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Wondering whether your driver’s license is suspended in Alabama? It’s a serious issue—driving while your license is suspended can lead to additional penalties. This article walks you through how to check your license status, understand why it might be suspended, and what steps to take next.
Common Reasons for License Suspension in Alabama
Before checking status, it helps to know what can cause a suspension. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Accumulation of too many points on your driving record.
- Conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or serious traffic offense.
- Failure to appear in court or pay related traffic fines.
- Driving without required auto insurance (or lapsed coverage).
- Failure to comply with court orders or pay child support.
- Serious offenses (felonies involving a motor vehicle, hit-and-run, habitual reckless driving).
How to Check If Your Alabama License Is Suspended
There are multiple methods to confirm whether your license is suspended. Choose the one you’re most comfortable using.
Online via ALEA
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) provides an online services portal. You can check driver license status or order a copy of your driving record through that system.
Steps generally include:
- Visit the ALEA “Driver License” / “Online Services” section.
- Enter identifying information—such as your license number, name, date of birth, and sometimes the last digits of your Social Security number.
- Review the status shown or download your official driving record.
By Phone or In Person
If online isn’t an option, you can call or visit a local ALEA driver license or reinstatement office:
- Call ALEA’s Driver License Division—provide your personal details and ask for your license status.
- Go in person to a driver license / reinstatement office. Bring valid photo ID. The staff can check your record and provide documentation.
By Mail (Requesting Driving Record)
You may also request your driving record by mail:
- Fill out the request form provided by ALEA (or download it from their site).
- Include necessary identification information and payment. (ALEA charges $5.75 for a copy of your driver record.)
- Mail it to the address indicated on the form or ALEA’s driver license department. You will receive the record by mail.
What to Do If Your License Is Suspended
If you find out your license is suspended, don’t panic—but treat it seriously. Here’s how to respond:
1. Understand the Reason & Duration
Your record or notice should state why it was suspended (points, DUI, nonpayment, etc.) and how long the suspension lasts (some are fixed, others until you act).
2. Fulfill Required Actions
Depending on the cause, you may need to:
- Pay outstanding fines, court costs, or judgments.
- Complete court-ordered programs (e.g. DUI school, defensive driving, alcohol evaluation).
- Submit proof of insurance or SR-22, if required.
- Surrender any suspended or revoked license if requested.
- Wait out the suspension period (some suspensions run for a set time before reinstatement is eligible).
3. Apply for Reinstatement
Once you’ve satisfied all requirements, you can apply to reinstate your license:
- Submit a reinstatement request (often available online via ALEA).
- Pay the reinstatement fee. Typically, it is around $100 for suspended licenses.
- In alcohol / drug related suspensions, the fee may be higher (for example, $275).
- Provide any additional documentation or proof as required.
- If approved, your license privileges are restored. You may receive confirmation by mail or see the status update online.
Understanding Alabama’s Point System & Suspension Durations
One key basis for suspension is earning too many points on your driving record. Alabama’s point system is well documented:
| Points Accumulated (in 2 years) | Suspension Duration |
|---|---|
| 12–14 points | 60 days |
| 15–17 points | 90 days |
| 18–20 points | 120 days |
| 21–23 points | 180 days |
| 24+ points | 365 days |
Points assigned for common violations include:
- Speeding (1–25 mph over limit): 2 points
- Reckless driving: 6 points
- Passing a stopped school bus: 5 points
- Disregarding traffic control device: 3 points
- Other moving violations: 2 points Once a violation is more than two years old, it stops adding points toward suspension even though it remains on your driving record.
Preventing Future Suspensions
Once your license is reinstated, good habits help avoid another suspension:
- Always maintain valid auto insurance and ensure continuous coverage.
- Pay all traffic fines and court costs on time.
- Drive safely to avoid accumulating points.
- Monitor your driving record periodically.
Legal Help & Official Resources
If your case is complex (e.g. DUI, criminal charges, contested suspension), consider consulting a traffic or DUI attorney. They can help you understand your options, represent you in hearings, and navigate complications.
Official resource: the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) site has current rules, forms, office locations, and driver license services.
The ALEA “Driver Records, Crash Reports, and Driver License Reinstatements” page lists reinstatement fees, including:
- Suspended/canceled licenses: $100
- Revoked licenses: $175
- Alcohol/drug-related: $275
- Other additional fees: e.g. not surrendering license in time, child support, etc.
Related Topic : Why Does Alabama Use an Elephant as a Mascot
Wrap Up
You don’t have to live in uncertainty about your driver’s license. Use ALEA’s online system, call or visit an office, or request your driving record by mail to see your status. If suspended, act promptly: find the cause, complete requirements, and apply for reinstatement. Stay alert, drive responsibly, and periodically check your driving record to protect your driving privileges.
