, you may be able to pay the applicable reinstatement fee and get your license back quickly. However, more serious offenses may have more regulations—which are often different between states.

To help you get started, the

car insurance

comparison app

Jerry

has compiled this guide to Alabama license reinstatement. We can also help you find savings on your

Alabama car insurance costs

Why you might need a license reinstatement in Alabama

The

Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS)

can suspend or revoke your license for a number of offenses. Your license could be suspended for failure to pay child support or it could be revoked entirely for repeat traffic violations.

After you serve your suspension period, your Alabama driver’s license won’t be reinstated automatically. 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 the status of your Alabama driver’s license

online

, in person, by phone, or by mail. Each request will cost $5.75 and must be paid by money order, cashier’s check, cash, or credit card.

MORE:

Can you get car insurance with a suspended license?

How to get a license reinstatement in Alabama

Depending on the nature of your suspension, you can get your suspended license reinstated in several ways. Typically, you’ll need to submit the required documentation and

a reinstatement fee

of $100 to $275.

How to Get an Alabama License Reinstatement Traffic citations and court suspensions

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 your complete name, driver’s license number, date of birth, and current mailing address. All requests for reinstatement must then be mailed to the following address:

Driver License Division

P.O. Box 1471

Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1471

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, and instructions of what documentation you need to provide.

Suspended license fees

The DPS will charge fees based on your violations. These fees must be paid before your Alabama license can be reinstated. Below is a list of fees associated with the nature of the suspension:

Suspended or canceled license: $100

Revoked license: $175

DUI-related suspension: $275

DUI-related revoked license: $275

There may also be additional fees, if applicable:

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

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

MORE:

DUI laws Alabama

How to get a hardship license in Alabama

With your driving privileges revoked, it can be difficult to get around Alabama without a car—fortunately, you can apply for a hardship driver’s license, which gives you limited driving privileges if you meet the eligibility requirements.

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.

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

Your application will be reviewed upon receipt and you will 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 get your hardship license issued and pay the $36.25 fee. You may be required to retest.

When can you apply for a hardship license?

Before you can be considered for a hardship license, you must satisfy one of the following conditions:

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

MORE: High-risk car insurance: everything you need to know

What is an SR-22 certificate?

If your Alabama license has been suspended or revoked due to a high-risk traffic offense, you may be required to file an

SR-22

. This is usually done on your behalf by your insurance provider. The SR-22 serves as legal proof that you carry Alabama’s minimum

liability coverage

You might be required to purchase

an Alabama SR-22 certificate

for the following offenses:

DUI

conviction

Reckless driving

Numerous at-fault accidents

Driving without car insurance

When you file for the certificates through your insurance company, you will also need to pay a fee. While filing an SR-22 isn’t expensive, your insurance premiums will increase drastically since insurers will consider you a high-risk driver.

MORE: How to fill out and file an SR-22

How to save money on car insurance in Alabama

Although license suspension or an SR-22 filing usually causes your premiums to increase means your premiums will be much higher, each insurance company will calculate your premiums differently. In other words, you could find a better rate if you compare rates from multiple providers.

Luckily, this exhaustive work can be done by the licensed insurance broker app

Jerry

. Within a minute, Jerry can find competitive quotes from dozens of top insurance companies for you to compare. If you decide to switch, Jerry will handle the paperwork and even help you cancel your old policy.

You may still have higher premiums, but they can be lowered significantly with Jerry's help. Regardless of the circumstances, Jerry users have saved an average of over $800 a year on car insurance!

“I recently started looking for insurance. With my past ticket, I got rejected from several companies while others charged me extreme prices. My friend referred me to
Jerry
and their amazing customer service helped me get the lowest insurance rate.” —Christina H.

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