days after you complete all requirements.
For financial suspensions: Contact the court that issued the citation (not the DPS). Ask for the exact amount owed and the payment method they accept. Once paid, request a letter from the court confirming the debt is satisfied. Take this letter to any Alabama DPS Driver License office with your ID and the reinstatement fee (currently $20). Your license will be restored the same day.
For medical suspensions: Schedule an appointment with your doctor and request a medical clearance form. Alabama does not have a specific form — your doctor can write a letter stating you are medically safe to drive. Bring this letter, your ID, and the $20 reinstatement fee to a DPS office. If the suspension was due to a failed renewal health question, you may also need to pass a vision test at the DPS office.
For court-ordered suspensions: Contact the court that suspended your license and ask when or how the suspension will be lifted. Some courts lift it automatically when probation ends; others require you to request it in writing. Once lifted, bring proof from the court to a DPS office with your ID and the $20 fee.
For DUI-related suspensions: You must complete an approved DUI education program (usually 8 hours) before restoration is possible. The DPS website lists approved providers. After completion, bring your certificate of completion, your ID, and the $20 reinstatement fee to a DPS office.
What Happens If You Drive While Suspended
Driving on a suspended license in Alabama is a criminal offense, not just a civil violation. The penalties depend on whether this is your first offense and the reason for suspension.
A first offense of driving with a suspended license carries a fine of $100 to $500 and possible jail time up to 30 days. If you are stopped a second time within five years, the fine increases to $200 to $500 and jail time up to 60 days. A third offense within five years is a Class C felony with fines up to $500 and up to one year in jail.
Additionally, your vehicle can be impounded, your insurance will likely be cancelled, and you may face license suspension extension — meaning your original suspension period gets longer. If you are involved in an accident while driving suspended, you will be held liable for all damages even if the other driver caused the crash.
Where to Find Your Local DPS Driver License Office
Alabama has DPS Driver License offices in most counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but you can visit any location to check your status or restore your license. Go to alabamapubsafety.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 334-242-4400 to find the nearest office to you.
Bring your current ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are restoring your license, also bring the required documents for your suspension reason — court payment receipt, medical clearance letter, court order, or DUI certificate — plus the $20 reinstatement fee.
Most offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some have extended hours on certain days. Call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times, especially if you are traveling from out of county.
If You Disagree With the Suspension
If you believe your suspension is an error or you have a dispute with the reason given, you have the right to request a hearing. Contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4400 and ask for information about contesting the suspension.
For financial suspensions, you can dispute the amount owed by contacting the court directly. For medical suspensions, you can request a second medical opinion and submit it to the DPS. For court-ordered suspensions, you must petition the court that issued the order.
Document everything — keep copies of court letters, medical records, payment receipts, and any correspondence with the DPS. If you need legal help, contact the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service or a local legal aid office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while suspended?
Alabama does not issue hardship or restricted licenses during suspension. You cannot legally drive for any reason — work, medical appointments, or school — while your license is suspended. Your only option is to complete the restoration requirements as quickly as possible.
How long does suspension last if I don't restore it?
Suspension does not expire on its own. If you do nothing, your license remains suspended indefinitely. You must take action to restore it. The only exception is court-ordered suspensions with a set end date — those lift automatically when the date passes, but you still need to visit a DPS office to get a new license card.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
Yes. Employers, landlords, and insurance companies can see a suspended license on a background check. This is why it is important to restore your license as soon as possible if you need to drive for work.
What if I moved out of Alabama while suspended?
You must restore your Alabama license before you can transfer to another state's license. Contact the Alabama DPS and complete the restoration process, even if you no longer live in Alabama. Then you can explore for a license in your new state.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I'm low on income?
The $20 reinstatement fee is required and there is no waiver process through the DPS. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid court fines, you can ask the court about payment plans or fee waivers based on financial hardship. Courts have discretion to reduce or waive fines in some cases.