driver’s license reinstated typically costs between $100 and $275. However, serious traffic infractions could require you to serve a suspension period and submit certain documentation before you get your license back.

Driver’s license suspensions may be issued to Alabama drivers who fail to pay a court-ordered fee or commit a serious traffic violation.
You may be able to pay the applicable reinstatement fee and get your license back quickly, but certain violations require you to file an Alabama SR-22 form.
You may be able to get an Alabama hardship license for a $36.25 fee, but it will depend on the circumstances of your suspension and your driving needs.

Why you might need a license reinstatement in Alabama

In the state of Alabama, the

Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS)

can

suspend

or revoke your license for a number of offenses, including the following:

Failure to pay a traffic ticket

Failure to pay child support

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (

DUI/DWI

)

Revocation for repeat traffic violations

What to expect: Your Alabama driver’s license won’t be reinstated automatically after you’ve served your suspension period. You will need to pay the applicable reinstatement fees and submit the required paperwork to the DPS before you can legally be on the road again.

You can check your Alabama license status

online

or in person at your local state motor vehicle agency. There is a fee of $5.75.

MORE: Alabama driving record

How to get a license reinstatement in Alabama

Regardless of the nature of your suspension, you will first need to fill in a

request for reinstatement requirements form (DI-46a)

The form must include the following:

Your complete name

Driver’s license number

Date of birth

Current mailing address

All requests for reinstatement must then be mailed to the following address:

Driver License Division

P.O. Box 1471

Montgomery, AL 36102-1471

What to expect: You will have to wait for the DPS to respond with the next steps to reinstate your driver’s license. The response will detail:

When you will be eligible for reinstatement

The fees you need to pay

Any other documentation you will need to provide

MORE:

How to check if your license is suspended

Fees for Alabama’s license reinstatement

The Alabama DPS will assess your reinstatement fees based on the reason and degree of suspension:

Suspended or canceled license: $100

Revoked license: $175

DUI-related suspension: $275

DUI-related revoked license: $275

There may also be additional fees for applicable violations or requirements:

Drug-related offense: $25

Installation of an ignition interlock device: $150

Failure to surrender your license in 30 days: $50

Failure to pay child support: $50

Personal checks will not be accepted: All fees must be paid by money order, cashier’s check, cash, or credit card.

Key Takeaway: For the most part, your Alabama license can be reinstated after submitting a request for reinstatement requirements, paying the applicable fees, and submitting the required documentation.

Alabama’s SR-22 requirements for license reinstatement

SR-22 insurance

serves as legal proof that you meet

Alabama’s minimum liability insurance requirements

. While filing an SR-22 isn’t expensive, your insurance premiums will increase drastically since insurers will consider you a high-risk driver.

You may be required to file an

Alabama SR-22 certificate

if your license has been suspended due to one of the following high-risk traffic offenses:

DUI conviction

Reckless driving

Numerous at-fault accidents

Driving without car insurance

What to do: Ask your insurance provider to file an SR-22 form on your behalf or look for a new car insurance company that will perform this service. Not all providers will insure SR-22 drivers, and the ones that do will typically charge a one-time $50 filing fee.

MORE:

Cheap high-risk car insurance

How to get a hardship license in Alabama

Drivers whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked may be considered for a

hardship license

if they satisfy one of the following criteria:

Participate in an Alabama Department of Corrections regulated work release program

Participate in a recognized Community Corrections Program

Be released from Alabama Department of Corrections custody

Unable to obtain reasonable transportation

You are not eligible for a hardship license if:

Your license was suspended for a serious traffic offense

You were convicted of a DUI, or

You are medically ineligible for a driver’s license.

An Alabama hardship driver’s license gives you limited driving privileges if you meet the eligibility requirements. Your

hardship license application

can be submitted through the following methods:

Email:

hardship.license@alea.gov

Fax: 334-353-9988

Mail: ALEA Driver License Division, Hardship License Unit, PO Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102

What to expect: You will soon receive an approval letter from the ALEA if you are eligible. You will then have 30 days to visit an ALEA Driver License Office to pay the $36.25 fee and you may be required to pass a test.

MORE:

Alabama driver's license renewal

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