Send your suspended Alabama driver's license to the Alabama Department of Public Safety's Driver License Section in Montgomery
When Alabama suspends your license, you must physically return it by mail to the state. The mailing address is:
Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Section P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery, AL 36102-1471
Do not send your license to a local DMV office or county courthouse — those locations cannot process returned licenses. The Driver License Section in Montgomery is the only office that handles suspended license returns statewide. Mail your license as soon as you receive the suspension notice, because you cannot legally drive until the suspension period ends, and returning the license is part of that process.
Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and the reason for suspension (for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical suspension). This helps the Driver License Section match your license to your file quickly. Use first-class mail or certified mail with return receipt if you want proof of delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Mail your suspended license to the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Section at P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471.
- Include a cover letter with your name, license number, and the suspension reason so the state can match it to your file.
- Use certified mail if you need proof that the license arrived, since the state does not send confirmation receipts.
- Do not attempt to renew or replace your license until the suspension period ends and you have cleared the underlying issue.
- Contact the Driver License Section directly at (334) 242-4400 if you are unsure whether your suspension is still active before mailing your license.
What Happens After You Mail Your License
Once the Driver License Section receives your license, they file it in your record. You will not receive a receipt or confirmation letter from the state — this is normal. The state keeps your physical license until your suspension period ends and any fines, child support arrears, or other underlying issues are resolved.
Your suspension remains active during this time. You cannot drive legally, and driving on a suspended license in Alabama carries criminal penalties including fines up to $500 and possible jail time. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you must show proof that you have returned your license (certified mail receipt) or explain that you are waiting for the suspension to lift.
After the suspension period ends and all conditions are met, you will need to visit a Driver License office in person to receive a new license. You cannot straightforward pick up your old license — Alabama issues you a new one. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate).
Suspension Reasons That Require License Return
Not all Alabama suspensions require you to mail in your license. Administrative suspensions — those issued for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or child support arrears — do require return. Medical suspensions, which happen when a doctor reports you as unsafe to drive, also require return.
Suspensions tied to drug convictions, DUI convictions, or point accumulation may have different procedures. Some of these suspensions allow you to keep your license but mark it as suspended in the state system. Contact the Driver License Section at (334) 242-4400 before mailing your license if you are unsure whether your specific suspension type requires physical return.
If you have multiple suspensions on your record, you must resolve all of them before you can receive a new license. The Driver License Section will not issue a replacement until every suspension is cleared and every underlying debt or court obligation is satisfied.
Timeline for Mailing and Processing
Mail your license within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. The postal service typically takes 3 to 7 business days to deliver mail to Montgomery, depending on where you are sending from. If you use certified mail, add 1 to 2 extra days for the carrier to process the signature.
The Driver License Section does not send you a confirmation when they receive your license. If you mailed it certified, the return receipt proves delivery to the state. Keep that receipt in case you are stopped by police during your suspension period — it shows you complied with the return requirement.
Your suspension period runs from the date the state issued the suspension notice, not from the date they receive your license. Mailing it late does not extend your suspension, but it does mean you are driving illegally if you operate a vehicle before the suspension ends.
What to Do If Your License Was Lost or Damaged in the Mail
If your license never arrives at the Driver License Section, the state will not know you attempted to return it unless you have proof. This is why certified mail with return receipt is worth the extra cost — it protects you if the license is lost in transit.
If you believe your license was lost, contact the Driver License Section at (334) 242-4400 with your license number and the date you mailed it. If you have a certified mail receipt, provide that information. The state can search their incoming mail logs and confirm whether they received it.
If the license is confirmed lost, the Driver License Section will note this in your file. You may still need to wait out the full suspension period before you can receive a replacement, but the state will not penalize you for the loss if you can prove you mailed it.
Clearing the Underlying Issue Before Your Suspension Ends
Returning your license is only one step. You must also resolve whatever caused the suspension. If it was unpaid fines, you must pay them. If it was child support arrears, you must make arrangements with the child support enforcement office. If it was a medical suspension, a doctor must clear you to drive again.
Contact the agency that issued your suspension to find out exactly what you need to do. For traffic fines, call the court that issued the ticket. For child support, contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources. For medical suspensions, your doctor must submit a clearance form to the Driver License Section.
Do not assume your suspension will automatically lift on a certain date. Many suspensions remain active indefinitely until you take action. The Driver License Section will not contact you to remind you — it is your responsibility to track the important date and clear the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mail my license from outside Alabama?
Yes. Use the same P.O. Box address regardless of where you live. Mail takes longer from out of state — typically 7 to 14 business days — so send it as soon as you receive the suspension notice. Certified mail is especially useful if you are mailing from far away.
What if I never received the suspension notice?
Contact the Driver License Section at (334) 242-4400 to confirm whether a suspension is on your record. If there is a suspension you did not know about, ask what caused it and what you need to do to resolve it. You may still need to return your license even if you did not receive formal notice.
Do I need to include anything else with my license besides the cover letter?
No. Mail only your physical license and a cover letter with your name, license number, and suspension reason. Do not include court documents, payment receipts, or other paperwork — the Driver License Section will not review those. They only need the license itself to process the return.
Can someone else mail my license for me?
Yes. Any person can mail your license on your behalf. Include your name, license number, and suspension reason in the cover letter. If you use certified mail, the recipient does not have to be you — the state just needs proof the package arrived at the Driver License Section.
What happens if I drive before my suspension ends?
Driving on a suspended license in Alabama is a criminal offense. You can be arrested, fined up to $500, and face jail time. If you are convicted, your suspension will be extended and additional penalties will be added. Do not drive until the suspension period ends and you have received your new license in person.