How to Get an Alabama Driver’s License Reinstatement

An Alabama driver’s license reinstatement typically costs between $100 and $275. Other requirements will be listed in your suspension notice.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Edited by Pat Roache
background
Getting your
Alabama
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

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:
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.

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:
  • 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.
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