Reinstating a Driver's License in Alabama

ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) handles reinstatements; you may reinstate online through ALEA's driver license portal (alabamadl.alea.gov) or through an ALEA reinstatement office. Reinstatement fees: $100 for a suspended or cancelled license, $175 for a revoked license, $275 for an alcohol/drug-related suspension or revocation, plus $25 additional for drug-related actions, $150 interlock issuance fee, $50 for failing to surrender a license within 30 days, and $50 for failure to pay child support. Money order, cashier's check, cash or credit card are accepted; no personal checks. A driving record (MVR) costs $5.75 online or at any ALEA Driver License Office.

ALEA lists reasons for suspension including accumulating points, failing to answer a traffic summons on time or failing to pay, failing to keep required SR-22 insurance, non-payment of child support, a first DUI, racing, and eluding police. Revocation is required for offenses such as a second or later DUI, vehicular homicide, a felony involving a vehicle, and leaving an injury or fatal crash. Reinstatement requires a fee of at least $100 plus any other requirements; extra fees apply for late license surrender ($50), drug-related convictions ($25) and child-support suspensions ($50). For ticket-related suspensions, the circuit clerk issues a clearance letter to submit to ALEA after the ticket is resolved.

ALEA issues a Hardship Driver License for people in a Department of Corrections work-release program, a community corrections program, people released from DOC custody, or people whose license is suspended or revoked who cannot get reasonable transportation. It allows limited driving for work, school, worship, court-ordered programs, medical care, groceries and household needs, and voting. It costs the same as a Class D license ($36.25), is valid for one year, and can be renewed for up to three more years. Applications are submitted by email, fax or mail, not in person.